SPORTS BRAS
COMFORT, SUPPORT,
DURABILITY, LONGITIVITY, AND
BREATHABILITY
History
Marie Tucek patented
the first “Breast
Supporter” in 1893. It
looked very similar to
the modern brassiere.
1977 first sports bras
were arranged using 2
jock straps sewn
together
Current designs
consider many factors
from comfort to support
1959 : Warners and Du Pont
produced Lycra (a very stretchy
fabric) which is now used in
most bras. The fabric vents
extremely well.
Other fabrics predominantly
found in sports bras are know
for their elastic properties.
Cooper’s ligaments are the
natural support along with
skin for the breast.
Test to be evaluated
Mile Run Survey


Survey on comfort
before and after
exercise bout.
Also will look at
breath ability, and
friction spots.
Vertical jump and breast
movement.



Looks at comfort levels
and breast pain.
Can predict support and
comfort for long term use
of specific sports bras.
Will look at still frame
shots to determine actual
movement and
acceleration, which can
cause pain and
discomfort
General Survey
Survey general
problem areas
associated with
random sports bras
used, and random
breast size
14 factors/situations
1-10 ratings of
problem areas
Survey
Problem areas with
sports bra
research survey.
A perceived rating
by user ranging
from 1-10 of being
a problem area
Situation
Circle Rating
breast movement while walking 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
breast movement while jogging 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
breast movement while running 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
breast movement stretching 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
breast movement while jumping 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
breast movement while lifting weights 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
irritation of fabrics 1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9 10
ventilation
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
compression
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
high bouncing
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
low bouncing
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
8 9
10
comfort
durability
support
ile
ju
hin
re
tc
g
g
ng
nn
in
gg
i
g
n
lift
in
m
pin
g
g
irr
w
it a
ei
t io
gh
n
ts
of
fa
br
i cs
ve
nt
ila
tio
n
co
m
fo
rt
du
ra
bil
ity
su
pp
co
or
m
t
pr
es
hig
si o
h
n
bo
u
low nci
ng
bo
un
cin
g
wh
st
ru
jo
lki
n
at
io
Rating 1-10
wa
Si
tu
Results of 20 surveys
10
8
6
4
2
0
Situation
Example of sports bras
on the market
Sioux Sport Bra
Material
88% Polyester, 12% Spandex®
375 gm
Features
Moisture Management with
ventilation
High motion control
Molded cups for additional support
Power support straps for stability
Back closure
Donna Karan Underwire Sport Bra
Designed with underwires for
natural separation.
Heat-molded cups have inner
support paneling and covered
underwire construction.
This sports bra transfers
moisture to keep you cool and
comfortable.
Side support panels keep breast
tissue from chaffing under arms.
Unique 6 position hook shoulder
strap adjustment design.
Shock Absorber : Impact Level 3 Anna
Kournikova multiway sports bra
Hi-tech Coolmax fabric,
this performance sports
bra has molded cups
with an inner support
sling, padded straps
and a multiway back
fastening with an option
of crossover or straight
straps.
ENELL Sports Bra
The ENELL Sports Bra was
designed to enable larger
breasted women to exercise
and play sports in comfort.
They are made with Naturexx®
fabric. This fabric wicks
moisture away from your body
and dissipates body heat while
giving you strength, and
garment life.
Bouncing breast can be a barrier/setback for physical activity.
How to make sure you have the right support.
Conclusions
Areas needing to be
looked at closer
Jumping
Ventilation
Reducing breast
motion