When to Introduce Sports Bras to Your Tween Daughter

Studies show tween girls drop out of sports at approximately twice the rate of boys at the same age. As parents, we know the benefits of athletics goes far beyond health and fitness, it develops leadership skills, self-confidence, and critical thinking.

So why are teen girls leaving the sports they love? Here are two common reasons given by teens.

  • Breast discomfort
  • Self-consciousness about their developing bodies
Of all the reasons being cited, these two should not be on the list. Sports bras provide support, reduce breast movement, and can provide a comfortable fit on and off the field. Your daughter may not have enough experience or information to know what she needs, but she does know how she feels. Parents can help by approaching the topic in a factual manner and by providing a supportive environment to address their concerns.

So when is the right time to introduce sports bras to your daughter?

It's not about age. It's about development -emotional and physical. At younger ages, before breast tissue develops, training bras and cami's are perfect protection for sensitive nipples and provide modest coverage underneath clothing. Coverage and fitting in help with awkward feelings. Once breast tissue emerges, even at smaller sizes, running and motions typical to many sports may become painful.

Confidence. Comfort. Support.

As your daughter develops, confidence, comfort and support come into play and determine what type of support bra or top girls need and when. Talk with your daughter about her sports gear and what she'll need as she continues playing. If you're taking the time to find the best fitting cleats and gear, her base layers need to have the equal consideration. And, like sporting equipment, investing in high-quality garments will provide a better performance, resist staining and odors, and will last longer as it goes through multiple washings. Look for moisture-wicking and stretchy performance fabrics to increase comfort and reduce chafing. How to find the right sports bra for your athletic daughter. Start the selection process before shopping. Sports bras come in a variety of styles and support levels. Talk about what she likes - everything from color, to fit and design. Then, review options to get an idea of what works for her body and her sport. Please keep in mind two important factors to excellent support. 1) the amount of fabric on the back. 2) the width of the bottom band. To find the right fit, measure the bust and chest to determine the best size to start and be prepared to try adjacent sizes until you find one that doesn't pinch, gap, or slide. If your daughter won't let you measure the bust, at a minimum do the bottom band of the chest. It will give you a starting point.
Dragonwing Girl Gear Founder, MaryAnne Gucciardi says "your daughter might have you hand them back and forth as she tries them on, until she finds one that she likes,".... "Be patient. If you let her control the conversation, then she'll feel in control of her body.”

Find your Dragonwing Size

Use this easy sizing guide to help find the best fit for Dragonwing bras and support base layers. Sports are as much a psychological exercise as it is physical. Removing distractions of poor-fitting bras, bounce due to lack of adequate support, and providing coverage boosts confidence and lets your daughter focus on what she loves -the skill-building fun of sports and being active. Dragonwing has styles designed to go from school to the field, accommodating afternoon practices without giving up style or comfort. Extra side coverage on our bras removes the worry of being exposed when uniforms are too big or cut for boys and lets your daughter focus on strength and not worry about underwear malfunction. Tween Girl Girls are also going through rapid growth spurts during their pre-teen and tween years, and you may need to check the fit of their sports bras regularly to ensure a good fit. Summary 1. Girls should begin wearing a sports bra when breast tissue emerges 2. Talk to your daughter about style and performance preferences before shopping 3. Measure before shopping 4. Look for quality fabrics and construction 5. Be prepared to try different styles to find what's right for her Read ► This one thing could keep your tween girl in sports. Tre Harrington from NonperfectParenting.com shares what makes Dragonwing Girl Gear different.

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The "why" of Dragonwing girlgear.

kickstart_bannerPeople often ask me why I am so passionate about sports and girls and I have a simple, important reason – we need this generation of girls, now more than ever, to reach their potential. Sports participation at any level is one path to actualizing potential –it is established and proven – we don’t need to create a new program or study its benefits. But social expectations and social media are getting in the way of girls. When I realized “the underwear experience” could have an impact, I had an aha moment that I could do something about it. Let’s take Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid. On one level of the pyramid is community or village – we all know and accept that it takes a village to grow a strong confident girl. We are happier with friends, family, a team, a tribe. Belonging is important. Connections give life meaning (Brene Brown). Sports provide a natural community. The next level of the pyramid is self-esteem. Sports build self-esteem in so many ways, such as setting and achieving goals, graciously winning, building resilience, pushing your comfort zone for what you think you can do and then exceeding it – just to name a few. For more on this, check out this TedEx talk by Alisa Herr. Unfortunately, feelings about breast development are a top reason girls drop out of sports. According to a recent study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, "three quarters of school-aged girls report breast-related concerns regarding exercise and sports." 75%!!! That’s just not acceptable. Starting and normalizing conversation about body changes can improve this. Sports programs frequently recommend protective gear for boys, like cups, or compression shorts, but there is no comparable list recommended for girls. At Dragonwing girlgear, we provide girls that list and more. Having an excellent-fitting, high-performance sports top – whether it is a bra, cami or thermal tee-shirt, that is designed especially for the athletic girl’s figure, can eliminate worries about underwear malfunction. Embarrassment about changing bodies can alleviate concerns about body image. At Dragonwing, we strive to free up emotional energy– so girls can focus on their game – and everything else they want to achieve... because when girls are confident, the possibilities are endless.

New Year, New Gear for Athletic Girls

Relax we've got your new athletic gear for girls In this month of new beginnings, we're delighted to introduce some fabulous new products for sports girls. Now's the time to discover the Dragonwing Difference of perfect fit, soft & snug stretch, high tech wicking fabric, and I-don't-even-know-it's-there comfort, all designed just for girls. TAP photos for more info and to shop. Game On Headband: soft, stretchy, non-slip (thanks to double strips of silicone on the inside) to keep hair out of your face, so you can focus on your game. In 5 great colors. GameOne Sports Headbands for Girls Keyhole Sports Bra -- now in Chartreuse with Azure Blue trim! Super comfortable, soft and snug, double thickness for coverage, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial -- what more could a girl want?! Keyhole sports bra for girls, now in chartreuse green with azure blue trim Winter Bundle: girls leggings plus 2 sports bras for $100 (savings of more than $15). Stay warm, dry, and comfortable! 

"Does New Tech Mean More Comfort?"

Check out this new video discussing the science behind sports bras. We are doing this for girls ages 8 to 17 years old. Please check out Dragonwing girlgear. Girls can be in every shape and size from AA to DDD and more. We are working to make sure their bras fit well so they can focus on the skill building fun of sports and not worry about their changing bodies, discomfort from bad fit, or bras malfunctioning.

Girls Leggings & Bras Gift Bundle

We've got the perfect gift for the athletic girl on your gift list: a three-piece bundle of our best-selling athletic wear for girls -- and a great deal for you! Save up to $19 on leggings for girls plus two sports bras for teen, tween girls The perfect cold weather bundle for your sports girl: a pair of our Chill Weight Leggings and two (2) of your favorite just-for-girls sports bras -- all for $100 (a savings of up to $19)! Our CHILL WEIGHT LEGGINGS FOR GIRLS are the perfect fit for cool days and evenings. Practical in design - soft, snug, and designed just for girls -- these workout leggings can be worn alone or as a base layer. Teen, tween, and young girls love how these leggings fit and feel. Available in black or black with azure blue. DRAGONWING GIRLS SPORTS BRAS <The Racer, Mesh Racer, Keyhole, Half-Tee Sports Top, or new School to Sport Bra> provide comfort, style, and just the right amount of coverage and support.
The most common comment from girls about their Dragonwing sports bra? "It was so comfortable I didn't even know I had it on!"

Teen Review of Racer Sports Bra

We're thrilled with the recent review by Mom Trends of our Racer Sports Bra for Girls, Chill Weight long sleeve top and spandex leggings for girls. Logan, the soccer-playing, 8th grader intern who wrote the review, captured the essence and mission of Dragonwing.
Dragonwing girlgear is a a tween and teen girls athletic wear brand that’s embarking on a mission to change how girls play sports. Here’s the deal–Dragonwing girlgear wants girls to be able to concentrate on their sports without worrying about adjusting their sports bra or tugging down their shorts.
Since Logan's review covers three of our products, I'll include each one in a separate blog post. First up, our Racer girls sports bra. Close-up of dragonfly on back of Racer sports bra: soft, snug & oh-so-stretchy Here's what Logan wrote about our best-selling sports bra:
I love the material the Racer sports bra was made of. It’s soft, snug, and oh-­so-­stretchy. The dragonfly design on the back is really cute, and the long length combined with the wide band means that it stays in place without digging into your skin. I normally don’t wear a sports bra anytime I don’t have to, but I want to wear this everywhere. The clothes are made just for girls’ bodies, and they’re all age ­appropriate. By that I mean, none of the bras are padded or lacy, and everything is snug, but not tight. All the clothes have flat seams and tags so there’s no rubbing or discomfort.
Stay tuned. Our super soft and comfortable Chill Weight leggings for girls are next!

Black Friday Deal on Girls' Sports Bras

We've got a terrific Black Friday deal on our best-selling sports bras for girls -- and you don't have to wait until Friday to enjoy it! Wouldn't you rather spend the time enjoying your family -- and delicious Thanksgiving left-overs?! Buy 2 Dragonwing bras for girls, get 1 more free with promo code 3BRAS. Shop here
From now through Sunday, November 29, buy any 2 of our bras -- The Racer, Keyhole, School to Sport, Half-Tee, or Mesh Racer -- and get a third bra* absolutely FREE!

Promo Code = 3BRAS

As always, shipping is free. We're committed to girls getting the perfect fit, so take a moment to measure and check the size chart. We know girls of all ages come is all sizes and shapes, so our sizes are based on measurements, not on age. * Put any three bras into your shopping cart and apply promo code 3BRAS to purchase and receive the lowest-priced bra absolutely free. Offer good through 11/29/15 only.

5 Back-to-School Tips for Active Girls

The start of the school year is filled with anticipation, excitement, great promise, and sometimes anxiety. What will my teachers and classes be like? Will I make new friends? Will my “old” friends still be my friends? And, when transitioning to a new school, will I fit in? Girl with backpack and bike back to school At Dragonwing girlgear, our mission is to empower girls in sports and in life. Building connections, feeling confident inside and out, and making routines and transitions as smooth as possible can help get the school year off to a great start! Here are our 5 back-to-school tips: 1. JOIN A TEAM OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, IN OR OUT OF SCHOOL. Being part of a team is a great way for girls to make friends, stay active, reduce stress, improve mental health, and develop lifelong skills – like teamwork and resilience -- that are the benefits of sports participation. 2. CHOOSE CLOTHING THAT GIVES GIRLS COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. The start of school, particularly for girls whose bodies are changing, can be a time of hyper self-awareness. Research shows that girls are starting puberty, marked by the start of breast development, significantly earlier than 15 years ago, sometimes as young as 8 or 9 years old. Regardless of when they first need a bra, girls want something comfortable that provides enough coverage so they don’t feel self-conscious and fits them just right, so they can move and play with confidence. Girls and parents alike want a first bra to be age-appropriate, not the padded or plunging bras of Victoria’s Secret, Target, and other retailers. A well-fitting, comfortable sports bra, like our Keyhole and Racer sports bras, or a sports camisole with an inner layer, like our Un-Tee Sports Cami, is often the best choice. 3. MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO SPORTS EASY, QUICK, AND COMFORTABLE. The start of the school year and fall sports season means girls – and parents – need to make quick transitions from school to practice or competition. Need to change clothes in the car or on the bus? Concerned about modesty while changing out of school clothes and into sports gear? When getting dressed in the morning, choose base layers (aka “undergarments”) -- like our sports bras, camis, and light compression shorts -- that are cool and comfortable under “regular” school clothes and make changing for sports quick and easy. No need to completely undress; just take off school clothes and pull on a sports jersey and shorts.
What a girl wears under her uniform can help her feel confident and play her best. Undergarments that are comfortable, fit great, and provide appropriate coverage empower girls to play the sports they love without being distracted by droopy straps, bras or shirts that ride up, or bunching shorts.
4. PLAN AHEAD FOR COOLER WEATHER. While it may be hot and humid now, the arrival of cool, fall weather always seems to surprise us. Afternoon practices and games – or the trip to and from school -- can quickly turn chilly or downright cold. A pair of leggings and a long-sleeve top under sports gear can keep a girl athlete warm, agile, and in the game. Moisture-wicking fabric is a must, so the sweat moves away from the skin and girls stay dry and warm. When shopping, consider the sport as well as the fit. Many soccer girls love our Capri-length Chill Weight Leggings because they don’t interfere with shin guards. 5. THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A GIRL NEEDS ON HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WON'T FIT INTO HER BACKPACK OR GYM BAG. She carries these treasures inside herself: a spirit of adventure and curiosity, a desire to learn and tackle new challenges, and a sense of confidence in herself.

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A slightly revised version of this post originally appeared on the Sports Mom Survival Guide, a great resource for parents of young athletes with tips, ideas, and recipes.

Donate a Sports Bra to Goals for Girls

In response to our campaign to raise $25,000 for breast cancer research, members of the Dragonwing community asked if they could donate one of our Limited Edition pink/white Racer Sports Bras to a girl in need. We're delighted to announce that we've partnered with U.S. soccer great Cindy Parlow Cone and her nonprofit, Goals for Girls, an international initiative of girls helping girls through soccer, to fulfill this vital need. Sports bras are the most-requested item by the girls she works with worldwide. Cindy is planning a trip to India soon, and thanks to the generosity of the Dragonwing family, she'll be taking Racer Seamless Sports Bras to girls there. It's not too late to donate! Simply CLICK HERE to purchase a special edition Racer Sports Bra, select a size, and select "Yes" in the Donation field. It's a win-win! Your purchase brings us $10 closer to our goal of $25,000 for breast cancer research AND helps a girl in need. Since 2007, Goals for Girls has helped disadvantaged girls across the globe by providing access to health and education programs taught through the game of soccer. It gives girls an opportunity to break down cultural and socio-economic barriers to create change through addressing common challenges.

This Dragonwing girl is a Winner!

We asked our Instagram followers to post and tag us (@dragonwinggirl) in their throwback sports photos. We reposted every one and followers voted with their "likes." Our winner is Dorrit E., a terrific all-around athlete who specializes in soccer, rock-climbing, and pretty much every other activity you can imagine! Her photo received more than 200 votes! Dorrit has won a Racer Seamless Sports Bra, designed just for girls. Made in the USA of high performance yarn for super softness, this tween sports bra is anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Seamless and tag-free to eliminate chafing, the Racer has a wide bottom band that doesn't ride up so girls can run, move, and climb with confidence. Don't miss our next contest! Follow us @dragonwinggirl now.

Are you ready for Spring Soccer Season

It’s mid February and the soccer club teams in North Carolina are gearing up for the spring season. Emails from coaches and team managers are starting again. It’s time to organize. Parents are going through soccer bags, looking at cleats, shin guards, practice t-shirts, and all the other items that will be worn. What still fits? What has been outgrown? Cold temperatures are still present. Does my daughter need another good item for layering? Wicking tops such as those available at Target or Khols provide a low cost solution – however, I am willing to spend a little more for better fit, comfort and performance after the multiple washes the top will undergo – so, I’m having my daughter try out the Chill Weight Long Sleeve Tee from Dragonwing girl gear. Okay, gear is accounted for a list made of new items to purchase. Onto the next item – update the family calendar that is found on our refrigerator to remind us all where to be when. Questions start with - when are practices, games and tournaments? Emails are probably received at least several times a week, roughly 2-3 times. The first one is typically a schedule for the week that consists of reminding the team what day of the week regular practice will be held and at what time and at what location. The next communication may be an update to any changes due to weather – say it rains and, at least in North Carolina, unless you are practicing on turf, rain often results in practice cancelations – the dense-clay-like soil can only absorb so much. And, then if there is a weekend game, a reminder email outlining day, time and location of game with specific instructions about getting to the field at least 30-45 minutes ahead of time. Highly organized team managers tend to be the most effective with timely communications and incredible with follow up. I have always found that I have become very dependent on them – unless they tell me exactly when, where and what time – I’m scrambling. Pressure on a team manager? – perhaps or rather, yes. What tools exist to help team managers keep their team’s a well-oiled machine? Yes. Many team managers may have their own approach; a system they have used based on previous management experience, relying on what’s worked and what has not. There are also online tools that help managers with centralization of information that includes a calendar of events, a way to send our automated emails to team members/parents – and a good example of such a tool is TeamSnap.com – an online tool to manage teams and/or groups. Features include creating team homepage, having a centralized location for contacts and a shared calendar. Start with a free subscription to figure out if it’s right for you. I look forward to hearing how you start organizing for the new season – and if you have used any online tools that are particularly remarkable and why. Good luck to all your teams this season.

Girls Rule: Sports Bra Anniversary

The sports bra will mark an anniversary of sorts on Thursday, July 10: 15 years after 20-year-old Brandi Chastain pulled off her jersey in celebration of her winning goal in the Women's World Cup and fell to her knees wearing her (plain black) sports bra and shorts. Brandi Chastain goal in 1999 Women's World Cup brought Sports bra public Sports bras came into the public after that and today come in many styles and colors. According to a history of the sports bra by Ladies Only Sports -- a fascinating read -- the first sports bra "prototype" was two jock straps sewn together. It's no stretch to say that the sports bra revolutionized women's sports, making it possible for women to play active sports without breast discomfort or injury. That's been great for women, but until recently, girls (pre-teens and teens) had been left behind - that's where Dragonwing girlgear comes in. Despite the huge increase in girls' sports, no one was making quality sports bras designed to fit girls' bodies. Most young girls whose bodies are just beginning to developing have to wear multiple camisoles or t-shirts. Older girls are forced to look for small sizes in the women's section. Enter Dragonwing girlgear, maker of athletic apparel -- sports bras, compression shorts, and sports camis -- designed just to fit tween and teen girls, ages 8-17. Our sports bras and camis are designed for girls at all stages of development. Racer sports bra for teen, tween girl Dragonwing products differ from others on the market in that they're made of high-quality fabrics that are meant for real athletes -- moisture-wicking, seamless and tag-free to prevent chafing -- and designed for movement without riding up. Dragonwing girlgear sports bras give girls the fit, comfort, and performance needed to play their best, whether celebrating a game-winning goal, playing on a hot summer day, or changing jerseys on the sideline. Keyhole sports bra for tween, teen, girl