The main difference between a crop top and any kind of bra is that a crop top is usually a piece of clothing without a noted cup size that doesn’t cover the midriff. In contrast, a training bra is a bra sized for young people who haven’t developed yet or are just beginning to develop breasts.
Your little girl is growing up. Now, it’s time to get her first tween training bra. But with so many types out there, how do you know which one’s the right one to choose? A bralette, or a regular training bra, is the most common option, but you can also choose a sports bra if your daughter’s active, a crop top if she wants a subtler transition piece, a soft cup bra if her breasts are more mature, etc. The most important thing to remember is to shopfor her, basing everything on her lifestyle and which type of training bra she’s most comfortable with.
Types of Tween Bras
Before you go shopping with your daughter for her first bra, it’s good to get familiar with the different options you may encounter. It’s also helpful to know how a training bra should fit, as well as have your child’s breast measurements already on hand.
Training Bra
A training bra, also occasionally known as a bralette, is a basic bra typically made of two layers of fabric. It rarely has any padding and it’s simply meant to offer coverage and support for when a girl’s breast buds first appear. It can come in a lot of colors and styles, which makes shopping for them extra fun!
Sports Bra
A sports bra is a snug bra that’s designed for girls who are active or play sports. It minimizes breast movement, protects the skin from damage during activity, and wicks sweat away from the skin.
Many young girls prefer using sports bras because they’re more comfortable. They don’t have adjustable straps or plastic adjusters that sometimes irritate the skin; plus, they often don’t seem like a bra.
Crop Top
A crop top is a cotton bra that cuts just below the breasts (or the midriff), making it look like a short t-shirt (but it can also be a tank top). It may be slightly padded, and it’s generally great for girls who are at the early stages of their budding breasts.
Soft-Cup Bra
A soft-cup bra has a soft foam cup that gives small to medium-sized breasts more padding and support. It’s the best choice for girls with more mature breasts who prefer not to wear underwire bras.
Strapless Bra
A strapless bra (also called a bandeau) doesn’t have any straps that hold it in place. Instead, it’s made from a strong elastic fabric that holds it snug onto the body. These bras are usually worn on certain occasions when a girl needs to wear strapless clothes (like a dress).
Underwire Bra
An underwire bra is a bralette or a strapless bra that has a flexible wire on the underside (under the breast creases) to help lift the breasts. While it offers great support, many young girls may find it uncomfortable since the wire can dig into the torso.
Tips for Finding the Right Tween Bra for Your Daughter
Be a Helpful Guide
Be a helpful guide for your daughter as she navigates this time in her life. She may have questions like, “Is sleeping in a training bra okay?” “How often do I have to change bras?” and you must be prepared to answer everything as best as you can.
Shop for Her Lifestyle
Your daughter should have training bras that she can wear for every occasion in her life. If she’s sporty, get her a sports bra; if she likes wearing strapless dresses, get her a bandeau; if she needs extra support, consider an underwire bra.
Ask Her What She Wants
Remember that the bra isfor her. Ask her the type, style, and designs that she wants and is comfortable with. Empower her and give her freedom to make her choices, and simply be there when she needs help.
Shopping for Tween Bras With Yellowberry
If you’re ready to go shopping for bras, check out Yellowberry’s collection of fun and comfy tween bras! With so many types, styles, and designs available, you can easily choose any type of bra your daughter needs.