This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Australian sport has a participation problem, especially when it comes to girls and women. In fact, Australian girls and women are dropping out of organized sports at concerning rates.
There are myriad reasons why this is happening. One barrier that gets little coverage is sports bras. We recently studied how decision-makers in schools and sports organizations understand breast-related barriers to participation and whether they recognize sports bras as part of the solution.
Sports bras are essential for girls and women because breasts move a lot during activities such as running, jumping or quick changes in direction. This movement can cause pain, chafing and embarrassment, which may discourage participation and hurt performance. A high-support, properly fitted sports bra can alleviate or resolve these issues and allow girls and women to exercise comfortably.
However, research shows up to 88% of girls wear sports bras that do not fit properly, and only about a third wear a sports bra during PE or school sports. Not including sports bras in school uniforms or sports equipment, and not teaching about bra fit and breast health, are gaps that need addressing. The good news is that these gaps can be addressed through practical, achievable changes to assist the health, comfort and performance of girls and women playing sports.
Our team surveyed 225 people—including coaches, teachers, administrators and program coordinators—who decide on sports equipment in 153 sporting organizations and 72 schools across Australia. One respondent said, "In the same way that a mouthguard protects teeth, breasts are high-contact areas in our sport that require protection and support." Most respondents said breast-related issues negatively affect participation—a majority believed about 40% of girls and women in their organizations faced breast-related problems that limited participation, led to dropping out and affected performance. However, most understood the benefits of sports bras: About 95% believed sports bras help prevent breast pain during exercise, and more than 90% said they reduced embarrassment from too much breast movement.
About 92% of decision-makers thought girls and women would benefit from learning about sports bra design, fit and support. While two-thirds felt their organization should provide this education, less than 1% actually offered sports bra education. Only 2% formally included sports bras in school uniforms or sports equipment.
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