When your little girl begins her journey into blossoming as a woman, it's a nervous and happy time for most moms. The rite of passage begins when you shop for her first bra. Finding comfortable, supportive and age-appropriate bras are so important to ensure your daughter eases into and embraces her changing body. 

To help take the stress out of this momentous occasion, we’ve put together an essential guide to finding the best training bra for your daughter. This is a special moment that deserves to be a smooth and positive experience kicking off her life-long journey into body confidence and healthy self-image. 

Is She Ready for Her First Bra?  

It's an important milestone for her and an anxious moment for you. You want to ensure she loves every bit of her journey into womanhood. Trying not to project your own anxieties is key to empowering your daughter. It's mother-daughter time to celebrate womanhood and the right bras can make the process so much more beautiful. Some signs to look out for to know if she's ready are: 

 Budding breasts and nipple development: do you notice significant breast tissue growth? Or, the areolas enlarging? These are good signs, the time is right for a bra.  

 Increased breast tenderness or sensitivity: if your daughter's been complaining about being sore in her chest, chances are her buds need that extra support. 

 Noticeable breast mounds through tops

 Widening space between breasts. 

Breast budding happens in stages known as the Tanner stages and most doctors will recommend getting a training bra in 1-3 of Tanner staging. Ultimately comfort is the best gauge - if your daughter expresses wanting a bra, it may be time. 

Determining Correct Bra Fit  

Getting her fitted just right is an important first step before bra shopping. Thankfully, expert bra services provide extensive guides to ensure you can make sure you get the perfect fit by measuring at home. A professional fitting can always help, if you'd prefer expert advice. 

Begin by gently using a fabric measuring tape to determine both chest and bust circumference. Wrap snugly under the bust, then across the fullest part of the bust. The under bust measurement is her band size. While, the over bust measurement is her bust size. 

The difference between bust measurement and chest is her cup size, usually expressed as an alphabet. Each inch difference expresses itself up the alphabet chart. 

If she feels self-conscious, help her with resources that educate her on how to measure herself up. Let her take the lead on measuring, as this is a deeply personal moment for her and one that can help her connect with and embrace her changing body with love.

Key Bra Fitting Considerations:

Her training bra band should always fit snugly and without pinching or chaffing the skin. 

- Straps shouldn't slip off the shoulder or dig deep and must always be aligned with the shoulders. If you notice the straps falling off, a professional fitting can help you determine what bra styles are best for your daughter. Some girls tend to have shoulders that slant more than others and are better served by halter bras and specific bra styles

- Wire-free comfort is best 

- When checking bras for fit, ensure there are no gaping cups indicating oversized cups, overflow of breast tissue indicating not enough room or pinched tissue. 

- Room in the cup and band of her training bra to accommodate growth. Some bras are made to accommodate this growth with their stretchable fabric. 

Choosing Age-Appropriate Bras for Tweens  

Bra styles in colored hues and soft fabrics ensure your daughter feels uplifted and excited in the process of bra shopping. Bras can make fashionable accessories that suit the tastes of teens and tweens. Allow her to lead the way and encourage her to choose styles that she thinks best match her personality and needs. This can happen while simultaneously focusing on comfort, breathability and easy on/off. Sweet prints, solids and neutrals appeal to teens and tweens. 

Recommended First Bra Styles:  

Training Bras – A pullover sports bra ensures she remains supported during outdoor activities and sports. 

Bralettes – These are soft, wirefree staples in a laid-back fit that make her loungewear stylish and comfortable at the same time. 

Camis Bras and Cami bra tops – Camis give smaller breast sizes just the right support and double up as a top. 

Crop Tops – Trendy styles that offer light coverage for small busts.

Shopping Tips for a Positive Experience

Shopping together for her first bra can be a memorable experience. Try on different styles and have fun in the process! The only thing you need to get right is her sizing. Everything else is the cherry on the cake. If she's shy, online bra shopping makes the experience easier and smoother for her. Browse through offerings online and order a starter pack she can try at home.  Trial and error is part of the process and the both of you learn on the way! If ordering a starter pack, mix and match neutrals with colorful bras in value packs to switch out as she grows. Ensure that your first purchase covers the basics before expanding her bra wardrobe. 

Shops like BRABAR make this possible with value starter packs and professional fittings and recommendations. 

Empowering the Bra Shopping Experience  

Remember this is just the first of countless bras in her lifetime so leave room to explore self expression. Share your own stories of early bra experiences so she knows all girls go through the giddiness and uncertainty. 

Approach this milestone not with fear but joy and celebrate womanhood awaiting your little girl!