The Perks of Being A Bra Wearer (And Its Embarrassments)
Is It Normal to Feel Embarrassed About Wearing a Bra?
GIRL GUIDE
brabar
GIRL GUIDE
BRABAR
girl guide
Feeling awkward, nervous, or totally unsure about wearing a bra for the first time? Yep, that’s normal.
By: Lucy DiChristina
Changing anything about your appearance can make you feel a little insecure and embarrassed. When you are adding a bra as the base of your everyday outfits it can definitely change the way you look at yourself and your body. But this change is not a bad thing, and is definitely nothing to be embarrassed about. Embarrassment is often the result of comparing yourself to others and thinking you need to be on the same timeline as everyone else in order to fit in. You might feel embarrassed about your bra straps becoming uncovered, or just feeling embarrassed about wearing a bra at all. But no matter what you are feeling you deserve confidence and happiness in your own body and your bra should support these feelings.
Why Do Bras Feel So Embarrassing At First?
Bras can unlock whole new sets of emotions so it is understandable that at times those emotions can manifest in embarrassment and insecurity. Experiencing these feelings at first is completely to be expected, however at BRABAR we are trying to help girls feel comfortable and confident in their bodies even when they are learning and experiencing new things. Getting your first bra is another one of those things that feels like a huge part of transitioning from being a girl to a woman. This makes getting a bra feel like so much more than purchasing just another item of clothing, and honestly, a bra is so much more. It is the foundation of your outfits comfort and how confident you feel that day. Bras are also tangible acknowledgements that your body can and is changing. But as girls we need to remember that our bodies changing is not a problem but is a sign of growing up and maturing. Along with this any new experiences can naturally feel awkward and emotionally uncomfortable, just like anything else there is an adjustment period to wearing a bra before it feels like it is a part of you that you are ready to accept. Many girls think that everyone is paying attention to every little detail about their appearance. But trust me, from one girl to another, your classmates are focused on themselves and not giving a second thought to all of the things that you may feel insecure or embarrassed about. That does not mean that your embarrassment is not valid, it just means that everyone is working through their own insecurities, and I promise with time they will pass.
Do I Need To Be Wearing Bras By A Certain Age?
No, there is no right age that you must be wearing a bra by. Every girl has different developmental needs and grows on a completely different timeline. Every girl also has different levels of comfort and it can take girls a different amount of time to feel ready emotionally to wear a bra. Finally every girl can have a different preference in bra styles and feel ready to explore different designs of bras at different ages. For the girls that are scared that they have started wearing bras too early, you are not alone. You may feel like you are developing too fast and that you are the only one of your peers that needs a bra and that everyone will notice that you need a bra. But the truth is, you never know what others are going through and I promise you are not feeling this alone, and at some point this feeling will go away. On the other hand you may be feeling like you are developing way slower than all of your friends and peers and that everyone will notice and think you have fallen behind and will never catch up. No matter when you start wearing a bra remember everyone has their own timeline and version of what they are comfortable with right now, and that all of these feelings are just temporary. Every body grows at a different speed and there is no “normal” timeline for development.
Why Do I Have So Much Bra Anxiety At School But I Am Fine At Home?
School can honestly make any form of anxiety feel larger, especially when it comes to your bra, but don't worry this too will get better. So let's break down the aspects of school that can make bra anxiety feel especially more nerve racking so you can be prepared and feel more validated in your feelings. Sometimes just walking through the halls and raising your hand in class can exacerbate bra anxiety, you might feel like everyone is watching you or be especially aware of if your bra straps are slipping, band is riding up or experiencing any other bra related discomfort. Lets not forget one of the biggest causes of school related bra anxiety which is of course gym class and the locker room. These environments are prime places where girls are comparing
themselves to others. Changing your clothes in the locker room can make people feel very vulnerable and make you feel like all of your insecurities are on display. While I promise no one is paying attention to you because everyone is focused on themselves, this feeling is still very valid. There is nothing wrong with wanting to change in a more private place like the bathroom, turning towards your locker so you don't need to see other people changing, or wearing a sports bra for that day so that there is one less layer that you need to change out of. Confidence takes time and there is no secret to all of a sudden feeling comfortable in your changing body. Don't shy away from feelings of embarrassment; they prove that you are developing and at some point all of these things that you feel embarrassed about could become your favorite things about yourself.
Why Am I So Different From All Of The Girls On Social Media?
Social media is such a blessing and a curse for developing girls. While sometimes social media can help you feel more empowered and comfortable in asking for help, or seeing other people who are going through the same things as you, sometimes it can feel overwhelming and make all of your insecurities sound a little bit louder. Social media can make it feel like everyone but you have it figured out. Like they know what kind of bra fits them the best, makes their breast look the best, and what makes them feel the best and most confident. I promise this is not the truth, social media is just a snapshot of someone's favorite version and picture of reality. I am sure we have all been victims of the social media comparison trap. Remember social media is not reality and does not reflect what people actually look like or feel like in the real world, and comparison is never helpful. Your body is perfectly you and unique so don't feel the need to squeeze yourself into anyone else's, or societal standards.
How Can I Feel More Comfortable and Confident In My Bras?
You can improve your confidence and comfort with even the smallest of changes. The first and arguably most obvious solution to finding comfort and confidence in your bra is to make sure that you are actually wearing a bra that fits your body and fully addresses your body's needs. One of the hardest things about originally finding a bra that is good for your body is trying to differentiate your friends or parents bra needs from your own. Another improvement is to wear clothes that you already feel comfortable and confident in. Another reason people can feel insecure is also because they can feel inexperienced, so feel empowered to wear your bra at home and around the house so you can get used to it and feel more comfortable. Lastly remember your bra is your own personal experience that you should feel autonomy over. Putting on your bra should make you empowered and confident, and your comfort comes first. Your confidence does not come from wearing a bra, but it absolutely is supported by it.
One Last Thing Before You Go
No matter how your bra fits you are still you and your personality has not changed at all. If wearing a bra feels awkward and overwhelming right now I promise it will get better and you will absolutely adjust. Whether you're worried about school, locker rooms, shopping, or simply wondering if you are starting too early or too late, your feelings are completely valid. Your best bra is personal to you and is not relevant to the bra you may think everyone else is wearing or trends. Little by little, what feels like a big deal today often becomes just another part of your routine. With time, you'll likely spend a lot less time thinking about your bra and a lot more time focusing on everything else that makes you, you.
XOXO BRABAR
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
FAQS
Yes, it is completely normal. Wearing a bra for the first time is a new experience that can bring up feelings of excitement, awkwardness, or insecurity. A bra can feel like a big milestone because it is connected to growing up and your body changing. Remember, needing or wanting a bra is not something to be embarrassed about—it is just another part of becoming more comfortable in your body.
There is no “right” age to start wearing a bra. Every girl’s body develops on its own timeline, and everyone’s experience is different. If you feel like you started earlier than your friends, or you are waiting longer than others, you are not alone. Your body is not behind or ahead—it is simply yours, and it is changing exactly when it is ready.
Feeling comfortable wearing a bra at school takes time, especially when you are around classmates, in gym class, or changing in locker rooms. Start by wearing a bra that fits well and feels comfortable, and give yourself time to adjust. Remember that most people are focused on themselves—not analyzing your bra straps or what you are wearing. Confidence comes from feeling comfortable in your own body, not from looking like everyone else.
