To those struggling with children's underwear choices: Introducing how to choose innerwear tailored to growth stages

From elementary school to high school, adolescence is a period when the body undergoes various changes. Along with these changes, many parents and children themselves often struggle with "underwear choices." In particular, there are many questions such as "When should a bra be worn?" and "What kind of innerwear should be chosen to match growth?"

A survey conducted on Gunze's official X revealed that 82% of respondents had "experienced difficulties" regarding children's underwear, indicating that many families are confused by the physical changes during adolescence and the selection of underwear. Therefore, this time, we will introduce key points for choosing innerwear that supports growing children and recommended underwear according to each stage.

Survey on Children's Innerwear

A survey on junior innerwear was conducted using Gunze's official X. Among those currently raising adolescent children, 82% answered that they were "struggling" with innerwear choices, and over 80% had "hesitated" about the timing of switching according to growth, revealing the difficulty of selection. While "upper elementary school" was the most common transition period at 57%, half of the respondents also felt resistance to talking with their children about innerwear.

Survey period: March 17, 2026 - March 18, 2026

Valid responses: Indicated at the top of each graph

Survey target: 115,234 followers of @gunze_jp official X as of March 18

Survey method: Official X survey function

Choosing Innerwear According to Growth Stage

① Choose a type that matches the growth stage

・Bust tops start to become noticeable

【Concerns at this time】Bust tops may rub and hurt, or show through clothes...

【Recommendation】Innerwear with a double-layered chest area

・Area around the bust top gradually swells

【Concerns at this time】Bust may sway and hurt during exercise.

【Recommendation】Innerwear with slightly thicker pads

➁ Choose the right size for the individual

Underwear directly touches the skin, so an ill-fitting size can lead to discomfort during wear. A growing chest, unlike an adult's, is not yet fully developed and has a shallower contour. Choose underwear that fits the body and gently wraps the developing chest with pads and designs that support it.

➂ Choose specifications that minimize skin irritation

Soft fabrics and designs that gently protect the sensitive chest area, which can easily feel pain from even slight contact, are recommended. If seams rub and cause irritation, consider options with fewer seams or those with care labels printed directly onto the fabric. Less restrictive designs ensure comfort even during prolonged wear.

➃ Choose options that prevent underwear show-through or visible shoulder straps

Cut-off (raw-edge) materials are recommended as they make bra lines less noticeable under clothes and make it less obvious that a bra is being worn. If visible shoulder straps from the collar are a concern, consider options without shoulder straps or those with a less underwear-like appearance.

＜Tips for parents to talk to their children＞

For adolescent children, physical changes are a very delicate topic, and it is a time when they tend to be concerned about differences from friends and how others perceive them. Therefore, in addition to choosing innerwear according to the growth stage, communication from parents is also an important point. It is important to have opportunities for parents and children to choose together in a natural way, by making comments such as "Let's look at what kind of innerwear there is together," to help children accept these changes as a natural part of life.

Gunze's Recommended Items for Children's Growth

【STAGE 1】Bust tops start to become noticeable

【Piecclair】【100% Cotton/Double-layered Chest】Tank Top (140～160cm)

Sizes: 140, 150, 160

Color: White

Price: ¥1,408 (tax included)

A school innerwear that gently wraps the growing bust with a soft feel of 100% cotton x Gunze's original moisturizing "Skin Touch Processing." The double-layered chest pad prevents show-through and gently guards sensitive tops, making it safe for first-time innerwear wearers.

【STAGE 2】Area around the bust top gradually swells

【Piecclair】【100% Cotton/Insert Pad】Tank Top (140～160cm)

Sizes: 140, 150, 160

Color: White

Price: ¥1,408 (tax included)

A padded innerwear that gently wraps the bust without constriction. Made of 100% cotton x Gunze's original moisturizing "Skin Touch Processing" for a soft, skin-friendly, moist material. Features a white non-woven fabric pad. Breathable and supports the bust during its gently developing stage.

For padded innerwear similar to adult ones

【unTuché】Half Top Bra

Sizes: S, M, L

Colors: Tulle Pink, White Beige, Beige Heather, Sumikuro

Price: ¥1,980 (tax included)

Designed to fit daily life and pursue comfort based on the real voices of junior and senior high school students. This half-top bra minimizes skin irritation with a design that eliminates seams as much as possible, achieving a comfortable fit with less constriction. Made of cut-off material, it is less likely to show through outerwear and uses pads that shape the bust into a natural roundness, maintaining a beautiful bust line.