Spring sports season is just around the corner, and for a Sports Mom, that means stocking up on clothes for practices and games. Your child has likely grown since last year – or even last month! – so clothes that fit then won’t fit now.
Like most tween and teen girls, your daughter’s body may be changing and developing. Research shows that girls enter puberty significantly earlier than 15 years ago. More than 20% of girls in 3rd grade have started to develop breasts. Of course, many girls don’t begin until their teens.
What a girl wears under her uniform can give her the confidence to play her best. Base layers (aka “undergarments”) that are comfortable and provide appropriate support and coverage empower girls to play the sports they love without being distracted by droopy straps, shirts that ride up their bellies, or bunching shorts (the dreaded wedgie!).
Follow these tips to get the best fit for your daughter:
Get clothes designed specifically for girls
Should be easy, right? But lots of base layers, like compression shorts, are designed for boys or unisex. The selection of sports bras for girls can be limited, even in so-called sports stores, so you end up looking for XXS in women’s.
Go by size, not age
Girls of the same age come in different sizes and shapes, so don’t automatically buy Size 10 just because she’s turned 10. If you’re buying online, take a minute to measure and check the size chart. If trying on clothes at a store isn’t an option, check the return policy so you can exchange if the size isn’t right when you get home.
Consider coverage as well as support
While your daughter may not need a sports bra for support, she may appreciate the coverage – and comfort – that it or a sports camisole provides under her jersey or uniform. Similarly, compression shorts provide coverage and a smooth, wedgie-free layer especially under white shorts, skirts, and uniforms.
Comfortable fabric designed for sports
Look for soft, smooth fabric (not cotton) with four-way stretch that moves when she moves and wicks moisture so she can stay cool even when working up a sweat. Tug and stretch to check if the item will hold up to a season of wear. That inexpensive cotton bra or cami isn’t a great value if it loses its shape or the straps break after 2 or 3 washes.
Seamless, snug fit
A sports bra or camisole should be snug but not tight. It should move when she moves but not ride up when she throws a ball, grabs a rebound, or runs the field. Look for a seamless, tag-free design so there’s no irritation or chafing.
At Dragonwing, the highest compliment we get is when girls say that our clothing is so comfortable that they don’t even know it’s there. That means they’re focusing on playing the sports they love. What more could a Sports Mom hope for?!
Love the website ladies! Thanks for your awesome posts and recipes!
Thanks for the great tips and recipes! The helpful guide for finding sports gear for girls that actually fit is perfect!
M;y daughter is very active in many sports and would love to win this.
Linda,
I hope you enter the gift card raffle! Head over to our website to check out the great clothes we have for girls who play sports. In addition to wearing Dragonwing on the field or court, lots of girls wear it under their every day clothes — it’s super comfortable.
Mary Ann
Dragonwing girlgear
Fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing about this company!
So nice to see a girl article. I have 2 girls who’s sports needs are usually different than my boys. I really enjoy your blog!!
Thanks, Julie!! 🙂
Great article! I have 2 girls and this will come in handy in these coming years!
I really like the Men’s UA WWP Performance Polo in Storm. It looks like it would be perfect for my boyfriend’s workouts.
And I would love to get the red for my daughter, Emma. I mentioned my boyfriend since that was requested in the question (not sure if that was right).
My husband would love the Polo in ACADEMY.
my dad would like the blue jet polo
Interesting post 🙂 What a great website. I think the storm polo would be our choice.
Thanks
The polo in storm would be the one he liked.
my dad and significant other are both alike in their color choices which include gray, black and dark blues lol.
the green energy polo is the one my hubby would like i think
My husband would like a black polo.
My husband would like the plain black Men’s UA Playoff Polo. I personally would pick the green striped for him, but he would definitely go for something that is just a solid color.
My dad would love the Men’s UA Playoff Polo in black
Love reading your blog. I have an 11 yr old girl who plays softball and soccer. I’ve never heard of Dragonwing, but, loved their website.
Kris, softball players love Dragonwing under their uniforms — smooth (no wedgies!), comfortable, light enough so not too hot. Here’s a review from customer who has 2 softball players: http://www.dragonwinggirl.com/chatter/girls-sports-compression-shorts-wedgie-free/
Get 15% off your first order when you sign up on our website.
Mary Ann at Dragonwing
The polo in storm color would be his choice
My dad would like black the best
Storm Polo
My husband would like the black polo,he goes for darker colors.
He would love the jet blue
Black is probably always one of the safest colors. Or white. We love underarmour!
The darker the color the better they like it.thanks