14 Best Bras for Teens That Are Comfortable and Affordable
Finding a bra that fits, feels good, looks cute, and doesn't make you want to rip it off at the end of the day and throw it across the room is no small feat, which is probably why bra shopping tends to be at the bottom of the list of fun shopping activities.
Everyone's body is different, and the teen years are a time of significant body changes. The cotton bralette you wore as a tween may not cut it anymore, and your go-to sports bra isn't always the best option for everyday wear, as comfortable as it is.
Wearing a bra that fits you well can be a total game-changer, not just for your chest and your outfits, but for your mood and confidence too. “There are so many reasons a supportive bra is important and a lot of them ladder up to confidence, especially when you're a teen,” shares Ria Matthews, customer experience manager at Bravissimo. “Having a bra that fits means your clothes fit better and you'll feel so much more comfortable."
Kara Lacayo, vice president of design at Yitty, agrees. “The right support helps take the pressure off your back, shoulders, and neck, especially if you have a fuller chest," she says. “When you’re properly supported, you’re not constantly adjusting or feeling weighed down. That frees you up to move, breathe, and live your life without even thinking about how your bra fits. Confidence starts with comfort, and the right bra plays a big part in that.”
Ahead, we've tapped the experts to answer all your pressing questions about bras and also selected some of the best bras for teens available on the market at the moment, including bras for larger chests, sports bras, and wireless options.
Our top picksBras FAQsHow do you find your bra size?
Finding your bra size is probably the most intimidating part of bra shopping, but it doesn't have to be scary. You can get fitted at a specialty store or in the bra department of a retailer like Nordstrom; this can also be a good way to try on a few different bra styles and sizes to see what feels best, as your size may vary from brand to brand or fit to fit.
At home, Lacayo recommends using a soft measuring tape to find your band and cup size. For the band, measure snugly around your ribcage, right under your bust. Then, measure around the fullest part of your chest to determine your cup size, she advises. Then, find an online fit calculator for a good starting point. “Just remember, sizing can vary between brands — especially when comparing stretchy styles to more structured ones," Lacayo says. “At the end of the day, it’s less about the number and more about the fit. If it feels good, supports you, and you’re not constantly adjusting, that’s your size.”
How do you know if your bra fits?
The key indicator here is comfort, says Matthews. “If your bra truly fits you it should feel as comfortable as a second skin! You'll have a back band that feels firm but comfortable and doesn't ride up, your boobs will be fully encased in your cups without any digging in at the sides or bulging at the top, and you'll find it stays in place throughout the day without needing to readjust,” she explains.
How do you know you're in the wrong size?
That “I want to throw this thing across the room” feeling is a sign you're not wearing the right bra for your body. “Nothing’s more uncomfortable than an ill-fitting bra and your body will let you know it,” says Lacayo. “If the band is riding up your back, it’s too loose. If your boobs are spilling out over the top, sides, or bottom, the cups are too small. If the cups are wrinkling or gaping, they’re too big.”
The straps are another clue. If they're digging into your shoulders or falling down, something isn't right, says Lacayo. In addition, the center piece of the bra should be lying flat against your chest; otherwise, it's not giving you adequate support.
How should you take care of your bra?
A well-made, supportive bra can be a bit of an investment, so you'll want to take good care of it. Matthews recommends hand-washing your bra every two weeks and letting it air dry; putting heat on a bra can damage the wires. “If you look after your bras, they will support you for so much longer!”
How many bras should you own?
This depends from person to person, says Matthews, but in general, Bravissima recommends at least two “everyday” bras like a balconette or T-shirt bra, two sports bras, and a non-wired comfort bra. Additionally, you could consider adding a strapless bra and a convertible racerback bra to your rotation for occasion dressing.
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