My first bra

It’s no secret that females are developing earlier, considering girls in the nineteenth century didn’t commence menstruation until the age of fifteen or sixteen.

Changes in nutrition, behaviour and the environment have translated clearly to earlier breast development, meaning that girls now as young as eight may need some form of support in the chest department.

When you – or your mother perhaps – first notices the telltale buds of emerging bosoms, it’s time to consider buying your first bra (also known as training bras). This is something that we all have to go through at some stage, and it might be something you find embarrassing, or it could be an occasion you’ve looked forward to for a very long time. You might find it annoying and wish your body could return to the way it used to be, or your mother’s attitude toward her own breasts (does she flaunt them, complain about them, or ignore them altogether?) might influence how you perceive yours.

Whatever your feelings on the subject, here are some handy tips to make choosing your first bra that much easier.

• Visit a reputable lingerie shop or department store where the clothing is more likely to be well made, and the staff will be better trained than in some fashion stores.
• If you’re embarrassed to do this with your mother, consider going with another female relative or friend, such as an older sister, cousin or aunt.
• Explain to a member of staff that you need to be fitted for a bra. If you’re feeling shy, there’s no need to go into details that this will be your first bra – remember women of all ages visit these shops to be measured properly. (The average woman changes bra size six times during her lifetime.)
• Bear in mind that, even if you’re a little embarrassed, the bra-fitting assistant will absolutely not be. During the course of each day, every day, she will fit dozens of women and girls just like you, and she’s seen it all before. Her job is simply to measure you and provide suggestions of bras that will fit you properly.
• Once you have been measured in a private cubicle, the assistant will bring you a selection of bras to try on in your size. As all bras are unique, cut according to style and brand, you may find that not everything she brings you will fit. It’s important to be honest with her and tell her if you find anything uncomfortable or restrictive, as then she will be able to find a more suitable alternative.
• Training bras do not have underwire, as this would potentially harm your developing breasts. There are plenty of cute styles available which will both give you a little support and coverage, while letting you get used to the feeling of unfamiliar straps on your upper body. Your bra-fitting assistant will know from your measurements whether your breasts will be most suited to a training bra, or a more grown-up style with extra support.
• The centre front part of the perfect bra should lie flat against your ribcage, and the cups should fit with no gapes (indicating the cup size is too big) or breast bulging (indicating the cup size is too small). The back band should sit horizontally across your body, in line with the front of the bra, and not ride up towards your shoulder blade.
• Remember above all to RELAX – you might even have fun!