When should I buy my child a training bra?

When teens and tweens are just starting to develop breast buds or feel some sensitivity in their nipples, a training bra is appropriate. Some may want one to fit in, even if they don't necessarily need it, so this can lead to an important family discussion about self-esteem and body image . For tweens and teens who have more developed breasts, a more supportive bra is more appropriate and useful.

How to fit a training bra?

Depending on the style and manufacturer, each bra will have different sizing. Some have traditional bra band sizing, while others use clothing-based sizing. Training bras with bands should be snug enough to provide support but comfortable enough to wear all day. Camisole types should fit like undershirts, so they are not baggy under clothing layers. Try a few different styles to see what suits them best.

The 11 Best Training Bras for Teens and Tweens of 2023

A rite of passage for many tweens, training bras are intended for those who are just beginning breast development. Depending on their developmental phase, there are a number of different styles of bras, like bralettes or strapless, that could work.

Reviewed & Approved

The Hanes Girls ComfortFlex Seamless Bralette features two-ply front fabric that covers the chest, and a J-clip for racerback or over the shoulder styles. For a strapless option, we recommend the Maidenform Girls Seamless Bandeau.

Much like standard bras, there are endless styles and designs of training bras out there to fit your tween's preference. We carefully considered design, value, material, ease of cleaning, and sizing when reviewing products.

Find the right training bra for your tween's lifestyle, budget, and style with these best picks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hanes Bralette at Amazon

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Best Coverage:

Fruit of the Loom Girls Spaghetti Strap Sports Bras at Amazon

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Best Trendy:

Calvin Klein Girls' Modern Cotton Bralettes at Amazon

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Best Bandeau:

Maidenform Girls' Seamfree Bandeau at Amazon

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Best Seamless and Best Racerback:

Maidenform Girls’ Seamless Beginner Crop Bras at Amazon

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Best Multi-Pack:

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Best Camisole:

Yellowberry Pearl Camisole at Amazon

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Best for Sports:

Athleta Girl Speed Racer Bra at Gap.com

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Best Cotton:

Primary Bralette 2-Pack at Primary.com

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Best Bamboo:

Bleuet Bleum Neutral Bamboo Bra at Bleuetgirl.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

The Hanes Girls ComfortFlex Seamless Bralette is our top pick because it's soft and seamless, making it an ideal pick for young children who want some extra coverage. The two-ply front fabric covers the chest, and the nylon/spandex blend is soft and flexible.

There's no padding, so the fabric stays smooth, and the J-clip allows your child to wear the straps as a racerback or over the shoulders. Four size options and numerous color combos make this a perfect first bra two-pack.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

Cute, comfortable, and made with plenty of coverage, these spaghetti strap bras come in a cotton/spandex blend. They will appreciate that the spaghetti straps are discreet, even with small tank tops, and that the pull-on bra has two-ply fabric fronts, so there's plenty of nipple coverage. For a more accurate fit, these bras use band sizes.

Price at time of publication: $14

Amazon

Stay on trend with these comfortable bralettes that feature the Calvin Klein logo on the soft bottom band. Some kids may appreciate that this style has wide straps and resembles a tank or camisole more than a traditional training bra.

While the wider straps may show with certain clothes, for some kids, that's exactly the point.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

There comes a time in life when a strapless bra is necessary. This bandeau top pulls right on and is great for layering without any worry of straps showing. Wireless and seamless cups have light, removable pads, and a gathered center detail.

If they prefer, the pads can be removed before wearing and should definitely be removed before washing.

Price at time of publication: $12

Amazon

For tweens that like seamless and racerback bras, this three-pack hits the mark. This set will give them a variety of fits to find what's best for your child.

Each three-pack comes in a few color options and includes a high neck, a v-neck, and a scoop-neck bralette. Made without padding, these are perfect for just budding breasts.

Price at time of publication: $20

Walmart

With one set, you'll get your tween five training bras. Made of light cotton, these simple cami-style bras have no wires, hooks, or padding. Thin spaghetti straps are adjustable for a more customized fit.

Each five-pack comes in a variety of colors, and the bras feature a tiny sewn-on bow on the front of each bra. If this isn't their style, reviewers say it's easy to cut off without any effect on the bra.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

If bras are too uncomfortable, but your tween would like an extra layer of support, this camisole is an excellent option. Made of a cotton-spandex blend, this cami offers full coverage and gentle support from a built-in shelf bra. Highly rated, these bras are machine washable and feature a unique keyhole back detail.

Price at time of publication: $32

Courtesy of Athleta

Sporty kids will appreciate the coverage and support from this racerback bra. The stretchy, soft, lightweight fabric is comfortable for all-day wear or the big game.

Rated UPF 50+, the bra will provide sun protection if your tween chooses to wear it alone. Available in three colors and six sizes, there are lots of options to find the right fit.

Price at time of publication: $28

Courtesy of Primary

Kids with sensitive skin will appreciate this bralette two-pack made of a cotton/spandex blend with fabrics that have been tested and are free of over 300 chemicals and known irritants. Available in size 6/7 through 12, this bralette is soft but thick enough to provide coverage and perfect under even the thinnest t-shirts.

Courtesy of Bleuet Girl

Made from a blend of bamboo, cotton, and spandex, this two-for-one bra is genius. This double-sided, reversible bra features a neutral color on one side and a bright pop of color on the other.

Double-lined for smooth coverage, adjustable straps help your kiddo get the perfect fit.

Price at time of publication: $24

Amazon

If the pull-over style doesn't work for them, try a more traditional hook and eye closure bra. Wire-free, with adjustable straps and back closure, your tween can achieve a perfect fit. Lightly lined, this bra comes in more traditional bra sizes based on band sizes.

Price at time of publication: $18

Final Verdict

The versatility, comfort, and affordability of the Hanes Girls ComfortFlex Bralette 2-Pack (view on Amazon) can't be beaten. For those that desire a bit of coverage but aren't ready for traditional bras, the Yellowberry Pearl Camisole (view on Amazon) is a useful but more expensive option.

What to Look for in a Training Bra for Teens and Tweens

Style

There's a huge range of training bra styles, from frilly to athletic. For some new bra wearers, light padding may be appreciated, while other families may find it premature. Choose something that is comfortable, supportive, and provides the lining or coverage that they want and need.

Purpose

For some, training bras provide support for newly growing breasts. Others may want a bra to protect sensitive skin and create a barrier between breast buds, nipples, and her shirt.

For later bloomers, a training bra might be something to wear to fit in, which is totally fine. Whether the purpose is a confidence boost, style, or a necessity during puberty, keeping in mind the purpose can be helpful when choosing the right training bra.

Sizing

An important part of your child feeling secure and confident in their training bra is making sure that it fits correctly. Unlike standard bra sizing that tends to be more consistent across brands, training bra brands can vary in how they determine sizing. Check out the size chart before purchasing to ensure you are picking the right size for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I buy my child a training bra?

When teens and tweens are just starting to develop breast buds or feel some sensitivity in their nipples, a training bra is appropriate. Some may want one to fit in, even if they don't necessarily need it, so this can lead to an important family discussion about self-esteem and body image. For tweens and teens who have more developed breasts, a more supportive bra is more appropriate and useful.
How to fit a training bra?

Depending on the style and manufacturer, each bra will have different sizing. Some have traditional bra band sizing, while others use clothing-based sizing. Training bras with bands should be snug enough to provide support but comfortable enough to wear all day.
Camisole types should fit like undershirts, so they are not baggy under clothing layers. Try a few different styles to see what suits them best.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Training bras feel years away since her daughter is still a toddler, but she's sure the day will come before Maya is ready for it.

Best Overall

Hanes Girls ComfortFlex Seamless Bralette 2-Pack

Best Coverage

Fruit of the Loom Girls Spaghetti Strap Sports Bras 3 Pack

Best Trendy

Calvin Klein Girls' Modern Cotton Bralettes 2 Pack

Best Bandeau

Maidenform Girls' Seamfree Bandeau

Best Seamless and Best Racerback

Maidenform Girls’ Seamless Beginner Crop Bras 3 Pack

Best Multi-Pack

Popular Cotton Girls Training Bras 5 Pack

Best Camisole

Yellowberry Pearl Camisole

Best for Sports

Athleta Girl Speed Racer Bra

Best Cotton

Primary Bralette 2-Pack

Best Bamboo

Bleuet Bleum Neutral Bamboo Bra

Best Hook and Eye Closure

Trimfit Wirefree Cotton Bra 2-Pack