Wearing a bra for the first time can be simultaneously terrifying, exciting and nerve-wracking, and taking your little girl shopping for her first bra can feel equally intimidating.
The more you know going into the process, the easier it'll be on both of you, so Shop TODAY asked several bra experts to share their top tips to help you find a comfortable bra for your favorite little lady. We also rounded up a bunch of options to help you get started. Good luck!
Does your daughter need a training bra? | When to start wearing training bras | How to shop for a training bra | Best training bras to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
Are training bras really necessary?
Bras provide support for your breasts, but when you're just developing them, you don't need the same level of support. However, training bras can help prepare young girls for what's to come.
“According to our lingerie stores, girls are developing at an earlier age than ever before. Having them wear a training bra is a great way to introduce the idea of a bra so that they become accustomed to it by the time they need more support,” Annette Smith, brand director at Montelle Intimates says. “Their breasts can also be quite sensitive when first budding, so this gives them a little protection as well.”
Training bras can also help young girls feel more secure in their own skin during an awkward transitional period.
"We believe wearing the right bra from early on will strengthen their confidence and empower them to feel confident and educated in knowing what fits them well and why for the rest of their life," Mila Stojanovic, a bra fit expert at Bravissimo, says.
What age should girls be wearing training bras?
We're all different, so there's no "required" age for wearing a training bra, according to Dora Lau, founder and president of Dora L International, an intimate apparel global sourcing and design company.
In general, though, Lau says many girls start needing a bra when their hormones start to kick in during puberty (typically between the ages of 8 and 13, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development).
This timeframe can vary based on the individual, though, so it's important to keep an open conversation with your daughter when she starts to develop so she feels comfortable asking you questions.
“Let her take the lead. If she wants one — then get her one. She may be excited to get a ‘bra’ because it makes her feel more grown up. It may also give her a little confidence if she is feeling a bit self conscious. Others may not want to wear one, so don’t force them,” Smith says.
How to shop for a training bra
You need to learn to walk before you can run, and there's a reason that first bras are often referred to as "training bras." If it's been a few decades since you started wearing bras yourself or you're a dad shopping for his daughter, you might not know where to start. Luckily, the pros we spoke to helped us put together this little cheat sheet:
Keep it simple: "Kids are always looking for something to criticize, so choosing a bra that doesn’t draw attention to the wearer is key for this young age group," Suzanne Macbale, CEO and founder of New York-based lingerie brand LoveSuze, says.
Bralettes are the best: "A bralette gives support combined with ease of fitting, as well as a contemporary and sporty style, and it's good for a first bra. Look for a bralette that goes over the head and has a scoop neck so it’s a bit like a camisole and won’t feel like a bra," says Lau.
Comfort is key: "As they are still developing, some flexibility of fit provides comfort as breasts grow. Look for limited stretch seamless cups, perhaps with a light lining for modesty (no nipple show), which do not show seams under clothing are a good choice for growing bodies," Lau tells us.
Seek out stretchy styles: "Adjustable stretch straps and back hooks and eyes when purchasing bras with sized cups give options for comfort and support adjustment. A flexible L-shaped underwire can give extra support for a larger bust," Lau reveals.
Breathable fabrics are great: "Look for natural fibers like cotton, bamboo with spandex or cotton modal. Nylon or polyester fabrics are not breathable," Lau explains.
Have fun with it: "Make it a mother-daughter outing and buy yourself a new bra at the same time," Smith says.
Best training bras to shop
Jockey® Girls' Cotton Stretch Bralette (Set of 2)
- Double-lined
- Offers modest fit
- Don't feature padding
Size range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, spandex | Color options: Three
It doesn't get more basic than this bralette set from Jockey — and we mean that in the best possible way. The cotton stretch bralettes feature adjustable straps and offer just enough support for a starter bra.
Popular Cotton Girls Training Bra
- Many reviewers said it offers a true fit
- Some reviewers said the material was a bit thin
Age range: 7-14 years | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, Spandex | Color options: 10
This Amazon bestseller has 10K+ five-star ratings from customers who couldn't help but gush about how comfy the pull-on design is. It comes in neutral and colored options, has adorable bow detailing and is available in sets of four or five bras. Not bad for $15!
Girls SO® Racerback Sports Bras (Set of 2)
- Wire-free construction
- Design takes getting used to
Age range: S-XXL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, spandex | Color options: Two
Bralettes are a fantastic first bra choice, but a sports bra is also useful to have on hand, especially for girls who love to play sports.
"With any bra purchase, you’ll want to find something that gives her the support she needs and is comfortable. Feeling good in her first bra will boost her confidence and empower her to navigate her day successfully," Macbale says.
This two-pack we spotted is available in sizes S-XXL and has a comfy, wire-free design and fun words like "love" and "dream" on the elastic band.
Maidenform Seamless Crop Bra
- The set comes with multiple styles
- It's a bit pricier than some other styles
Age range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Color options: Two
Over time, girls discover what bra styles they like best, and you can help jumpstart their journey by picking up a multipack like this set that comes with one racerback, one scoop neck and one triangle bra.
"As girls age, they will want to be cognizant of their bust size and shape. There are different bra styles that work better for petite busts and full busts. For example, bralettes in a triangle shape are better for girls and women with petite busts, as those with full busts would likely spill out," Macbale says.
Old Navy Cami Bra 2-Pack for Girls
- Adjustable straps
- Elastic hems
- Only 2 colors to choose from
Age range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, spandex | Color options: Two
Wearing a bra can feel a bit unnatural at first, but fun patterns can help ease the transition a bit. This set from Old Navy comes with one patterned cotton cami bra and one solid hue, and we could totally see our younger selves wearing them.
Wonder Nation Girls Seamless Cami Bra (Set of 2)
- It has adjustable straps
- Some dislike fabric footprint
Age range: XS-2XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Color options: Four
When you're just starting to wear a bra, you don't need any fancy bells and whistles and something like this two-pack of cami bras we found for $10 is ideal.
"Seamless knitted tanks and bralettes are wonderful options and light fabrics with bonded edges are great for a start into the bra world as well as comfortable options," Lau says.
Alyce Ives Intimates Seamless Girls Bra (Set of 6)
- Tag-free design
- Not many neutral colors avail.
Age range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Color options: Seven
"Some girls blossom faster than others and may have a fuller bust. In this case, I recommend that those with a larger bust opt for a first bra that offers more coverage and light padding to prevent any part of her bust showing through," Macbale tells us.
While searching for padded bra options, we came across this multipack that comes with six seamless bras. The coolest part? The cups are removable, so girls can wear it two ways depending on their bust size and the occasion.
Cat & Jack Girls' Cotton Cami Bra
- It has adjustable straps and is wireless
- Some reviewers noted that the fabric was too thin
Size range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, spandex | Color options: One
Three bras for $7? Talk about an affordable way to help your daughter build her bra collection. Cat & Jack's cotton cami bras are wireless and stretchy, and they're made of a soft, lightweight fabric. In other words, we wish they made them in our size!
Fruit of the Loom Girls' Spaghetti Strap Sports Bra (Set of 6)
- A wide array of color options
- The straps aren't adjustable
Size range: 28-40 | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Cotton, Spandex | Color options: 25
When you find a bra that's comfy, it's always smart to buy it in multiples, and this multipack from Fruit of the Loom comes with anywhere between three and six bras that your favorite girl will get lots of use out of. You can choose from solids, stripes and patterns.
Maidenform Girls' Seam-Free Padded Bra
- It comes with two types of bras so your daughter can get used to various styles
- The racerback bra has lace on the back, which could be bothersome to some skin types
Size range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon, Spandex | Color options: Three
Removable pads? Check. Lightweight fabric? Yep. Comfy pullover design? Uh huh. This set is basically the trifecta of training bras. It comes with two bras — one racerback and one V-neck — and has several comfortable features including adjustable straps and ruched detailing.
Athleta Girl Just Right Adjustable Bra
- Fabric is quick-drying
- It's a bit pricey
Size range: XS-XXL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon/lycra | Color options: Four
"Everyone’s bodies and lifestyles are different, so it’s important to acquire bras that stretch and adjust as each girl’s body naturally fluctuates and that the bras are made of fabric that flexes so she can move through her day with comfort and ease," Macbale tells us.
This underwear drawer essential is the perfect example and is available in four neutral hues (pale blue, white, black and pale pink) and six sizes. It's made of a breathable fabric and also has adjustable/convertible straps and removable pads.
Nicole Miller Girls' Training Bra (Set of 6)
- Soft, comfortable per shoppers
- Prices vary: color, size
Size range: S-XL | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Color options: Six
Great for girls who need a little more support, these padded wireless bras are made with a breathable fabric and feature adjustable straps for ultimate comfort. The padding can also be removed in a flash for times when she doesn't need it, and the set comes with six bras in multiple color schemes.
How we chose
Shopping for your daughter’s first training bra can be tricky, so Shop TODAY consulted four bra experts and a psychologist while creating this article.
In addition to offering a range of tips for getting the best fit, we’ve provided some practical tips for how to navigate the bra shopping process. Our shoppable picks are based off of the tips experts provided along with customer reviews.
Meet the experts
- Dora Lau is the founder and president of Dora L International, an intimate apparel global sourcing and design company
- Suzanne Macbale is the CEO and founder of New York-based lingerie brand LoveSuze
- Mila Stojanovic is a bra fit expert at Bravissimo
- Annette Smith is the brand Director at Montelle Intimates
- Kelsey M. Latimer is a licensed psychologist and the founder/owner of KML Psychological Services