When Does a Girl Need a Sports Bra? A Guide for Parents
There isn't one particular age when a girl suddenly needs her first sports bra.
Some girls begin developing earlier than others, some later, and every growing body is different. Rather than focusing on age, it can be more helpful to notice when your daughter starts wanting (or needing) a little more support and comfort when she's active.
For many girls, that becomes particularly noticeable during PE, running, gymnastics, dance, sports days and other activities involving lots of movement.
And that's exactly why we created the hy. Girls Performance Sports Bra.
When should girls start wearing a sports bra?
There isn't a universal "right age".
As girls begin puberty and breast development starts, running and jumping can begin to feel different. Movement that never bothered them before may become uncomfortable, and some girls can become much more aware of their changing bodies.
A girls sports bra can provide an additional layer of gentle support during this stage.
You might notice your daughter:
becoming uncomfortable when running or jumping
holding or crossing her arms over her chest during physical activity
becoming more self-conscious in her PE kit
avoiding certain movements or activities
asking to wear additional layers during sport
saying that her chest feels uncomfortable when exercising
simply asking for a bra or crop top herself
Sometimes she'll tell you. Sometimes the signs are much more subtle.
Puberty shouldn't stop girls moving
Growing up comes with enough changes already.
We don't think feeling uncomfortable in her changing body should be the reason a girl stops joining in with activities she previously loved.
PE. Running. Gymnastics. Football. Dance. Netball. Sports day. Training with Mum.
Whatever she loves doing, the right activewear should help her feel comfortable enough to concentrate on the activity — rather than what her body is doing underneath her clothes.
Support for growing bodies. Confidence to keep moving.
That's the thinking behind hy.
What should you look for in a girls puberty sports bra?
A first sports bra doesn't necessarily need the heavy structure associated with high-impact adult sports bras.
For growing girls, comfort is incredibly important.
Look for soft, stretchy materials that move with the body, alongside enough support to reduce uncomfortable movement during activity.
A girls puberty sports bra should feel secure without feeling restrictive.
Breathable material is also important for PE and sport, while a racerback design can allow plenty of freedom around the shoulders.
Most importantly, she should feel comfortable wearing it.
Meet the hy. Girls Performance Sports Bra
We created our Performance Sports Bra specifically with growing girls in mind.
Made using soft, stretchy Nylon and Spandex performance fabric, it gently supports the body while still allowing comfortable movement.
The racerback design, scoop neckline and supportive underband provide medium-level support suitable for everyday activity and sport.
And we wanted it to work in two completely different ways.
She can wear it discreetly underneath her school PE top, T-shirt or everyday clothing when she doesn't want anybody to know it's there.
Or she can wear it proudly as a girls sports crop top, paired with her hy. leggings or shorts.
Finding the right size
When buying a first sports bra, we'd always recommend measuring rather than relying entirely on age.
Our Performance Sports Bra is available in:
XXS — approximately age 8–9
XS — approximately age 10–11
S — approximately age 12–13
M — approximately age 14–15
These ages are only a guide.
Two girls of exactly the same age can have completely different body shapes and be at completely different stages of development.
Please check the hy. size guide and take her measurements before ordering.
Made for growing girls
The hy. Girls Performance Sports Bra is available in our signature Black, Cocoa and Soft Oat, designed to coordinate with the wider hy. collection.
It's breathable, washable and made from durable performance fabric designed for repeat wear.
Under a PE top.
Paired with leggings.
At gymnastics.
Running around the park.
At sports day.
Or simply underneath her everyday clothes.
One simple layer can make a big difference to how comfortable she feels when she's moving.
Support for growing bodies. Confidence to keep moving. ♡
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