Buying a first bra can feel like a big deal - but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're a young person starting the journey, or a parent helping out, here’s a simple guide to choosing the right first bra. And remember - there are no rules!
1. Comfort is everything
At Billie Green, we believe your first bra should feel like a second skin—soft, gentle and never itchy. Look for natural, breathable fabrics (like TENCEL™ or organic cotton) that are kind to sensitive skin. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon that can trap heat and cause irritation.
The benefit of nature-based fabrics is that you can air them out wear after wear instead of washing. Wear your bra to school each day, air it out at night (ideally on a hanger to let air flow through) and then gently wash on a short, cold machine cycle on weekends.
Our fabrics are even better than cotton! Cotton isn't always comfortable in double layered bras or sports bras as it can hold moisture on hot and sweaty days. So we offer cotton blends and cotton underwear. Our Lenzing Lyocell/Organic Cotton racerback bra feels cool and silky to the touch and is so comfortable.
2. No padding, no wires
Your first bra doesn’t need padding, push-up or wires. A good first bra offers light support without changing your shape.
Padding is cheaply made from foam which is 100% fossil fuel based plastic (also known as petrochemicals). Padding also doesn’t mold to your body and can feel bulky and add weight to your chest. Once the foam gets wet, it traps a lot of heat and bacteria and can cause chaffing. Instead of padding, opt for double layers.
A lot of brands don’t do double layers due to the additional costs. At Billie Green, we don’t compromise.
Wires are also not ideal for kids, teens or anyone still growing. For a wire to provide adequate support, it needs to fit just right. As teens are constantly growing, you will continuously grow out of your bra.
Other elements of a bra that provide support are:
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The thickness and stretch of a fabric
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Side pannelling
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A wider underband
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Adjustable straps
We include all of these in our bras to varying degrees, depending on your needs, so there is no need for wires.
3. Avoid Nasties - Just Natural
We say no to:
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Azo dyes
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Toxic finishes
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Skin-irritating synthetics
Our fabrics have a little bit of elastane (also known as spandex) which provides the stretch. There is no nylon or polyester in our bras so we're quite different from the big brands but we truly believe that young people should not be wearing petrochemicals on these parts of their bodies (or any part of their body for that matter!).
Our fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring they're free from harmful substances. And with every decision, we aim to lower our environmental footprint—while raising the bar for style and responsibility.
4. Make sure it fits—but allows room to grow
First bras should feel secure but never tight. Look for designs with good length in the sides and a good amount of stretch, adjustable straps or soft materials that grow with you. A good fit helps you forget you’re even wearing it.
5. Buy less, but better (and wash less too!)
When you’re just starting out you only need a few great bras in your drawer—ones you can wear all day, every day. At Billie Green, we’ve created a small, curated collection of bras designed to do just that. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
You also don't need to wash our nature-based fabrics daily as they don't harbour odour like polyester and synthetic bras. Simply air out and wear again, on repeat.
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