When was the last time you really thought about your bra? Probably not since the last time you wrestled with an underwire or struggled to find a sports bra that actually does its job.
But what if we told you there’s a whole world of scientific research going on behind the scenes to make sure your bra is more than just comfortable—it’s actually improving your breast health? That’s right, bras aren’t just about style or fit anymore; they’re key players in keeping everything in place and pain-free, especially during a workout.
In this article, we dive into the world of breast biomechanics (fancy, right?) with the help of Brogan Jones, lead researcher at the University of Portsmouth’s bra testing lab.
From tracking breast movement with motion sensors to understanding why the wrong bra can totally throw off your running stride, we’re breaking down everything you didn’t know you needed to know about how bras can impact your breast health. Spoiler: it’s a lot more than just “bounce.”
So, whether you’re a marathoner, a yoga enthusiast, or someone who just wants a bra that doesn’t pinch, there’s something here for you. Stick around as we uncover the science behind better bras.
The Science Behind Bounce
Let’s face it, we don’t often think about how bras can support breast health, but as Brogan tells us, it’s about time we start. “Breasts are an extremely unique part of the body,” she says, explaining how the lack of muscle or bone means they move independently from the rest of your body.
“They also have very weak natural support via the overlying skin and ligaments which can become damaged through excessive movement.” This is where breast biomechanics comes in—a fancy way of saying the study of how your breasts move and how to keep them supported.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why that high-impact workout feels like a bouncy mess without the right bra, now you know: it’s science!
Why Support Matters
Turns out, wearing the wrong bra isn’t just uncomfortable—it can actually cause some serious damage. “52% of women experience breast pain, some of which can be caused by not wearing a correctly fitting or supportive bra during exercise,” Brogan explains. And it doesn’t stop there. We’re talking stretch marks, breast strain, and even emotional barriers.
"Breasts can be a barrier to taking part in physical activity," Brogan adds, highlighting how many young girls opt out of sports because they feel embarrassed about breast movement. With the right support, not only are you helping protect your breast health—you’re boosting your workout-confidence.
Better Bra, Better Performance
You might be surprised to learn just how much a bra can affect your workout. According to Brogan, a poorly fitted bra can mess with everything from your stride to your energy levels.
“When wearing inadequate breast support during running, there was a decrease in stride length,” she says, noting that you could end up running an extra mile over the course of a marathon because of shorter steps.
Not exactly the goal, right? Add to that more muscle tension, faster fatigue, and even a higher risk of injury, and you’ve got a solid case for investing in a high-performance sports bra.
Testing That Counts
So, how do you know if a sports bra really gets the job done? That’s where Brogan and her team come in. They’ve developed a rigorous testing process, complete with high-tech motion sensors that track breast movement in three dimensions—yes, they’re measuring how your breasts bounce up, down, and side-to-side.
“We measure the movement of the breast in three dimensions to get an overall measure for the breast movement that is occurring,” she explains. And it doesn’t stop there: their lab tests bras from the prototype stage all the way to the final product, ensuring that each one performs as intended, whether it’s for high-impact runs or low-key yoga sessions.
Comfort Is Key
But let’s be honest, even the most supportive bra isn’t going to be your go-to if it feels like a medieval torture device. That’s why Brogan and her research team also pay close attention to comfort. “If a sports bra is super supportive but very uncomfortable, people won’t want to wear it,” she wisely points out.
They collect feedback on everything from comfort and fit to appearance and irritation points—because no one wants a bra that chafes. This ensures that the bras you see on shelves aren’t just scientifically sound but also comfy enough to wear through your toughest workout.
Our Top Performing Sports Bras
When it comes to our very own Catalyst and Engage Sports Bras, Brogan has the data to back up their performance.
“The Catalyst Sports Bra reduced 76% of breast movement overall,” she says, placing it in the top tier of bras tested at the lab. “This is in comparison to over 300 other sports bras tested previously in the same bra size.”
What really makes the Catalyst Sports Bra standout, according to the researchers, is that it’s enhanced to fit the natural shape of the chest. Its unique curved underband design helps it stay securely in place, providing that all-important support.
The Engage Sports Bra, designed for medium impact, reduced 66% of breast movement—pretty close to high support levels. It’s also a winner in the comfort category, making it both functional and wearable for all-day activities. (In our books, coffee runs count as workouts).
What’s Next for Bra Tech?
So, what does the future hold for our favorite workout essential? Brogan predicts some pretty cool advancements in bra technology, including the rise of “Smart Bras.” “Tracking workouts and monitoring ourselves is becoming the norm—these devices could be incorporated within your sports bra,” she says.
A bra that adapts to your movement or helps cool you during an intense workout may sound outlandish, but as wearable technology gains popularity, these innovations may be available in the not-so-distant future.
And while technology continues to push boundaries, Brogan hopes the industry will also move toward more inclusivity, offering better options for those with less common sizes or disabilities.
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We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we're not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.
We're here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you've been given. Phew, now that that's out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.