What Size Bra Should A 12 Year Old Wear?
Being a girl can mean constant changes, especially with your body and form. One subject you might be more curious about is certain physical changes like the breasts. As a girl matures and goes through the puberty stage, her breasts would likely tell the world that she is leaving girlhood and is entering a new phase in her life.
Breasts may seem like an important part of a woman’s physical appearance, but they do serve a bigger purpose. Girls develop them for an important job later in life. Someday, if the girl grows up to have a baby, her breasts can provide the baby's milk. So, if you're a mom who wants to support a maturing daughter, one question you might have in mind is what size bra should a 12 year old wear?
When Do Breasts Start to Grow?
Most breasts start growing as early as age 8 or as late as 13. Some girls' breasts grow slowly, while others grow quickly. Girls start developing at different ages and different rates. You might have more developed breasts at 12, while your friend could still be flat.
Breast development happens in various stages. The initial stage starts during puberty, when a girl's ovaries grow and estrogen, an important female hormone, begins to flow in the body. Doctors often refer to this early stage as "breast budding."
A breast bud is like a raised bump behind the nipple. After breast budding, the nipple and the circle of skin around the nipple (called the areola) grow more prominent and slightly darker. The area around the nipple and areola also starts to develop into a breast.
Getting the Perfect Bra
Once a girl starts to develop her breasts, getting a bra is a good idea, especially when she is exercising or playing sports. Bras are designed to protect breast tissue and keep them supported. Some girls also prefer how a bra smoothens out their silhouettes, making them feel more relaxed. A bra can make a girl feel less exposed when wearing a light shirt or a dress.
Understanding Bra Sizes
Wearing the correct bra size can minimize the number of other problems a girl will have with her new bra. For example, the right bra won't pinch, gap, or slide around. So it makes sense to spend some time learning about bra sizes.
If you’re asking what size bra should a 12 year old wear, you first need to understand that a bra size has two parts: the chest size (band size), and the cup size. The chest size is represented by numbers (32, 34, 36, etc.). This is the part that runs across a girl's chest and around her back. On the other hand, the cups hold the breasts and come in letter sizes (AA, A, B, C, etc.).
Bras come in various sizes, it's the combinations of the chest sizes and cup sizes — 32AA, for instance. It's essential to get the chest and cup sizes right to ensure a precise fit. Some bra manufacturers now also offer cup options in half sizes to help young girls get a better fit.
Buying a Bra
So, what size bra should a 12 year old wear? The initial bra most often used is a "training bra" — this is ideal for girls who don't yet fit into the cups of standard-size bras, but needed necessary support and comfort.
Many girls currently opt for a sports bra, which is a type of bra worn by active women of different ages. Sports bras give the right snug and prevent the breasts from shaking around when playing sports or exercising. Sports bras usually flatter in the cup area, making it a good first bra for many girls. In fact, because of sports bras, a girl might not need a training bra or a more conventional bra early on. However, not all sports bras are alike, so you should try on a few to figure out which ones the best fit.
If you are still asking what size bra should a 12 year old wear, you can also opt for other types aside from sports bras. The most natural-looking is a soft-cup bra, which doesn't really change the shape of your breasts. Soft-cup bras come in several fabrics and thicknesses, and some may have an underwire. An underwire is a U-shaped wire that goes under the breasts to help support them.
Wrap Up
Growing breasts are just one sign that a girl is getting more mature and on her way to becoming a woman. If a girl has some concerns about breasts or bras, like what size bra should a 12 year old wear, the good news is that there are plenty of sources that provide all the information you need.
Along with keeping these bra types and sizes in mind, you need to understand that you do not always need to look for the cutest bra. Always opt for the most comfortable one to avoid adjusting your bra all the time. There are many available training bras in the market. You just need to find the right fit and comfort level to feel confident, especially when you start your path into womanhood. Know more about bra sizes.
