Dragonwing Blog
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Shop Dragonwing Bras Free shipping on orders over $75 within the USA!
The "why" of Dragonwing girlgear.
People 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.
Happy Birthday Cindy Parlow Cone
Happy birthday to Cindy Parlow Cone, three-time NCAA Women's Soccer Champion and founding member of the Women's United Soccer Association, former head coach for Portland Thorns FC and in her first year as coach in her first year as head coach of the Portland Thorns, led the Thorns to the NWSL Championship. Parlow was a member of the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic, and 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cup, teams. Parlow Cone played professionally for the Atlanta Beat for three years and was the Coaching Director of 13-18 year-old girls' programs at the Triangle United soccer league. Cindy is a co-founder of Goals for Girls. Birthday --May 8th.
My Daughter is So Happy! — Early Product Review
We are super excited to share an early product review of the new Racerback Cami that we launched on Kickstarter. Sara from Ohio's daughter loves it -- and we think YOU will too. "For the past year, I have been looking for the perfect cami for my 11- year old daughter. My daughter is not quite ready for a bra but definitely needed something with more coverage than the cotton cami with a shelf that she has been wearing daily under her shirts. Recently, I received a sample of the Dragonwing Racerback Cami to trial with my daughter. I am thrilled to say that I have finally found the perfect cami!! My daughter has never loved a cami so much! She tried it on for me and was beaming. The padding in the cami really made her feel more confident and it looked so nice under her shirt. Some of the features of this cami that we love are:
- The material keeps her cool and dry, so it is perfect for any activity. - The straps are adjustable, so she will be able to wear it for quite awhile and adjust it as she grows - The racer back design is great for her posture and looks very sporty. - The padding can be removed for washing or if less coverage is desired.
My daughter wants to wear this cami every day now, so I have been washing it constantly. Even after 10+ washes, the cami still looks as good as new. I am so excited that these camis are on Kickstarter now. I plan on stocking up and buying more in multiple colors. Thank you for creating such a high quality product that makes my daughter feel confident with her body.Sincerely,
Sara
(Mom and Devoted Dragonwing Customer in Ohio)
Keep Girls in Sports
Help support Dragonwing girlgear to Keep Girls in Sports with The Racer Bra and Cami
Click the link above to find out more information about how this project got started, the two great products being launched with this Kickstarter: the Racer Sports Bra & Racerback Cami, and tips to get the perfect fit in your Dragonwing girlgear.
Sports Headbands 3-for-2 Sale
This Valentine's Day, why not give your sports girl a "bouquet" of sports headbands?!
Unlike roses or other flowers, our Game On headband will last through an entire sports season and longer! And they make the perfect Valentine's Day treat:
- soft & stretchy to keep hair in place
- non-slip thanks to two silicone strips on the inside
- available in 7 colors: red-orange; blue/black; white; midnight blue; sky/white; black/gray; heather gray/black.
Buy any 2 and get a third for FREE when you use promo code LOVE2016.Don't wait! This special promotion is only valid through February 14, 2016.
New Year, New Gear for Athletic 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. 
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?! 
Winter Bundle: girls leggings plus 2 sports bras for $100 (savings of more than $15). Stay warm, dry, and comfortable!
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! 
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 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!"
Cyber Monday Savings on Cold Weather girlgear
With December right around the corner, we've got a super Cyber Monday special for athletic girls everywhere. Buy a pair of our Chill Weight Capri Leggings for girls (available in black or black/azure) and get 50% off a Fitted Long-Sleeve Top (white, black, or azure blue).
Put both in your cart and use Promo Code CHILL50 at checkout.Don't delay! Colder weather is on its way -- and these savings are only available through Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
Girls Long Sleeve Shirt...Thumbholes!
In her review on MomTrends, teen soccer girl Logan raved about her Chill Weight long sleeve fitted shirt.
Our Chill Weight long sleeve athletic shirt is available in Azure Blue, Black, and White.
I already have two tops that I wear under my soccer jersey on cold days, but the Dragonwing Chill Weight top is going to jump to the front of the line every single time. It’s warm and soft, made of the same material as the leggings. It has a panel on the wrist of each sleeve to wipe sweaty foreheads or running noses, and (drumroll please…) it has thumbholes! These clothes fit and suit me to a “T” and have all the little details that make a big difference.
Our Chill Weight long sleeve athletic shirt is available in Azure Blue, Black, and White.
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.
Here's what Logan wrote about our best-selling sports bra:
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.
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!
"Ridiculously Comfortable" Leggings for Girls
MomTrends (aka trend-spotting blogger and CEO Nicole Feliciano) gave a sneak peek on Instagram of its upcoming review of Dragonwing. We LOVE this photo of our Chill Weight leggings and fitted long-sleeve top.
But what I love even more is that the reviewer - and model - is an 8th grade girl who's doing an internship with MomTrends. Now THAT's girl empowerment! Her Instagram comment:
"Just wanted to say how much I love these clothes. They're ridiculously comfortable!!"