Busting the myth

“I’ve never understood the term training bra. We certainly can’t train our breasts!” says  Neha Kant, Founder and CEO of e-tailer Clovia Lingerie. Neha’s observation, while in jest, throws light on the myths and misnomers that mar our understanding of lingerie, especially as teenagers. While most early millennials live with the memory of their mothers or aunts taking them to local ‘undergarment stores’ for that suspiciously-conical basic black bra, teens today are lucky to have a range of options for comfort and style.

What’s a teen bra?

The average teenage bra generally has an elastic band at the bottom, cups, straps, and optionally, wires. Pointing out the distinction between the typical adult bra and a teenage brassier, Smita Murarka, Head of Marketing and e-Commerce, amantè, which boasts of a teen range called BFF, says, “The teen bra is not only for coverage, but should offer a structure and silhoutte that supports the ongoing development of the breasts,” says Smita.

She cites non-padded-non-wired bras, lightly moulded/padded T-shirt bras and moulded sports bras in comfy cotton and micro-fibre material as options. Popular lingerie brand Zivame, for its part, encourages non-wired brassieres made of cotton lycra with peach finish or bio finish, with removable padding, for that snug fit. While its teenage section covers sizes Teen S to Teen XL, Clovia’s span from 26-32 —with a standard cup size, offering room for growth —  amante’s BFF range sets store by the average 32-36 scale, with “most girls falling in the 32 category (that’s 28 + 4 extra inches for adequate breathing space)”. Experts agree that slip-on bras without distinctive cups— designed like camisoles—help ease absolute beginner’s into the habit.

Where to start?

One can buy their first bra when they deem their body ready. For most, the occasion coincides with the onset of puberty. “Start by getting measured by an expert,” insists Smita, warning teens against “assuming their own size”. The idea is to opt for a good fit, which doesn’t hang loose around your bust, or suffocate it.

World of options

Rahul Sharma, Head of Product Development and Design, Zivame, lists the choices:” Non-padded bras, moulded (very lightly padded) cup bras, multi-part cup bras, sew-free bras”. Kant and Murarka add to the treasure trunk—sports bras (moulded / non-moulded), bras with quality underwire (customized for teens), bras with lace trimmings or cute graphic prints and the very-funky bralettes—to be worn with specific outfits only such as halter-neck tops, or as layering, with that party jacket.

Are padded bras cool? 

Turns out, padded bras, often dismissed from the teenage wardrobe due to their reputation of accentuating the bust, is actually a friend-in-need. Smita says that light padding prevents breasts from jiggling, provides good coverage and a seamless look, adding that at amante, the padding is a cosy 2mm, even for adults. Neha adds that light padding also prevents nipples from showing through the shirt/dress during cold weather. The trick is to opt for a good brand, steering clear of poor quality pads clumped together to add volume.

What about wired (underwires) and push-up bras?

Opinions vary when it comes to underwired bras, or bras equipped with a semi-circular support of wire on each cup. While both Clovia and Zivame feel that the additional support of wires might not be necessary for growing bodies, Murarka calls bluff on the notion that all underwires are harmful. “Quality wires, designed to support and not press against your ribs, should not be a problem.” It is a good idea to hold the wire against your skin to gauge your level of comfort before buying the bra. Push-ups, on the other hand, seem to be best reserved for adults.

Style synopsis

Gone are the days when white bras peeped through demure layers of clothing. There’s nude, pastel shades of grey, green, yellow, blue and pink, and of course, basic black, recommended for uniform-wearing teens. Fun prints like ice-cream cones or gentle lacework isn’t out of bounds either.

Move over, myths

Myth: Girls with fuller breasts cannot wear padded bras.
Reality: You need to select the right kind/amount of padding, depending on your body type and the occasion
Myth: Sports bra = beginner’s bras
Reality: While girls with smaller sizes (smaller than the starting teen size) may resort to sports bras to start a habit, for most, sports bras should be worn only during athletic activities. Wearing a shapeless sports bra through your early teens can cause breasts to sag.