Q&A for How to Ask Your Mom for a Bra

Tell her how you feel about this. If you've already done that and she still won't let you get a bra, see if you can compromise by getting a few thick tank tops to wear under your shirts. Some of them even have built-in bras for this purpose.

It depends on the type of bra being worn. A sports bra feels more comfortable, because the straps don't need to be adjusted and there are no wires.

Of course! There is no "right" age to get a bra. If you feel uncomfortable, it's time to get a bra.

Find a private time to talk with your mom when no siblings are around.

Yes, because that can be embarrassing and you might attract unwanted attention. Talk to your mom about it.

It is not recommended that you do that, because it will only decrease your chances of getting a bra. Instead, try and give her valid reasons why you need a bra, such as for sports, or just for everyday comfort.

It's perfectly normal to feel embarrassed about it. Just tell her and get it over with. If you want, you could even leave her a note or send a text so you don't have to say it out loud. And just say something like, "Can we keep this between us? I don't want everybody to know about it."

When your breasts are larger than a size AA, that would probably be the best time to ask.

I had to have my first training bra at age 8, so it's fine to get one a little early. Just ask her, and if she says no, wait a while and ask again.

Your mom went through puberty, also, so she will understand.

Since you’re already wearing training bras this probably won’t be a big adjustment. Maybe you need more support, or your nipples are showing, which makes you feel uncomfortable, or you want to be able to wear strappy dresses/tops that don't work with the thick bands on your training bras. Just tell her this, and I’m sure she’ll understand. Maybe you can go bra shopping together, so that you can find bras that you both feel okay with.

Ask your mum if you can get a real bra. If she says you don't need one, remind her that you are your own person and that you feel that it's time. If you want to, you can even tell her that just because your sister didn't need a bra until she was 16, that doesn't mean you don't. You are your own person.

Yes. Everyone develops at a different rate. If you're 12 and you don't need a bra yet, that's fine. If you feel like you do need a bra, talk to your mom about it.

Tell that you need to have a private discussion with her and try to schedule a specific time to do it. If this is impossible for some reason, write her a note and leave it in her purse or somewhere you know she'll see it.

If your mom doesn't like wearing bras, just remind her that everybody's different, and some girls/women feel more comfortable in a bra. Remind her that you are your own person and you should get to make this decision for yourself.

Text your mom or write a note where only she will find it. It's perfectly normal to be embarrassed about asking for a bra.

If you are uncomfortable and find they get in the way, definitely. Don’t be ashamed of maturing early. Everyone is different.

That is called child neglect, and child neglect isn't okay. Tell a trusted adult, such as another family member, a teacher, etc. Also, try to ask another female family member to take you bra shopping.

No; sport bras provide support for sports, and bralettes are for show.

Your classmates are harassing you. Explain this to your mum or another responsible adult you trust, like a teacher, grandma, aunt or sister.

If you feel like your breasts/nipples are starting to poke through your shirt, or if you feel uncomfortable at all, then yes, it's time to ask for a bra.

If you feel more comfortable in a sports bra, that's fine. Plenty of adult women wear sports bras all the time instead of "normal" bras. It's totally up to you.

It's different for everyone, but breasts normally start forming somewhere around ages 8-14.

Just wait a few weeks and bring it up again, or ask another family member to help you talk to her. If you have a birthday coming up, you could also try asking for a bra as a gift.

Yes, it just depends on your breast growth. Talk to your mom and tell her what you want and why, most likely she will be understanding.

Just calmly inform her of the reasons you feel you need a bra, and if she still doesn't agree, you will just have to wait a little while until she thinks you're ready.

If you play sports, tell your mom that you would feel more comfortable wearing a sports bra while playing. Or you could ask for a training bra for everyday use to be comfortable, and just say that you are developing and you would feel more secure with a bra. There are really no rules about what kind of bra you should wear, choose whatever you prefer.

Bring it up casually and get straight to the point. Say something like, "Dad, can we go shopping? I need to get a bra." He probably won't want to have a whole conversation about it anyway.

Just tell your mom what happened. If you're embarrassed or you don't want to get your brother in trouble, say that a boy at school said it. If your mom refuses to get you a bra, see if you can compromise with a tank-top with a built-in bra, or ask another female relative to help you.

You’re probably scared because it’s a little bit embarrassing to talk about your changing body, even though it really shouldn't be. Just explain why you want to get a bra, and remember that your mom probably went through the same thing herself when she was your age.