First Bra Fitting Guide

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Having a bra fitting as a teen hits the top of the "most embarrassing experiences" list. It's different at Brava. Yes, we do check the fitting but the rest we leave to you as we know that standing half-naked in front of a stranger is your worst nightmare. We will not force the dreaded granny bra on you either.

If you'd like some help finding the right fit, our fitters can guide you through it. Book an in-store fitting, try ZoomFit over video, or submit the Virtual Fitter form.

How to choose and which to buy

Fit is foremost but we don't compromise on fashion for fit, we can give you both. Brava was born because the owners had horrible bra fitting experiences as teens, and all Brava fitters are D cup and up too. We get it.

We know that most teen girls prefer moulded bras, don't like sheer materials, prefer thin straps, and want bras similar to those worn by their smaller-breasted friends. They certainly don't want bras that their mothers or grandmothers like to wear.

50% of teen girls visiting Brava do like to have help from their mum, but the others dread it, and sometimes it works best if mum hands the job over to Brava fitters who are adept at maintaining communication while minimising embarrassment.

Panache Faith moulded plunge bra in latte, modelled — A moulded plunge bra like the Panache Faith gives a smooth shape without sheer fabric or heavy structure.

For any questions, email our Brava Bra Experts anytime. You might also find our Sports Bra Fitting Guide helpful.

Breast development in teenage girls

Topic	What to know
Growth	Breasts go through many stages of growth over five to six years. Development normally begins about one year before the menstrual period begins and full maturity is usually reached by age 17 or 18, roughly four years after the start of menstruation. Breast development during puberty is still not considered mature or fully developed, because only pregnancy brings about fullness of breast growth and development.
Shape	The breast is made up of milk glands and ducts, connective tissue and fat. In teenagers the breast tissue is firm and dense and then becomes softer and more fatty with age. Because there is no muscle tissue in the breast there are no exercises to make you bigger or firmer. The pectoral muscles that lie underneath the breasts can be firmed up to provide lift and shape.
Stretch marks	Hormonal changes that occur during puberty can trigger a rapid growth of breast tissue. As the breast tissue increases, the skin stretches. The thinning of the skin can lead to stretch marks on the breasts. Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for many girls. Your breasts can feel tender and itchy as they are growing and stretch marks may appear but they will probably fade.
Breast size	Because your breasts contain fat cells your bra size may increase with weight gain. Breast size is primarily determined by genetics. It can be complex in that your genes may come from your mother or father's side, or even from distant relatives. Many girls will have a breast size that is very different from their mother's or sisters' size.

Nala Support wirefree bralette, modelled — A wirefree bralette like the Nala Support is a comfortable starting point for teens who are new to bras.

Watch: Ruby's first bra fitting at Brava

Hear about Ruby's story and her experience with her first fitting at Brava as a teen.

Katherine and Ruby talk about Ruby's first bra fitting at Brava

Find the right bra for your shape

The fastest way to a bra that actually fits is having an expert fitter put eyes on you. Brava fittings come with no obligation to buy.

Book an in-store fitting at any of our stores in Camberwell, Highpoint, Moorabbin or Sydney.
Try ZoomFit: a private one-on-one fitting via video call from anywhere in Australia.
Submit the Virtual Fitter form for personalised size and style recommendations by email within 24–72 hours.

Browse our moulded bras, wirefree bras, or strapless bras to start exploring.

Common questions

Is my back pain related to my breast size?

A common side effect of bigger breasts is back pain, often due to hunching forward in an effort to hide your breasts. A correctly fitted supportive bra can make your breasts appear smaller, helping you pull your shoulders back and stand taller. Good posture not only looks better, it may help to minimise pain and discomfort.

An annual physical examination is recommended for all early teenage girls and is a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about your development. If your breast size continues to be a major health problem for you, your doctor can refer you to a breast surgeon who can discuss options like breast-reduction surgery.

When will my breasts stop growing?

Your breasts usually continue to grow for about four years after your first period. Starting with a childhood chest you will experience breast budding where the nipples swell and become tender. Breast tissue enlarges from gland and fat development (young teens usually start their first period about this time). The breasts may change in shape rather than size and the nipples may protrude. By age 17 or 18 you should know your final breast size. But be prepared for surprises and probably more bra fittings due to the many reasons for size changes such as weight loss, weight gain, menstruation and pregnancy. This is why we recommend an annual bra fitting, sometimes more often through times of change.

One of my breasts is bigger than the other. Is this normal?

It is normal to have one breast bigger than the other. You may notice this while your breasts are growing and it usually evens out with time. However, approximately 25% of adult women will continue to have different sized breasts; this is called asymmetry. If one breast is growing markedly larger than the other and you are concerned, see your doctor for a check-up. However, it is usually nothing to worry about and very normal.

Is there anything I can do to reduce my breast size?

There are no exercises you can do to change your breast size. However, because breasts are made up mostly of fat rather than muscle, if you lose weight this may reduce your breast size. This will depend on the makeup of your breasts and genetics. A good fitting bra is a must; often a correctly fitted bra will help you to look smaller.