The Best Bras for Your Teen — & How to Shop Together Without Dying of Embarrassment
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There are few things parents dread more than than shopping for bras with their teen. So if you’re about to embark on the bra-shopping era with your kid, remember the good news: You will survive. Is it going to be fraught with cringiness? Of course, but refer to tip number one. We’ve rounded up the best bras for teens — and ways to help her shop for them without both of you dying of embarrassment.
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Best Bras for Teens, at a Glance
Best Affordable Bra for Teens: Cat & Jack Girls Bra, $7
Best Seamless Bra for Teens: Aerie Superchill Seamless Padded Voop Bralette, $20, originally $30
Best Sports Bra for Teens: Athleta Girl Upbeat 2.0 Bra, $26
Best Training Bra for Teens: Calvin Klein Girls’ Cotton Training Bra, $12 for two
Best Underwire Bra for Teens: Third Love 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, $72
Best Wireless Bra for Teens: Subset New Triangle Soft Bra; $62
Most Inclusive Bra for Teens: TomBoyX Essentials Soft Bra; $32
Best Strapless Bra for Teens: Savage X Fenty Core Microfiber Strapless Bra, $60
And to help you navigate these uncharted waters, I consulted a couple of true experts — my two bra-sporting daughters, ages 17 and 15 — for advice for parents and teens and preteens looking to navigate the bra years as smoothly as possible. (Apparently, I didn’t do too badly, so, yay! One less dollar in the therapy jar.)
Does Your Teen Need a Bra? How to Assess
There are no rules saying anybody’s got to wear a bra. If you get the sense your child isn’t ready to talk bras, that’s okay. It’s a lifetime commitment for a lot of us — who wants to dive in early? Now, if you’re the one freaking out that your kid needs to start wearing a bra — meanwhile your kid is totally chill going bra-less — then guess what? As the kids say, sounds like this is a you problem. So be patient. The time will come.
Teen-Approved Bra Advice, From My Own In-House Experts
Normalizing it, as much as possible, is my very best mama bra advice.
As new bra wearers, my girls were kind of uncomfortable with their “pointy” new boobs. Ms. 17 texted me, “I remember [before we were ready for bras] you’d tell us we should wear stripes, because they minimize pointiness.” It’s true: my art degree finally came in handy. Stripes and busy prints and cozy cardigans and cool vests can go a long way to minimize the 3D effect.
Ms. 17 says there was also this: “The incident of u trying on my bra and scarring us for life.” Okay, fine, I have blocked that one out. That being said, do what works for you and your girls, and don’t be afraid to laugh. Boobs are funny, dude.
Listen To Advice From Veteran Teen Bra Wearers
Ms. 15 says to tell your kid: “Do it on your own timeline. It’s not something that needs to be rushed. It might not seem like a big deal, the switch from baby bras to sports bras to real bras, but it is — and it’s your deal, no one else’s.”
Ms. 17 continues, “Also don’t be afraid to literally do the most comfy thing. Wear only cute loose sports bras if you want! Wear men’s underwear like me! Explore brands — like TomboyX underwear — that cater to people who wanna be comfy.”
The only “should” for your kid’s first bra? Help her find something truly comfortable that makes her feel good inside and out. Here are 14 teen bra brands and styles as a rock-solid starting point.
<STRONG>BEST TRAINING BRA FOR TEENS</STRONG>
Calvin Klein Girls' Cotton Training Bra
$12 (2-pack)
We know a designer bra may seem over the top for a teen, but if having the Calvin Klein band makes them feel more confident when getting dressed, it’s worth it. And it’s not as expensive as you might think! This 2-pack of cotton bralettes is under $20 and is beloved by Amazon shoppers. “My 9-year-old daughter loved them so much she would never change her bras for weeks!” Ok, we’re going to hope there were washes in between, but you get the drift.
Pros:
Cotton and modal make for a fabric that’s soft enough to sleep in
Adjustable straps
Breathable
Affordable
Cons:
Very light support may not suit everyone
Sizes: S – XL
Materials: Cotton, modal and spandex
Color options: 11
Support level: Light
<STRONG>BEST AFFORDABLE BRA FOR TEENS</STRONG>
Cat & Jack Girls Bra
$7
Target keeps it real. They use a range of lingerie and swimsuit models that look like, well, people. And we are so here for it: Cellulite. Scars. Gorgeous, natural, muffin-topped beauty instead of Photoshopped pics of impossibly pouty, tiny models. Let your babies see those images as they shop for bras online. Target also has everything from strapless convertibles to seamless and wireless ones for those with sensory issues. Their in-house brand Cat & Jack makes a bunch of popular ones, like this T-shirt bra that comes in nude, white, or gray. “Out of all the bras my daughter has tried this is the one she loves the best. It fits just right and the molded cups help create a smooth seamless appearance. No removable pads to worry about.”
Pros:
Wireless
Seamless
You can wear it under T-shirts
Adjustable straps
Cups are a bit deeper, so it can transition out of the training bra phase with your teen
Cons:
Some customers say it runs small or wears out easily in the wash
Sizes: S – XL
Materials: Nylon and spandex
Color options: 1
Support level: Medium
Subset New Triangle Soft Bra
$62 ($110 for two)
Cult-fave brand Knickey is now known as Subset, and along with the rebranding came an upgrade to one of its best-selling bras. The New Triangle Soft Bra is designed with your teen’s support in mind — the cups are double-lined for more support and structure, and there are now even more cup sizes. The organic cotton bralette has a closure clasp at the back, adjustable straps, and comes in a range of pretty neutrals. The price is above average, but the reviews say the quality is worth it: ” So comfy, supportive but soft and effortless to wear.”
Cult-fave brand Knickey is now known as Subset, and along with the rebranding came an upgrade to one of its best-selling bras. The New Triangle Soft Bra is designed with your teen’s support in mind — the cups are double-lined for more support and structure, and there are now even more cup sizes. The organic cotton bralette has a closure clasp at the back, adjustable straps, and comes in a range of pretty neutrals. The price is above average, but the reviews say the quality is worth it: “So comfy, supportive but soft and effortless to wear.”
Pros:
Updated with more cup sizes and better support
Triangle shape for lower-cut necklines
Adjustable straps
Broad range of sizes and two sizes ranges based on cup volume
Cons:
Darted cups might not appeal to everyone
For some, the extended cup sizes make it difficult to find a proper fit
Sizes: XS – 2XL; S+ – 3XL+ (for more cup room)
Materials: Cups: organic cotton and elastane. Straps: recycled polyester and spandex. Hardware: zinc and alloy. Closure: regenerated nylon and elastane.
Color options: Carbon (black); Meridian (turquoise); Marine (dark blue); Stone; and limited-edition Garnet (red)
Support level: Moderate
<STRONG>BEST SPORTS BRA FOR TEENS</STRONG>
Athleta Girl Upbeat 2.0 Bra
$26
Athleta Girl is an activewear brand that’s focused on fit, so your teen will love this sports bra. Not only does it provide coverage and support, but it also has criss-cross straps at the back, which give her lots of freedom of movement whether, she wears it during gym class, in the classroom, or just while hanging out on the weekends. One five-star reviewer called it “the only bra my daughter will wear.”
Pros:
Can be worn for sports and activities in addition to everyday wear
Very soft
Straps don’t dig
Sweat-wicking
Removable pads in sizes large and above
Full coverage if that’s important to your teen
Cons:
The material is thick, so some find it a bit tight
Sizes: XS – XXL
Materials: Nylon and lycra
Color options: Cascadia Violet; Dawn Blue; Ballerina Gown (pink); White; Black; Desert Rose; and Sea Fog Blue
Support level: High
360 Reversible Cotton Bralette
$18 $40 55% off
We always have to give it up for bras with versatility. This reversible cotton bralette from Etam at Nordstrom is a dream for young bra shoppers. Are they not sure whether a v-neck or a scoop is more their style? Do they have shirts that require both? Well, this lightweight cotton-blend bra does it all and is about to be their (and their boobs’) bff. *Holds for the well-deserved applause*
Pros:
Reversible (one side scoop; one side v-neck)
Lightweight yet lined
Breathable
Cons:
Light support may not be enough for some
Can’t go in the dryer
Sizes: XS – L
Materials: Cotton and Elastane
Color options: Black; light gray; and white
Support level: Light
Bleuet Bleum Racerback
$24
Bleuet is supporting young girls in more ways than one. Sure, they have super soft and versatile bras. This bra is reversible for indecisive tweens! But they are also supporting young entrepreneurs by investing in tweens and teens who have started their own nonprofits. For instance, they work with Hailey O’Donnell, a teen who started Hailey’s Haven, an organization that gives bookbags filled with essentials to teens entering foster care. And guess what, if you need to make a Bleuet return, lightly worn products get added to a Hailey’s Haven bag instead of a landfill.
Pros:
Racerback so the straps don’t show when you’re wearing a racerback tank top (if you know, you know)
Thick lining
Moisture-wicking
Reversible
Lots of colors
Tagless
Cons:
Some say it doesn’t fit well or runs small
Sizes: 6 – 24
Materials: Polyester and spandex
Color options: Black-mint; navy-magenta; toffee – toffee; white; silver-Caribbean; lilac-coral; and sherbert-pink.
Support: Moderate.
MOST INCLUSIVE BRAS FOR TEENS
TomBoyX Essentials Soft Bra
$32
We adore TomboyX, which has this tagline: “Comfortable underwear that fits your body and how you see yourself. Fit-tested on hundreds of bodies, size XS-4X. Be exactly who you were born to be — no apologies.” I can vouch for their products, which wash like a dream — including pesky period stains on underpants. This company is particularly fantastic for gender-fluid and trans kids. PSA: Bralettes like this one are fab for those who want to feel pretty but don’t necessarily have a lot of breast tissue/definition.
Pros:
Ethically produced OEKO-TEX-certified cotton
Wireless
No padding (if that’s your teen’s preference)
Cons:
No padding (in case your teen prefers more support)
Some don’t like the the high arm holes and low neckline
Sizes: XS – 6X
Materials: Cotton and spandex
Color options: 10 solids (several with graphic bands) and 3 prints (rainbows and plaids)
Support: Light
Dream Fit Scoop Bralette by Parade
$32
We love Parade for their inclusive sizes and models. And this Scoop Bralette is rated four-and-a-half out of five stars with more than 1700 reviews, so they’re doing something right! It must be the weightless support, the spot-on sizing, and the breathable and soft fabric that’s making everyone happy. “I wish I had every single color so I could forever just wear this bra,” wrote a fan. “Very adjustable, soft, cozy, supportive, everything I could ask for.”
Pros:
Underboob support band
Adjustable straps
Cooling fabric
Designed not to dig or roll
Designed with 360-degree stretch for freedom of movement
Cons:
Some customers complain of inconsistent sizing and a lack of support
Sizes: XS – 3XL (in cup sizes A – D); 0+ – 3+ (in cup sizes DD – F)
Materials: Combination (made of recycled yarns)
Color options: 13 colors and patterns
Support: Moderate
<STRONG>BEST SEAMLESS BRA FOR TEENS</STRONG>
Superchill Seamless Padded Voop Bralette
$21 $30 30% off
Aerie’s motto is “Every Piece is Designed to Make Every Girl Feel Real Good.” Aerie has plenty of body positivity ads and models who look real, which sends a great message to your teen. And their products live up to the promise. This seamless bra is padded for support but has a soft, comfortable fit and is “so comfy.” One reviewer wrote, “came to order this in every single color.”
Pros:
Removable pads
Very soft
Ethically produced
Cons:
Can’t be machine-washed
Might not be supportive for some
Sizes: XXS – XL
Materials: Recycled nylon; nylon; and elastane.
Color options: 7
Support: Light.
<STRONG>BEST STRAPLESS BRA FOR TEENS</STRONG>
Core Microfiber Strapless Bra by Savage X Fenty
$60
Sooner or later they’ll need (or want!) a strapless bra. I mean, homecoming dresses or prom could call for one. And while the DJ plays Rihanna’s music (hopefully “Pon De Replay!”), your teen will feel secure wearing a convertible bra from RiRi’s brand, Savage X Fenty. We will never say no to a brand that “embodies fearlessness, confidence, and inclusivity… [with an] extensive assortment of styles made for everyBODY, and unique approach that celebrates individuality.”
Pros:
Strapless
Comes in different nudes for different skin tones
Sculpting
Stylish rose gold hardware
Cons:
Some customers say it’s not true to size
Sizes: 30A – 38DD
Materials: Cup and wing: Polyamide and elastane. Wing lining: polyamide and elastane.
Color options: Brown Sugar Nude and Honey Nude
Support level: High
<STRONG>BEST UNDERWIRE BRA FOR TEEN</STRONG>
Third Love 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra
$72
We love ThirdLove with their motto of “Bras for every body. More options in more sizes.” This classic T-shirt bra is a great pick for anyone unwilling to sacrifice beautiful design for a comfy fit and seamless wear. Fans love ThirdLove, too: almost 58,000 of them stepped up to leave a review. “Dare I say that this is a perfect bra!” one wrote.
Pros:
Cones in half cup sizes
Seamless and invisible under sheer clothing
5 nude skin tone shades
Very highly rated
Memory foam cups mold to your unique shape
Cons:
Has an underwire (if your teen doesn’t prefer that)
High price point
Sizes: 32A – 44H
Materials: Nylon and spandex
Colors: 15 smooth colors and two lace back colors
Support level: High
Principal Low Impact Bra by Fabletics
$50
This second-skin bra from Fabletics is built for comfort. It features a strappy racerback and keyholes for breathability, so your teen can wear it every day and feel fierce in animal print. It has a light bit of compression, and removable cups. “Attractive style. Super soft. Simple coverage and support, which is all I need,” wrote a customer.
Pros:
Great for an active lifestyle
Removable cups
Stylish back
Cons:
Meant mainly for sports and exercise
Sizes: 32A to 44H
Materials: Polyester and spandex
Color options: Two core colors (black and white) and eight limited-edition colors and patterns
Support: High
PowerSoft Sports Bra for Girls by Old Navy
$13 $17 24% off
It’s hard to say no to the perfect everyday bra. It has a scoop front and back and light compression, and it wicks away moisture so she can wear it even on hot summer days and to dance class.
Pros:
Basic
An everyday, go-to sports bra
Moisture-wicking
Soft and comfortable
Cons:
Not good for a teen who needs a lot of support
Sizes: XS – XXL
Materials: Polyester and spandex
Colors: Three
Support level: Light
Zip Up Front-Closure Sports Bra by Glamorise
Glamorise bras get seriously rave reviews from bigger-breasted folks looking for attractive support options, though they’re quite pricey compared to other brands out there. They do come in a wide range of sizes — and this one has an easy zip-front style for newbies. We love this Blue Tie-Dye print for teens, but it’s also available in Lavender and Black.
Pros:
Zip-front
Adjustable back band
Moisture-wicking
Broad range of sizes
Cons:
Some customers say it doesn’t provide enough support
Sizes: 34B – 48G
Materials: Polyester and elastane
Color options: Three
Support level: Medium
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