Buying a Tween's First Training Bra

Or is a Cami or Sports Bra a Better Choice for a Tween

Sep 7, 2009

That first training bra can be one of the most exciting times in a tween girl's life, or one of the most embarrassing times. Make the right choice the first time.

For all the moms out there, there may still be a vivid remembrance of the experience of buying that first training bra. It may have been an embarrassing experience for some because the body was still in its developing stages. But, it’s also considered to be a rite of passage for the most part, and some tweens are very excited about making a special shopping trip to buy a training bra. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a tween her first training bra.

When to Buy a Training Bra for a Tween

The number one thing to consider when buying the first training bra is exactly when it should be done. For the most part, it is recommended to buy a tween her first training bra when her breasts develop during the "breast bud stage." This usually occurs between the ages of eight to about thirteen years of age. Each tween develops at her own pace, and that is why there is such a gap between ages mentioned here.

Don’t worry if a child seems to be a "late bloomer" because her breasts should soon develop and when that happens, the rest of her body should follow. However, if a tween is feeling a bit self-conscious because her body does not develop as fast as her peers, consider purchasing a cami or a sports bra for her. This should even the look and shape of her body, without her having to appear too embarrassed about not having big enough breasts yet.

What to Buy: Combining Comfort with Practicality

Now that there is an idea about when to buy a training bra, next comes the type of products to buy for the tween. When buying the first training bra, make sure that it will be combining comfort with practicality. Some of the options include a training bra, a cami, or sports bra.

A cami, nickname given for a camisole, is like a tank top with a bra line sewn in. Many tweens wear this type of shirt underneath a regular shirt to offer support, and is rarely worn as a tank top alone. It is also a popular choice for dancers and active tweens.

The difference between a training bra and a sports bra is that the former offers comfort for a tween’s still-developing breasts. At this stage in the development of her body, she needs ample support to make sure that the development of her breast tissues will be comfortable and protected.

On the other hand, if a tween is a sports enthusiast, consider buying a sports bra for her that will fit her size for when she has to change in the gym locker.

Again, remember that comfort should be combined with practicality. When buying a tween her first training bra, make sure to look for the online shopping options first, as there are often guides to help a parent determine which type of bra is best suited for her daughter. Also check out which brands are most suitable for tweens. Popular brands for tweens include, but are not limited to:

Consider the fabric that the bra is made of (generally cotton), and check whether the style will fit the clothes that a daughter usually has on. After gathering this information, purchase a training bra online or take the information to a department store with knowledgeable staff on the subject of undergarments.

Additional First Training Bra Tips

One of the most important factors when buying a tween her first training bra is all a matter of learning about her measurements. It might be embarrassing for a tween to be measured by a professional, so consider using a bra size calculator instead. This way, a parent will be able to determine the tween's band and cup size.

Allow the tween to have a say in the style, design, and even color of the training bra that she prefers to wear. Depending on how comfortable the tween is, a trip to a specialty shop might be a fun idea; or if she is shy, there are plenty of options when buying online, right in the comfort and privacy of her own home.

Buying a training bra is a rite of passage. It is a sign that a tween is growing up and moving on both physically and mentally. Make this "first" experience memorable by doing it right the first time, and lending support as a parent. Also consider the tween's feelings when telling others about this moment, and keep it low-key to relatives and friends. A first training bra is a personal subject, even though it is quite exciting.

The copyright of the article Buying a Tween's First Training Bra in Parenting Tweens is owned by Denise Oliveri. Permission to republish Buying a Tween's First Training Bra in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.