What you need to know about choosing bras

Everything from choosing the design and colour, to measuring for your first bra is exciting. However, you might feel awkward about talking to your mum or close relative about teen bra shopping for the first time! If this is the case, we’re here at to guide you through all you need to know about bras to help you feel excited and prepared.

What are the different types of teen bras?

Training bras and crop tops: make great teen bras when you’re not quite ready for a standard design. Non-wired bra or soft bra: have cups that give you shape and support. Under-wired bra: cup has a wire underneath it to give the bust more shape. Sports bra: helps reduce the movement of your breasts during exercise and makes you feel more comfortable. Wearing a sports bra for exercise also protects the ligaments that support the breasts. Padded bra: gives more shape to breasts, making them seem fuller. Strapless and multi-way bra: work in the same way as a regular teen bra and let you remove or adjust the straps. This is useful when you're wearing a top or dress and you don't want your bra straps to show. 

Measuring for your first bra

• Get a tape measure and take it round the top of your bust. Make a note in centimetres (cm).
• Measure your bust (the fullest part) and then directly under your bust. Also write these measurements down.
• Under-wired bra — the cup has a wire underneath it to give the bust more shape.
• Remember, this is only as a guide. When you try on teen bras, you might find that you have to try a few on before you find the right one.
• Alternatively, head to your local shop and ask a qualified bra adviser to measure you for your bra.

Does my teen bra fit me properly?

Have you been measured for your first bra and now don’t feel like it fits quite right? If you think your teen bra doesn't fit properly, then put it on and look in the mirror to check for the most common fit problems:

• Creased or baggy cups: try a smaller cup.
• Red marks on your shoulder: the band around your body might be too big. Try wearing a smaller under-bust size.
• Wired section of an under-wired bra lifts away from your body or the wires dig into your sides or sit on your breasts and not underneath them: your cup size might be too small and you should try going up a size.
• Falling out of the cups: they’re too small. A well-fitted teen bra should lie flat on your breasts and almost two thirds should be covered. To check this out, put on a t-shirt and turn to the side. If you see a line where your breasts fall over your cup, you need a bigger size.
• Band around your body should be in line with the wires at the front of your bra.
• Keep these teen bra fitting tips in mind for the perfect feel. If in doubt, try running your fingers under the band. As long as you can do that, then you have the right under bust measurement. But if the band is tight, try going up a cup size.

Proper measuring for your first bra is very important to making sure you get the right size. Find more bras and boobs advice articles for more guidance.