- A sports bra is a bra that is designed to reduce the amount of breast movement that occurs during a physical activity. They typically are made from softer materials than regular bras, have wider straps, and provide healthy support for the breast tissue for health rather than reasons of accentuation. The first sports bras were developed in 1905 by Lora Lyon, who recognized that regular undergarments of the time did not meet the needs of active women.
- Sports bras have the primary benefit of decreasing the risk of damage to the ligaments connected to the breast tissue. When a woman exercises, the breast tissue can move severely and the ligaments can stretch over time without support. This results in the breast tissue eventually sagging and the breasts losing shape. Sports bras prevent this by minimizing the amount of movement the breast tissue can achieve.
- Sports bras typically are made from fabrics that absorb moisture from the skin of the wearer. This means that the woman stays drier as she exercises. This reduces the amount of chafing that can occur as the wearer goes through the movements of her activity. Additionally, the fabric of sports bras is better at allowing air flow. This allows heat to be released from the body so the woman stays cooler and doesn't become as overheated during athletic activity. It also reduces the amount of sweat and bacteria that stays on the skin, which can clog pores.
- Sports bras typically have straps that are wider than conventional bra straps. A wider strap means that the weight of the breast tissue is distributed over a larger area. This ultimately is more comfortable for the wearer because the straps do not dig into the shoulders as easily. They also are less likely to twist and shift, allowing for better movement.
- Sports bras have an advantage over regular bras in that they are better at reducing the amount of movement of the breast tissue. This can increase comfort due to the fact that pain can result from breast tissue that moves back and forth too harshly. Because the breast tissue is more supported and constricted, the skin of the breast tissue also is less likely to rub against the bra in such a way that painful chafing would occur.
