Girls’ sports bras aren't only a necessity, but are fundamental to ensuring young girls feel supported and empowered to be themselves, regardless of how quickly their bodies develop or the sports and activities they love.
The importance of sports bras in teenage years has become better understood, with clinicians discovering that a staggering 43% of young female players have experienced chest pain when exercising or during team sports, which is something easily addressed with quality bras that offer the perfect amount of stability. We’ve taken a closer look at this topic to dispel misconceptions that sports bras aren’t really needed for younger girls and clarify the massive impacts that the right underwear can have on children’s self-esteem!
What the Experts Tell Us About Why Teens and Tweens Need Supportive Sports Bras
As parents, we instinctively know that comfort and support make such a difference in our days and want the same for our daughters. However, if you're unsure, a growing body of evidence tells us about the experiences of girls who’ve felt unable to play games or excluded from sports.
A study conducted in the UK in 2023, involving a survey of 1,000 girls aged between eleven and eighteen, found that:
- 80% of girls said that a sports bra boosts their comfort
- 45% felt more confident when wearing a sports bra for exercise
- 84% stated that they would happily wear a sports bra if they were given one
- 46% said they could run freely and jump without feeling anxious or self-conscious
A clinical review backs up those findings, saying that more than a quarter of girls from age eleven upward were prevented from being active due to a lack of support. Whether your daughter has asked for a sports bra or you’re thinking about bringing up the subject, rest assured that you’re absolutely doing the right thing by ensuring she can be as sporty and energetic as she likes!
Reviews of Yellowberry Sports Bras from Real Girls and Families
It’s always useful to see what pediatricians and specialists have to say about the role of sports bras in encouraging girls to be active, but it’s also just as important to acknowledge how wearing a well-fitting, comfy sports bra for the first time affects the amazing girls who take the time to share their feedback with us. We’ve curated just a few quick reviews:
- SW said that the Tink Hybrid Sports Bra, engineered with double-layered fabric for all-day support, was “comfy from classroom to gym,” noting that her daughter plays volleyball and needs support (and that “the Tink bra has been the right fit at every size” as her daughter grows).
- AC reviewed the Luna Hybrid and told us that she loves “the Luna bra.” Her 12.5-year-old daughter found it “really comfortable and great while being active.”
- LM bought the Half Moon Sports Bra and let us know that “this one is [her] active ten-year-old's fave!” She says she “ordered multiple sizes so [they would] have them on hand when she grows a bit more.
The design teams at Yellowberry are grateful to every customer who has given us their thoughts, and it's rewarding that so many parents and daughters share our passion for authentic quality sports bras made specifically for girls.
Understanding the Right Time to Invest in a Sports Bra for Your Tween or Teen
We know that broaching the subject of a first bra or first sports bra can feel tricky, and if you’re hesitating, it's worth considering the age of your daughter and the level of sports she participates in. Some girls are naturally shy about discussing the need for a sports bra with their mom, so it might fall to you to bring it into conversation in a quiet space where you have time to talk.
And, if either of you is uncertain, please feel free to visit our sports bra catalog, where you'll find full reviews at the bottom of each page to help inform your decision-making!
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12517001/
- https://womeninsport.org/news/only-a-third-of-secondary-school-girls-wear-a-sports-bra-for-pe/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8657319/