We’re here to help you support the girls in your life through breast changes, confidence wobbles, and sport-related challenges. 

We talk to our kids about the birds and the bees… so why not the boobies too? 

Breast development is one of the earliest and most visible changes girls experience during puberty. Yet it’s rarely talked about properly, certainly not with the openness given to periods or body hair. Lots of parents tell us they weren’t taught anything about this growing up, and suddenly their daughters are coming home feeling embarrassed about their chests, avoiding PE, or asking for their first bras when they aren’t sure where to begin. 

This guide is here to help. No awkwardness. No heavy science. Just the stuff parents and carers actually need to know. 

When breast development begins (and what’s normal) 

Breast changes usually start between ages 8–13, but anywhere outside that range can still be normal. It begins subtly. The chest stops being completely flat; a pea-sized, firm bump forms under the areola (called a breast bud) and the area can feel sore, itchy, swollen, or tender. Clothing may suddenly feel uncomfortable or “too revealing”. 

These early changes often make girls feel self-conscious, especially in school uniforms or tight PE tops. Many parents mistake breast buds for lumps or injury (you’re not alone), but they are simply the first sign of puberty. 

This is the perfect time to start gentle conversations about breast changes, bras and body comfort. 

Why breasts matter more than you think, even in childhood 

Breasts aren’t just an adult concern. For growing girls, they can bounce more than adults realise, even at small sizes and hurt during movement because the skin, ligament and tissue are developing. Puberty can move quickly, making changes in weeks vs years, and can cause embarrassment when growing breasts start to become visible under tops, but also affect posture either from newfound added breast tissue  or trying to hide the changes. 

Research from Treasure Your Chest and the University of Portsmouth shows that 73% of schoolgirls experience breast-related issues, most commonly pain and embarrassment when taking part in physical activity. Yet most of them have never been taught why the pain happens or what to do about feeling embarrassed – even when the solution is quite simple. 

Why so many girls drop out of sport 

Ask any PE teacher and they’ll tell you: somewhere between Year 6 and Year 9, girls disappear from PE. Not physically - they’re still there - but mentally they’ve checked out. 

Studies show: 

But this shouldn’t be mistaken for misbehaviour or laziness. It’s simply discomfort and lack of proper support. 

When you’re a young girl, running with unsupported breasts feels like everyone is watching, even if they aren’t. Add pain or bouncing on top of that, and it becomes easier to sit out. But this barrier is one of the easiest to fix. 

Sports bras: not “a grown-up thing”, but an early-life essential 

Many parents assume sports bras are for adults or for bigger chests. In reality, girls of every age can benefit from breast support, no matter her size, as developing tissue needs support. 

A good sports bra for pre-teens and teenagers will: 

The Tigers Eye Girls Collection was introduced specifically for this age group, with soft materials, no hard seams, and supportive designs so your daughter can actually wear it all day, from under her school uniform, to PE and after. This also eliminates the awkwardness some girls feel in changing in front of others. And as the bra is made with antibacterial fabric, she won’t have to worry about odours after lessons.  

For many parents, buying a supportive first bra is the moment their daughter feels (and moves) like herself again. But getting a bad bra as her first one will do nothing but deter her further from participation, as sport will now be associated with discomfort caused by bras instead of helping her move freely again. 

How to know when your daughter needs her first bra 

Here are the common signs: 

If any of these show up, she’s ready for comfort, security and support. 

How to talk to your daughter about bras (without making it weird) 

Try to keep it simple and normal, for example using questions like: 

“How’s your chest feeling lately? Any soreness when you run?” 
“Lots of girls your age start wearing comfortable bras, do you want to try one?”
“Your body is growing fast, and a soft bra can make everything feel better.”
“A sports bra is part of your PE kit, like trainers, it helps you move without pain.” 

Avoid joking or commenting on size. Girls remember these comments for years, especially when said during key developmental stages. But most of all, help her normalise having breasts by sharing your experiences.  

Tips for choosing the right bra for your daughter 

Look for: 

✔ Soft fabric and breathability: growing breasts can get irritated easily. 

✔ Encapsulation + compression type: this holds each breast separately and reduces bounce, used in Tigers Eye bras. 

✔ Adjustable underband: the underband does most of the support work (80%) and should grow with her. 

✔ A design that feels “invisible”: girls often want something that doesn’t stand out under tops. 

✔ No underwires: not needed as they only help with shape, and they can often be uncomfortable for developing bodies. 

Why supporting girls in sport beyond PE lessons matters 

Sport isn’t just about winning games. Girls gain: 

And long term? Women with a background in sport are more likely to hold leadership positions later in life. 

Supporting your daughter now - physically and emotionally - gives her lifelong tools far beyond the classroom. 

The takeaway for parents and carers 

Breast development doesn’t need to be awkward, scary or confusing. With a bit of conversation, the right support, and a comfortable sports bra, girls can move with confidence, stay active, avoid soreness and feel secure in their changing bodies. 

Breast health education should be as normal as period education. And with the right tools, you can make sure your daughter grows up understanding her body, not resenting it. 

Want to learn more about girls’ breast health? 
Explore the Tigers Eye Girls collection and educational hub.