When to Introduce the Bra

Dr. Prema Kania, Gynaecologist of Bombay Hospital says development of breasts and puberty are related. When a girl enters her puberty age or is nearing her puberty, her breasts start showing.

This is when you need to introduce a bra to her. She adds that there is no prescribed age for introducing a bra.

When the breasts start showing, you need to introduce a bra to your daughter. Generally girls start needing a bra anytime between the 10 to 16 years.

Which Type of Bra Do I Go For?

Tabasum Khan, assistant store manager of Straps says, "You can opt for a trainee bra which is mostly a thin padded sports bra. If you are not comfortable wearing a sports bra, you can go for a beginner's bra which is a two hook bra with normal cotton straps."

It is better not to introduce her to underwire bras as she may not be very comfortable in them.

Some people also prefer to get trainee bras stitched by a local tailor. So you can choose to get one made to measure in a soft cotton fabric. 

Getting Her to Wear It

Dr. Aneeta Arora, a counsellor and a psychotherapist suggests, all you need to do is think about how you felt when you were in your teens. With this in mind, you need to first educate your daughter on puberty.

Slowly explain her the different phases in a woman's life. Tell her that she is developing breasts like all grown up women and that these need to be supported.

Make her understand the importance of supporting the breasts by saying if they are left are not held in position she is likely to feel uncomfortable and that it is likely to hurt her.

Also, tell her that wearing a bra will give them a shape and they will look beautiful otherwise they will look bad. Refrain from telling her anything that is related to sexuality. Especially do not tell her things like it will attract men's attention.

You can also make up a story or narrate you own experience on wearing your first bra. Convince her that it though it may be a bit uncomfortable at first but she will soon get used to it.

… And Not to Mention …

Don't force your daughter to wear her bra throughout the day and night. During the first few months, help her to ease into the habit by asking her to wear the bra only when she leaves home. Once she gets used to the habit, she can wear the bra throughout the day. But, make sure she does not wear the bra during the night.