The Best Bras for Teenagers: Your Ultimate Guide

Finding the right bras for ourselves can sometimes be tough. Finding the right bras for teenagers can be downright challenging. Getting a bra that’s the right fit, with good coverage, and one that mom and daughter agree on isn’t always easy.

I think it’s safe to assume that strapping on a bra every morning isn’t one of our favorite things about being a woman. And while not the coziest item of clothing, bras did emerge from corsets and girdles, so it could be worse. We’re lucky enough to live in a time when choice, comfort, and style reign supreme. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there. Unfortunately, with so many options, bra shopping can easily become overwhelming! 

I’ve provided you with a wide variety of brands and styles. The teen years span enormous growth and development, so you’ll go through quite a few bra phases. It’s good to look ahead, know what’s coming, and be prepared. This Bras for Teenagers guide is based on research, customer reviews, and our favorites. With three women in this house, we’ve gone through a lot of bras! 

When will you know your daughter is ready? 

It’s not always easy to know when it’s time for your daughter’s first bra. This usually happens when girls begin puberty, typically between the ages of 8 and 11. But it can be earlier or later. Speaking as a former teacher and a mom, believe me when I tell you that it’s important to get out in front of this one. Waiting too long because you’re worried about it being awkward is only going to make the situation more awkward. 

According to the training bra experts at Yellowberry, there are three ways to tell your daughter is ready for her first bra:

• When she develops breast buds, the small bumps of tender breast tissue beneath the nipples. 
• When your daughter begins puberty– by the time other signs are obvious, breast development isn’t far behind. 
• And if and when your daughter asks for a bra. 

So, she’s in her bra-shopping era. What are the best bras for your teen? 

The bra you buy your daughter when she’s just beginning to develop is very different from the one she’ll need in her late teens. The world of bras is vast these days. With so many choices of bras for teenagers, you’re bound to find the perfect one for your daughter. But it’s hard to know where to start, so read on! 

Beginner Bras

A beginner bra should be soft and comfortable, offer a little support, and be something your little girl will like. These are easy bras to shop for online since there aren’t too many measurements involved. 

The best overall training bra: The Ladybug bra from Yellowberry is an excellent choice for your daughter’s first bra. It’s made of cotton, so it’s breathable and soft. Double-layered for support, comfort, and coverage, which is good for tender breasts. It features adjustable straps to ensure a good fit. Both of my girls had a few Yellowberry training bras. They’re durable, comfortable, and super cute.  

The best affordable training bra: These Crop Cami training bras from Amazon are popular with young teen girls. These slip-on bras are well-priced, come in different colors, and have excellent reviews. 

The best first sports bra: This Bleum racerback from Bleuet is a great choice for your tween or teen’s introduction to sports bras. Young girls love the soft fabric and cute colors, and the fact that it’s reversible is super fun. It has more support, coverage, and a thicker lining than a regular training bra.

T-Shirt Bras (or Everyday Bras)

Eventually, as teenage girls become more developed they will need a more mature bra. Your local department store is a good place for her first bra fitting. However, most online stores offer help with measurements. So you can easily shop from home. T-shirt bras are a staple and one of the most important bras for teenagers to have.

The best T-shirt bra (with an underwire): The T-shirt bra from Third Love is a family favorite. We have nothing but love for Third Love. My daughters especially appreciate their fit quiz, which guides you toward the perfect fit. This comfortable bra is their go-to for everyday wear. Underwire bras get a bad rap, but this flexible underwire adds support without sacrificing comfort. 

The best T-shirt bra (wireless): This Spacer Bra from Wear Lively is a great option for amazing comfort and support. Their space padding features pockets of air that offer pillowy softness and allow skin to breathe. The j-hooks on this convertible bra instantly turn it into a racerback. And we know a racerback style is a must-have.

The best T-shirt bra for plus size: The Basic Beauty from Wacoal is a full-figure, seamless underwire bra. Fans of this bra love the lightweight material that is still super supportive. It comes with adjustable, camisole straps for a perfect, comfortable fit. 

Most affordable T-shirt bra: The Calvin Klein T-shirt bra is simple, supportive, and cost-effective. Plus, it comes in lots of different sizes and colors. As teen bras go, it’s an ideal choice. 

Sports Bras

Investing in good sports bras for teenagers is a must. If your daughter is involved in sports or likes to exercise, she’ll need the extra support that a sports bra provides. Finding the right bra will depend on cup size, the level of support she needs, and personal preference. Like most of us these days, young women are probably spending a lot of time in sports bras. So it’s good for her to have a few that she loves. 

Best overall sports bra: This Nike Pro Swoosh Sports Bra is a terrific all-around bra for your teenager. It’s supportive enough for a wide variety of physical activities and comfy enough to love. It’s also a reasonable price, which is a big plus when shopping for teenage bras. 

The best sports bra for plus size: The No-Bounce Camisole Elite Sports Bra from Glamorise is an excellent choice for teens of any size. This bra is a great pick for a fuller bust. It features ample coverage, wicking fabrics, and large, comfortable straps. They offer various sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits. 

Most affordable sports bra: This Running Girl Sports Bra on Amazon is well-priced and comes in loads of different colors. It boasts a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 40,000 customers. With padded straps and removable cups, this supportive bra is comfortable and moves with you.

What’s the impact?

Choosing the right sports bra for your daughter also depends on how intense the activity is. The less impact, the less support she’ll need. The more intense the workout, then more support is required.

The best sports bra for low impact: The Tempo Bra from Vuori is a great choice for exercise that requires less impact and thus less support. Its soft fabric and four-way stretch make it a comfortable option for things like yoga, pilates, or cycling and easy enough for daily wear. 

Best sports bra for medium support: The lululemon Energy Bra is our favorite option for just about any sport, workout, or activity. Supportive enough to make working out feel good and easy enough to wear every day. It features criss-cross straps, removable pads, and breathable fabric.   

Best sports bra for maximum support: The Knix Catalyst Sports Bra is one of the most supportive and best wireless bras, with a seamless finish and sleek look. It’s specifically designed for large busts and to limit breast movement. With adjustable straps and a five-row hook and eye closure, it’s easy to customize the fit. 

Strapless Bras

Having a good strapless bra is a must for most teen girls. Certainly, for school dances like Homecoming and Prom, strapless bras come in handy. But even some shirts and tank tops reveal shoulders making strapless bras for teenagers a necessity. 

The best strapless bra overall: The Fits Everybody Strapless Bra by Skims is my pick for the best, go-to strapless bra. This lightly padded bra has silicone tape to help keep it in place, a hidden cushion underwire, and is so buttery soft that it feels like a second skin. It has the extra support needed to keep it in place and the stretch and breathability to make it comfortably wearable. 

The best strapless bra for small chests: The MVP Multiway Strapless Bra from Pepper is a great option for small-breasted teenagers. The best part about this bra is that it stays in place. So it doesn’t fall down while also being super comfy and supportive. 

The best strapless bra for fuller breasts: Wacoal’s Red Carpet Strapless Underwire Bra is ideal for teens with a larger chest. Having separate, molded cups plus a wider band and stronger lift eliminates the dreaded uniboob and supports large breasts. And that’s a big deal. The padded band keeps things comfy. 

The best strapless + backless bras for teenagers: My youngest daughter Kate has purchased this Niidor Adhesive Strapless Bra from Amazon several times throughout high school. It’s a sticky bra that literally attaches directly to the skin and is still (somehow) super comfortable. There’s no back, so it works well with backless dresses and fashions. They last for a few wears after the stickiness eventually fades. 

You’ve got this!

If you’re worried about this being awkward, making sure that you and your daughter have a strong relationship can help. Here are some helpful tips for establishing good communication with your daughter. Broaching the subject of your daughter’s first bra is a part of her growing up. The whole process can be a fun bonding experience.

Bra shopping doesn’t have to be painful or awkward. It doesn’t even have to involve a lady from the mall to take your daughter’s measurements. The online bra shopping experience has never been better. When your teenager needs a bra, whether it’s her first time or she just needs something new, you’ve got this!