But buying bras can be quite complex, and there are a few things you should keep in mind - especially if you are going to purchase your first one without help.

First of all - bras should be fitted properly. Incorrectly fitting bras, especially while you are developing, can lead to all sorts of issues including back problems, neck pain and even headaches. If you are only starting to grow breasts but don't yet need a full fitting bra, you should go for a training or light support bra with no underwire made of a jersey stretch fabric. They are less constrictive and therefore perfect if you have never worn a bra before. When choosing a training or light support bra select one that fits firmly around you without cutting in to your body.

If you are ready for more than light support, you really need to know the basics of bra sizing. In its simplest form, the numbers (32, 34, 36 or like a dress size 8, 10, 12, 14 etc) refer to the size around the chest, under the breasts. (Don't assume that because you wear a size 10 top that you will be a size 10 bra, but do use this as a guide for starters). The cup size is in letters (AA, A, B, C, etc) and refers to the size of the volume of the actual breast. AA is the smallest.

71201 Junior Bra  (pictured above to your left) Single layer jersey cotton ideal for an in-between stage between a crop top and a slightly more structured bra.

Size range: 8-10AA A B, 12AA A

Colours: White, Pink
71105 Triangle Bra (pictured above to your right) a soft contoured bra  with minimal shaping - a good step up from the junior bra.

Size range: 8-12AA A B
Colour: White

For your first bra select a bra with a number that is similar to your top size and a smallish cup size. Before putting it on, let out the shoulder straps. Fasten on the middle hook at the back.

Look in the mirror: does the bra gape around the breasts? Try going down a cup size. Does the bra cut across your breasts, giving you the look of four boobs? Go up a cup size. Does it cut in around your body? Go up a bra size. Does it not fit firmly around your body? Go down a bra size.

NOW HERE IS AN IMPORTANT NOTE: If you go up a bra size, you must go down a cup size. Let's say you try on a 12B and it fits great on the breasts, but cuts in around the body. Try a 14A, which is the same cup size as a 12B, but a bit looser on the body.

71100 Tee Bra Moulded contoured soft cup bra (pictured below)with underbust shaping ideal for a growing developing bust that can be uneven in shape.

Size range: 8-14AA, 8-16A, 10-16B, 10-14C

Colours: White, Black, Sand, Pink, Blue, Butterfly print (Seasonal prints also available)

Tips and Tricks:

UNDERWIRES: Underwire or no underwire: that is the question. Underwires do provide your breasts with more support, but you might find them uncomfortable to start with. There are many beautiful styles that come without underwires, so look around.

ASK FOR HELP: The girls working at lingerie stores are very experienced and have seen it ALL. They won't think anything less of you for putting your hand up and telling them that you don't know what you're doing. They will point you in the right direction and give you options which you probably didn't even know you had. They will talk to you about what you would like and need and hopefully come up with a middle ground that you're both comfortable with.

SPORTS BRAS: Breast tissue is very delicate and while you may have small and pert breasts now if you don't support them properly during exercise the ligaments that hold them up will elongate and you will end up with saggy boobs. A good sports bra for women with small breasts is a compression bra, which uses layers of firm fabric to hold your breasts against your rib cage.

KEEP AN EYE OUT: Women need to have the size of their bras checked around every six months, and if you are a young woman, you should do this every three months due to the rapid changes in your body.

NOT READY? Women develop breasts at different ages. You may know some girls who have quite large breasts at a very young age, while others don't develop until much later, if at all. Every size has its challenges - embrace your breasts, whatever size they are.

RT75 Club Rialto Moulded contoured underwire bra (pictured below) - this shape would be an ideal follow on from 71100 for when more support is needed.

Size range: 10-14ABCD, 16BC

Colour: White, Black (Seasonal colours also available)

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