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. Every kid develops differently, so the particular age at which they should start wearing one will vary. 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 should a training bra fit?

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 and teens, training bras are intended for those in the beginning stages of breast development. Depending on their developmental phase, there are a number of different styles of bras, like bralettes, racerback, or strapless, that could work for them.

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

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:

Maidenform Girls’ Seamless Beginner Crop Bras at Amazon

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Best Multi-Pack:

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Best Camisole:

Athleta Girl Longline Bra at Gap.com

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Best for Sports:

Nike Swoosh Girls' Sports Bra at Nike.com

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Best Cotton:

Old Navy Girls' Patterned Cami Bra at Gap.com

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Best Reversible:

Bleuet Bleum Neutral Bamboo Bra at Bleuetgirl.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Training Bras for Teens and Tweens
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Seamless
Two-ply front fabric for extra coverage
J-clip included

Cons

Some may prefer padding

The Hanes Girls ComfortFlex Seamless Bralette is our top pick because it's soft and seamless, making it an ideal pick for those 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

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Pros

Thin spaghetti straps are easily covered
Thick fabric for coverage
Lots of color options

Cons

Straps are not adjustable

Cute, comfortable, and made with plenty of coverage, these spaghetti strap bras come in a cotton/spandex blend. Tweens and teens 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, though the straps are not adjustable.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Zappos

Pros

Comfortable wide straps
Doesn't look like a traditional training bra
Lots of color options

Cons

Band may bother some

Stay on trend with these comfortable bralettes that feature the Calvin Klein logo on the soft bottom band. Many kids will 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, this may be a preferred style choice for some tweens and teens. The two-pack comes in a wide variety of color combinations, including neutrals and bright hues.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos

Pros

Available in several neutral colors
Removable pads

Cons

Not available in XS or extended sizes

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 about straps showing. The wireless and seamless cups have light, removable pads, as well as a gathered center detail.

If tweens prefer, they can remove the pads before wearing. (The pads should definitely be removed before washing.) The bra is available in nude, white, and black.

Price at time of publication: $12

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Herroom.com

Pros

Three types of necklines in each pack
Seamless construction
Racerback bra included

Cons

Not available in XS or extended sizes

For tweens that like seamless bras, this three-pack hits the mark. Made without padding, these seamless bralettes are great for those just starting to wear a training bra. Plus, they have adjustable straps, so tweens can find the best fit.

Each three-pack comes in a few color options and includes a high neck, a v-neck, and a scoop-neck bralette for a variety of styles. One of the bralettes is a racerback, which some may find more comfortable than traditional bras. (It's also ideal if your kiddo doesn't want a bra strap peeking out from tank tops and dresses.)

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

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Pros

Affordable multi-pack
Adjustable straps
Comfortable wire-free construction

Cons

May not provide enough support for all tweens

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

Gap/Athleta

View On Gap.com

Pros

Great way to transition into wearing a bra
Sweat-wicking material
Built-in bra

Cons

Some sizes have a bra liner, while others have pads

If your tween would like an extra layer of support but isn't ready for a bra yet (or finds them too uncomfortable), this camisole is an excellent option. Made of a sweat-wicking polyester-spandex blend, the tank offers full coverage and gentle support from a built-in bra liner in sizes small and medium, and removable pads in sizes large and up. Available in two colors, these highly rated tank tops are machine washable and feature cute criss-cross straps on the back.

Price at time of publication: $35

Nike

View On Nike.com

Pros

Sweat-wicking fabric
Extended sizes available
Machine washable

Cons

Some kids may not like the tight fit

Sporty kids will appreciate the coverage and support from this racerback bra. Made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibers, the soft, double-layered fabric is comfortable for all-day wear or the big game. (The bra is made using Nike's signature Dri-Fit moisture-wicking technology.)

Available in several colors and sizes XS through XL+, there are lots of options to find the right fit. Plus, the bra is machine washable, so it's easy to clean after a long day or practice.

Price at time of publication: $25

Old Navy

View On Gap.com

Pros

Adjustable straps
Affordable multi-pack
Machine-washable

Cons

Not available in extended sizes

Kids looking for a comfortable option will appreciate this cami bra four-pack made of a cotton/spandex blend that's soft on the skin. Available in sizes 6/7 through 14/16, these bralettes are soft but thick enough to provide adequate coverage. The multi-pack is available in two colorways, with patterns like stripes, hearts, and polka dots.

We love that the spaghetti straps are adjustable so kids can find their best fit—and there's room to grow. Plus, caregivers will appreciate that these cami bras are machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $20

Bleuet Girl

View On Bleuetgirl.com

Pros

Wide variety of sizes
Breathable fabric
Double-lined

Cons

May run a bit big

Made from a breathable 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. Plus, this bra is available in sizes 7/8 through 22.

Price at time of publication: $24

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Trimfit.com

Pros

Machine washable
Traditional style is the best fit for some
Adjustable straps

Cons

Not available in all band sizes

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

The bras come in a two-pack, each with one solid bra and one patterned bra. As a bonus, these bras are machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $18

How We Selected the Best Training Bras for Teens and Tweens

To find the best training bras for teens and tweens, we conducted thorough research, evaluating dozens of options on the market. When assessing these bras and bralettes, we considered style, purpose, sizing, ease of cleaning, and of course, comfort. All kids grow and develop differently, so we made sure to choose a wide variety of sizes, types, and styles so your kiddo can find the best fit for them.

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 others may find it premature or unnecessary. Choose something that's 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 their 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's security and confidence in their training bra is making sure that it fits correctly. Unlike standard bra sizing, which 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. Every kid develops differently, so the particular age at which they should start wearing one will vary.
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 should a training bra fit?

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.