AKA
Breasts may look like cones for a bit but they round out after a year or so.
breasts, baps, bazookas, boobies, bosoms, bristols, bust, hooters, jubblies, jugs, knockers, melons, orbs, tits.
What are they for?
- Looking good: Most women say their breasts are their best bits.
- Feeling good: Nipples are erogenous zones. They stand out when you're turned on (and when it's cold)
- Tasting good: Making milk for future babies, I mean.
What they're not for
Leering at, jeering at or even cheering at. They're just for you and those you want to get close to.
When do girls start growing boobs?
Breasts must be important - they're usually the first sign of puberty. For most girls they start changing around 10 or 11 years old, but anytime between 8 and 15 is fine.
First, the area around the nipple (called the areola) swells and darkens. A breast 'bud' develops underneath as the boobs start to grow. Tiny glands looking like bumps appear on the areola.
Breasts may look like cones for a bit but they round out after a year or so. They may hurt or tingle a bit whilst they're growing. Most breasts reach their full potential at 18.
Can I do anything to change their size?
Apart from major surgery, there's nothing you can do to change your breast size. Exercise doesn't work because your breasts have no muscles (that's why you can't move them) which is why God invented padded bras...
When will I need a bra?
As soon as you can feel your boobs wobbling when you walk. But even then, you don't have to wear a bra - it won't damage your breasts if you don't.
But most women chose to because they:-
- Look Good. Any shape is possible from natural and sporty to bras that lift separate or plunge.
- Are Comfy. Especially when doing sport
For your boobs to be properly supported your bra needs to be the right size. Most department stores, underwear shops and some big shops like Marks and Spencer offer a free measuring service.
If you're nervous, you can find out exactly what happens at a bra fitting here.
What's normal
- One breast may be bigger than another.
- Nipples may be dark or pale and sometimes have hair around them.
- All sorts of shapes and sizes are normal (the average for all women in the UK is a 34C).
Finally...
Breasts are everywhere, in adverts, on TV, in mags, and it's easy to feel inadequate. Remember, no one really looks like Lara Croft. Even Page 3 Girls admit to needing tape to shape sometimes. Believe me, most perfect looking breasts are a little too perfect to be real. And there's nothing more attractive than a girl who's happy and confident with her own body. Learn to love what you've got.
Further help and advice
More about girls and puberty
More boobs
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007

Taylar, 14
im a 34DD, EVERYONE calls me katie pice at school and it really annoys me, what do i do ?
Chantelle, 13
This site really helped me because im the only one out of my friends with big boobs, im a 34E. My boyfriend likes them though
, 16
I am totally frustrated because I'm 16 years old and I still have no boobs! Nothing. Is that normal, i'm getting a little scared
Jon , 18
Just to reassure anyone worrying if they are too small or too big, 99% boys don't mind what size they are. I think people often think that big is best, but I don't think most boys would agree.
Caisy, 13
I am a 32B and i am a bit nervous because all of my friends are in 34D and all that kind of thing. I felt quite small but this site has helped me to get my confidence level up alot. Now i am walking around school with confidence. THANK YOU XX
titss,
hii xx im a size 34 b and im ok with it i guess coz i have a boyfriend and he loves me 4 who i am xx
T', 15
34D and proud! But I do get a lot of pointless attention from it, :( x
alice, 14
i am a 32c but my bras are tite and my mum thinks ive grown bigger and i may be 32d i need a proper measure but i am really happy with my boobs and my bf likes them not tht hes seen them without clothes on thanks for the advice bcoz zometimes i feel adnormal
Shizza, 12, 12
I'm coool!! with a 32C boobs. This doesn't really help becuase i already knew all that!
Rachel, 15
Im a 32B and I think I'm way too big - I think my boobs make me look fat.
Asia..., 15
OMG! I hate my breast so much. I'm nowhere near old, and they sag. Im considering a breast lift when I turn 18.
Abbiee, 15
i know the feeling of being the girl with small boobs till i was about 14 i had 34a boobs compared to all my friend which were wearing 34c bras but soon as i hit 15 my boobs just grew and now im 34E which is okay but now i find it hard make people focus on me and not my boobs but truthfully its not about how big they are it about what kind of bra you wear :) soo try them on befroe buying :) xx
Harjeet, 18
im a 34c and proud of it!!! : )
Hannah, 14
I have 32DD, and to be honest i love it.
chelsie, 13
im a size 32b and its ok i guess, this page is really great!! x
K-Jay , 12
i started developing last year and am size 30A. i thought i was big but after reading through. Thankyou!
Lydia, 13
i am a size 32 f i feel weird because all my friends are smaller than me! i am also quite tall so sometimes i feel quite un-comfortable.
grace, 16
I love NOT having big boobs because I am very sporty and boobs would just get in the way! I love the body I have got! If you are feeling insecure, buy some really nice bras because they will make you feel tons better
jodie, 14
i have 32a boobs and are really unhappy with them...i wish i could have bigger boobs but some of my mates moan that havin big boobs is bad....they would know because they have big boobs.....i have the smallest and are really anxious....but after readin this i felt a bit better knowin that people all develop at different times...so thanks BBC :)
jo, 13
i have really small breasts, 30aa--allthough i am glad thatthey are not like d size cause that would be really heavy none of my friends are less than a b cup so i allways feel really embarrased because i don't even fill my 30aa properly
Amie, 14
I'm a 38DD, and I get the piss taken outta me at school for having big boobs. Most girls are jealous and take it out on me.
yasmin , 11
I am glad this page is here to help because about 4 months ago I was flat chested now they are starting to grow! I am happy :)
Chelsie, 14
thanks, this helped soo much!!! thank you :]
Lauren , 12
Im a 32b and Happy !
jade, 14
I'm a 34b-the same as my 22 year old sister. She says I am lucky with my boob size but compared to my friends I am tiny! But this page has helped me understand it's normal to not be the same as everyone else. 4 more growing years left :), thanks xxx
KATIE, 17
this site really hepled me get a boob job i was a 34 d an went to a 34 m thanks im really proud of my boobs now x x
fiona, 16
i am from nz and since i was 8 i have had boobs they are bigger than everyone in my school they are 18 G they are bigger than my mothers and all of my sisters and i am sick of people seing them first instead of me it gets anoying when i talk to guys as they look at them andits a battle of trying to keep them focused on me i have tried everything and i think i need a brest reduction
:), 14, 14
thanks this helped alot
lucy, 15
i have quite small boobs, but i really love them - and so does my boyfriend (;
Heloise, 17
I'm 17 and i have size 32 E breasts. I hate them so much. Regardless of what this collum says i will forever hate the way they look. They sag and i have strech marks on them from where they have grown so fast. Everyone seems to have lovely cleavages but i dont even have one. I keep them coverd at all times now, even when i'm on a night out.
Kate, 13
I always used to woory about my boobs 'cause their a 34D!! Thanks to this page i feel more confident about them and i know their nothing to be ashamed of, thanks!!! love Kate x :)
----, 13
I am like the only girl in my class with the smallest breasts. I am a size 32aa. I hate g haveing such a wide chest and small boobs! But after reading the comments and the article, I feel much better that they don't stop growing till 18. Thanks bbc!
Sophie , 13
Me and my best friend are really flat chested, all our other mates are really big like DD and we are tiny. We don't really mid though becuase we KNOW that we will grow. Be happy for your self and who YOU are, because in the end its not whats on the outside. Plus there are ALWAYS boob joibs !! :L
*********, 14
This has made me feel better. And grateful. I have size 32A boobs, and I'm reasonably happy because I don't want huge boobs otherwise I'll be unable to do many things in comfort. Also, I know mine will grow a little bit more, so a B will be perfect.
Sarah, 16
My friend Christina and I have boobs at a young age so reading this has made me feel like this isn't abnormal!
*******, 13
Thanks this page was really helpful, especially the link on what happens when you get your boobs measured - I was really nervous to get them measured before! Thank you BBC xxx
Kiara, 14
I'm dead happy with my boobies :) They're 32C and I'm only 14, wowie, this site is amazing!.xxx
Beth &+ Chelsea, 12
Hey You Forgot Nunga-Nungas As An AKA!!! x
Lizzie, 15
Im nearly 16 and have 32 a boobs, and even then i dont really fill my bra.I'm the oldest out of my friends and the smallest in all ways.I do get down about my boobs coz thats all my guy mates talk about!But girls have got to realise that it doesnt matter if you got big or small boobs, love yourself for who and what you are and your confidence will shine through!x
Miley, 14
I'm 14 and im a size 34C. Lads seem 2 look at them, like alot, sit does get annoying but this site helped me alotxx thanx slink
**************, 17
hiaaaim a size 30AA ,y boy friend thinks i've got small boobs but really when i take my bra off for him they be bouncing everywhere but thanks for the advice xxx
Helen, 11
I am quite glad that the averege is 34c as i am the averedge then...i thoughtthat i had big boobs and now i realise that i am averege so it has sorted my worries...THANKS !
Annie, 14
i always thought i was strange coz i started wearing a bra when i was 8. im now a size 38DD. im bigger than all my friends but after reading this page and the comments i realized i had nothing to worry about
harriet-evy, 14
thankyou very much beacause it always seems like i am the only one wiv small boobs at the moment and they could become any size yet x this site was very helpful =D
Bella, 15
This has really helped me. I had to start wearing a bra in year 5 (when I was about 9/10) and it was embarassing then because only a few other girls wore one. Then in high school, boys would flirt with me while blatently staring at my chest, and it put me off my boobs, but then I read this and it has really helped and made me a more confident person. I even got a boyfriend now who just likes me for me and not the size of my chest! xxx ;D
Fxxxxxxxx, 14
thankyou for this site cuz it really hepled me get over how self concious i was im 14 and have onli got a tiny bra size 30 aa they are super small! but now i no that they arent fully developed until im 18 i can just relax instead of thinking all the time its only me am i a freak? THANKYOUU!
, 15
i really hate my boobs because they have stretch marks like ALL over them, im quite happy with the size but they look really horrible with the stretch marks. does anyone else have this problem? and what can i do to reduce them :( xx
Daisy , 14
Thanks xx. This site is really helpful, i'd definitely recommend it!
Shannon, 14
This site is amazing i am big 4 my age a 36c and quickly growing out of them, im just petrfied as all my family have big boobs i dont want to be as bog as half of them my mum is a 40d and my auntie is a 44f wat can i do HELP!
?, 15
One of my boobs are bigger than the other. Is this normal? And my nippel on one is kinda weird..what should I do? I cant talk to anyone. Im too embarassed. Help me.
*********, 15
im 15 and 34D, my boyfriend loves them but i've been ill an dlost loads of weight and they are scared but he still finds them beautiful :) after reading this site i feel confident about them but still have doubts and worries about my scaring ):
Darcy, 13
I found this page really helped! I have size 36DD boobs and i love them and get loads of attention by them but they sag quite a bit when i take my bra off, i was still wearing training and sports bras when i was 11 and had size B boobs, could this be the reason why they droop so much? :(
sarah, 12
I'm only 12 and both me and my best friend have abnormally large boobs (me-D and her-C) I sometimes get stared at and am mad when guys don't even bither to look at my face if anyone has more advice it would be really helpful thx
Steph , 15
This has really helped! I'm a 34c and i was really uncomftable because my friends are all smaller than me and im bigger than my mum by two cup sizes. But now i dont feel as difficult as its the avergae. I just hope i stop growing now. Thank You xx
anonymus, 14
i read tis like 2 days ago, and i don't have a bra, so i was talking to my mum bout it, and how its embarassing when people go to ping you and they can't find it, so she was like we will get you measured, but she tried to get me a bra 3 years ago and i said no, but now i want one, hopefully getting measured soon. (:
Tracey, 17
Girls, just because your boobs are "small" doesn't mean you want them to be bigger.. trust me, my friends a 34EE, and shes only 16 and she hates the size of them because they're so big. Just because people say all the guys want girls with big boobs its only 25% true.. i'm a 32C and my boyfriend loves my boobs and so do i! But you've got plenty of time before your boobs properly develop, so don't rush into it!
Jennifer, 14
This page has been really helpful to me. Thankyou x. Did anyone know that as a female, your breasts never stop growing or changing shape? They are the part of your body that will grow most apparently.
Jo, 13
When i first started wearing a bra, it was uncomfortable even after getting measured, but i soon grew used to it. I'm now a B cup which is ok for girls my age.They really ache when i play sports so i have to wear sports bras. I know people who say that theirs jump around a bit when they're going downstairs, so they have to wear a bra because otherwise they're just holding them to support them.I have experienced similar stuff too. I am perfectly happy with mine and i know that there is plenty of time for them to grow. Anyway,I think this page is really helpful, thankyou.
Felix, 15
I feel slightly less embarassed now ta
briony, 16
this website is great, i dont feel out of shape and I am more concerned about my body especially being a 36EE!!!
Emma, 15
I hate mine! Im 15, im a 34A (And ahve done all my growing) and im jealous, coz all my mate are like B/Cs. So i cover up! Its unfair that im the 1 thats the single bean =[ X
Daisy , 14
Hi. I'm 14 and I'm only 5 foot tall and a size 32A. Most of my friends are bigger, but I know there is someone out there my age with no boobs at all. Just remember that. Thankyou Slink
amelia, 12
before i read this i felt ded uncomfortable cuz im 28AA but now i've read this i feel happy with myself. if anyone doesnt know weather to buy bras from la senza take the pencil test.all u have to do is put a pencil under your boob n if it stays there then hello la senza!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 13
thanks, i got worried because i started developing when i was 9 and i have been the same size since (32 aa). but no i know to wait coz i gotta long time still 2 go!
caitlin, 12
I have small boobs just bit bigger than flat chested - I think I might need a bra but My mum says I don't need one but after reading this I think I do - I am going into town tomorrow Should I get fitted for one or just wait until my mum says I need one??
Domonique, 14
my boobs are a size 36c an i love them this page help me to be alittle more confident about my boobs.
christina hood, 12
my boobs are so large that they are what everyone stares at what should i do so no one just stares at them
Liv, 15
I have quite small boobs and i used to hate it but my mate who has got big boobs always gets harassed by the boys and i do lots of sport so its kinda good i dont have big knockers bouncing everywhere! I dont care if im that small-32 A and im happy !!
jess, 16
having big boobs isnt so great, i think i would prefer to be flat. i am a 32 F and i find it hard to get bras which fit me, as well as tops because i have a small waist but big boobs so the tops always look baggy. My boyfriend gets annoyed because men look at my boobs a lot. But o dont get down about them because they are who i am and i love them- so does my bf :D
----, 12
last year i was teased (i guess you could say bullied but it sounds far too strong a word) for having small boobs. i was really humiliated when people asked me 'why' i wore a bra so i said to them "why do you wear socks?" and that shut them up.. for a while! but now reading this i feel quite confident. i am only a 32a, i don't want to get measured though because i'm scared that they will tell me i'm smaller than that. i got so humiliated last year. please just be aware that many people are VERY sensitive about their boobs. i am one of them. thankyou so much bbc for this page! x x x x x
tom , 12
thanks this was realy interesting
Clara, 11
All my friends have boobs but I don't. I don't wear a bra either. I thought there was something wrong with me. After reading this though I feel much better. Thankyou. My life is much better now.
shannon, 13
im thinking about going to get measured because i seem to be coming over the top of my bra but i am really nervous about it i will write back once i have had it done at the moment i am 34 b but you never no i might be bigger
--------------------------------, 15
hi im 15 an im a onli a 34b and all my other friends have a lot bigger boobs than me this makes me feel self concious and i have noticed they havent grown for over the last few months but hearing that most girls boobs dont stop growing uptill the age of eighteen has made me feel happier and more self confident about my boobs
Mable , 16, 16
I am 16 and mines haven't started yet. My mum wants me to wear padding but I don't. I want to be myself but I wish that they would hurry up before she gets me a watter bra or something.She has even mentioned hormones. She wants them injected into me to hurry the process... I don't want her to... I want to be me.
anon, 13
This page makes me fell like im not the only one with this problem and makes me feel better about myself.Thanxz!xx
Charlotte, 13
Idk Whats Going On... I'm 13, A Size 8/10 And im A 32E !Whats Happening ?
*******, 17
I hate the fact that i have another year of growing. As my boobs are an F cup. I hate it but i always try my hardest to like myself for who i am.
Krissie, 13
Everyone used to make fun of me because i developed faster but when i went to highschool, i know its normal and people can develop late or early.
Georgia, 13
when i was about 11 i started getting boobs like the nipple was harder and there was more and more underneath, but they have been growing so so slowly form 12 yrs old to now, some of my friends are havning this too it is just annoying beacuse i am still an aa-an-a!thank you
Daisy, 14
Wow- this site is really good, it definitely helped me when i needed it most! :-)
Emma, 14
I am a 34c and i am used 2 thinkin that i am quite a small size bt after readin this nd findin that it is the national average i am v. happy lol =)
rosie, 14
well i am like flat chestedbut you can get teeny weeny brasi know is is really emabrrasing in the changing rooms if ur braless so i went with my mu and got myself fitted.32 A :S
Mili, 15
This is really helpful(Y).I started developing at 9 and am still size A... Kinda sucks.
xxxxxxxxx,
thanks i'm now proud of my boobs
beth, 14
i am a 34d and i am still not happy
mischa, 15
i am 15 and my boobs don't seem to b growing that much..i probly have the smallest boobs in my year i am reli upset wat shal i do :( xx
Lauren, 14
I have quite small boobs, but this page helped me to remember that they have time to grow and its normal for them to be small
vanessa, 13
mine wobble but i wish they were bigger. I'm Cup size A. I know it isn't bad for my age, but loadsa girls have bigger boobs than me
---------, 13
i don't know when my boobs will next grow but they are very small and i feel different to all of my friends and i just hope they grow more, will they?
Ellis, 14
I am usally Worried About my Boobs if they are to big/small for my age .... But now I am confident With Them now ! Thanx ! Thus page has helped me and I hope will Help Others Too !
Laura, 14
I was really scared about having boobs so i use to hide away from boys but this has given me real confdence and i am now dating a really cute and hot guy.
Frankie boy , 14
hey, I'd just like to say i used to feel very insecure about my boobs but now they have helped me reach my full potential.
Roseana, 12
Thank you xxx
amy , 16, 16
this page is really good thanks xxx
michelle-lousie, 18
before i used to come onn this site i used to feel a little insucure about myself, but coming on here and reading the stories, blogs ect it made me feel alot more happy about myself i dont worry about my appearence so much! well...i always make an effort but i dont worry about it. i'd just like say thanks xx
anna, 13
when i was about 10/11 i started waring training bras/crop tops call them what you want so when i started wearing my first proper bra i didn't feel uncomfortable. it pay's to be prepared!
Mary, 15
This page help me with a lots thanks xxx
abbie, 14
I Found This Really Helpful & Intresting.. & Im Sure It Is Great Help For Others Too =] Thankyou xx
*****, 13
This page helped to resure me a little bit after reading it! Out of all my friends i am the one with the smallest boobs. im not completly flat but am not exactly wobbling around to much. It was jst good to no that there is plenty of time left for them to grown and i am normal thankyou!!
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