Back to school is finally upon us. It’s exciting, but also nerve wracking. For plus size teens, this can be a time of challenge for confidence and self-esteem as they hit puberty. We’re here to help you navigate this time with our helpful back to school bra guide for plus size teens.
Returning to school can intensify these feelings, so it’s really important that teenage girls feel comfortable and supported in all ways.
While most parents prioritise school uniforms, stationery and backpacks, they often overlook the importance of comfortable, supportive bras, especially for teenagers who are plus-size or have a larger body type.
When I started school, bras were not at the top of my school shopping list.
However, for girls who are going through puberty and may be more developed than their peers, it is an essential item.
My passion to help students with a necessary item – underwear – began when a teacher contacted us. A sixth grader demanded a bra It’s a larger size, specifically 44G.
The girl’s parents could not afford to buy new bras, and inclusive size options were limited in rural areas.
The girl had self-esteem issues and even tried to harm herself because she did not wear the right bra to school. Bullying and harassment from classmates can cause students to miss school.
Missing school can lead to chronic absenteeism, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and increasing the likelihood of unemployment and homelessness in the future. Seven times more likely to drop out.
This experience inspired me to want to help pre-teens and teens feel good about themselves from the inside out.
But firstHow do you know if you need a new bra?
6 signs that it’s time to change your bra
Before we move on to our bra guide for plus size teens, here are some important tips for all bra wearers: If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to change your bra:
#1. The band is stretched
Remember that the band of your bra provides most of your support – if it stretches, it won’t be able to provide the cups with the support they need. This can cause your bra to ride up, leaving your breasts unsupported and causing underwire to dig in.
#2. It’s on the final hook
When your bra has stretched so much that even the tightest hook can no longer be fastened tightly, it’s time to replace it.
#3. Anti-slip straps
Are you constantly adjusting straps that keep slipping down? This could be a sign that your bra is too old or no longer fits properly.
#4. The cup is too big or too small
As they grow, teenagers may experience weight fluctuations and hormonal changes that require the support of a proper bra. Wrinkled or ill-fitting bra cups can look unattractive under clothing.
#5. The color has faded
If you can’t remember the color of your bra or if the fabric is stained or torn, that’s a clear indication that it needs replacing.
#6. It’s uncomfortable
If your bra is constantly uncomfortable, consider replacing it and you will no longer have to suffer from piercing wires.
So whether it’s time to upgrade your teen’s bras or buy them their first bra, these five tips for buying teen bras will help make the back-to-school season as smooth as possible.
Back to School Bra Guide for Plus Size Teens: 5 Shopping Tips and much more!
Bra shopping for teenage girls can be tricky – we all know how picky girls can be, and they often just pick the cutest bra on the shelf without considering comfort or functionality.
From my years of experience helping parents and teens find the perfect bra, My Top 5 Tips Find the perfect bra for back to school with this fun and helpful plus size teen bra guide.
#1 Measure it!
Because bodies change over time, getting measured and knowing your current bra size is important to finding the perfect fit. Getting measured by a professional is the best starting point, but many teenage girls may prefer to measure themselves at home.
Our guide to getting the right fit offers advice on both professional bra fittings and at-home measuring tips, so you can choose the method that’s best for you.
my Fitting Guide here.
#2 Prioritize comfort and fit
If a girl is more physically developed than her peers, Back pain and posture problemsit can cause you to lose focus and affect your grades.
Teens spend six to eight hours at school and potentially even longer with extracurricular activities and sports, so comfort and fit should be a priority when buying a bra.
One of the main reasons why teens don’t wear proper bras (or don’t wear them in the first place) is because they’re so focused on what’s cute and trending on social media.
It’s important to guide you towards a look that combines comfort and style, and help you understand the different options that can make you feel and look good.
The key is to find the right size that will be comfortable for you to wear the bra all day at school.
When buying a teen bra, consider the following features:
✅ Non-itchy fabric: When choosing a bra, choose one made from comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or modal, which are also good for sensitive skin.
✅ Moisture wicking: Keeps skin dry and comfortable, which is especially important for teenage girls who participate in sports and physical education classes.
✅ Racerback or crossback style They offer better support, especially for those with narrow shoulders, and teens don’t have to worry about straps slipping down. This style also looks great under racerback tanks and shirts, making it a practical option.
✅ Wireless bra: Extremely comfortable and flexible, perfect for teens who don’t need underwired bras. Great for sensitive skin, supportive yet flexible, it won’t restrict your growing body.
✅ Wider Band: The wider the back and sides of a bra, the better the support it provides, with or without underwire. Underwires are great for lifting and separating your breasts, helping to shape them, and a wider band enhances this effect by spreading the support over a larger area.
#3 Consider versatility
Getting ready for school can be stressful for teenage girls who are already self-conscious about their appearance, so having a variety of bra styles on hand can help them get through stressful mornings.
Plus, it’s important to help your daughter feel confident and supported in a variety of school environments. Here are some recommendations for different bra styles to choose from for your back-to-school shopping.
✅ T-shirt Bra: Perfect for everyday wear, they provide a smooth, seamless look that won’t show through clothing and are perfect for any classroom environment. They add support and shape without bulk, helping girls feel confident and comfortable.
✅ Bralette: They’re comfortable and stylish, perfect for casual wear or dressed-down days. Their soft, underwire-free design makes them ideal for long school days when comfort is a priority. We recommend looking for ones that are lined or lightly padded.
✅ Convertible Bra: They are extremely versatile, with adjustable straps that allow teens to change the style to strapless or racerback, meaning teens can wear the same bra for a variety of outfits, including formal school events, casual days, gym class, etc. With a convertible bra, you can always be ready, reducing the stress of clothing malfunctions and exposed straps.
✅ Sports Bra: If your child plays sports or attends gym classes, make sure they have a sports bra that can withstand medium to high impact, especially if they have a curvier body type. Having your child in a good sports bra will prevent them from missing sports due to embarrassment or discomfort and will promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
Girlfriend Collective is a great place to find versatile pieces that fit without sacrificing style or sustainability.
#4 Check your school’s dress code
Most schools have a dress code and parents and students must follow these rules to avoid dress code violations. Violation of the rules may result in a conference with the school and/or your child may be suspended for a short period of time or sent home.
Our Everyone Deserves Underwear ProgramSome of the schools we support have requested that we not offer sexy styles such as push up bras or unlined lace bras.
These items are available for parents to purchase for their students, but many of the schools we work with do not want to distribute these items.
We encourage students to check the Parent and Student Handbook for specific dress code information, so that they can dress appropriately for school events and avoid potential embarrassment.
#5 Consider durability and quality
When buying a bra, consider choosing one that is made from durable materials and can be worn and washed multiple times.
Try to look for bras that are labeled as sustainable or made from high-quality materials — these choices help reduce your impact on the environment while maintaining their durability.
Your teenage bra, unlike most teenage crushes, should be as trustworthy as your best friend.
Brands like Non-Disclosure Apparel offer sustainable bras in a variety of styles and sizes for teens looking for their first bra.
A durable bra will save you money and minimize waste. Recycle your old bras Further contributing to sustainability!
How can you get the most out of your bra?
As mentioned above, when it’s time to replace your bra, be sure to check it for signs of wear every 6-9 months.
There are some simple things you can do to extend the life of your bra.
- Wash your bra less frequently. About once every three times you wear it, but if you’re an athlete, you may need to wash your bra after every wear, especially if you’re sweating a lot..
- Always wash your bra in a lingerie bagIf you do not want to hand wash, hand wash or wash on delicate cycle using a mild detergent.
- Do not put your bra in the dryer, lay it flat to air dry.This will help your bra maintain its shape and prevent wires from breaking. If you must put your bra in the dryer, hang it securely on a hook and place it in a lingerie bag to prevent it from getting tangled up in other items.
Make bra shopping a positive experience
Being a teenager can be a tough time, and so can being a parent. It’s a reminder that your child is growing up so fast. I still vividly remember my first experience helping a teenage girl buy her first bra. It feels like yesterday.
We tried on different styles, made adjustments, and discussed new ways to care for our bras, including putting them in a lingerie bag and washing them on the delicate cycle.
At the end, everyone was smiling. She picked out the bra she liked and sent me a heartfelt message saying the experience wasn’t scary at all. ❤️👏
If you follow the tips in this article, finding the perfect bra for your preteen or teen will be a memorable and positive experience.
Do you have any unwanted bras?
Calling all supporters of girls’ education! Did you know that plus-size bras are one of the most sought-after yet least donated items for female students? Title 1 Schools?
If you no longer have a bra, you can make a big difference by recycling it at The Bra Recyclers before the new school year. Your support will help girls in need start the new school year feeling more confident and empowered.
Not only will this help girls succeed in school, but it will also support the planet by extending the life of usable fibres instead of dumping them into landfills. Recycle your bras here.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
