Poorly fitted sports bras are holding women and girls back

New research has revealed wearing a poorly fitted bra, or not having access to sports bras, severely impacts sport participation for women and girls. 

Translated into an evidence-based guide for those involved in school or community support, the research also highlights that decision-makers are not acting on their responsibility to educate girls and women on correctly fitted sports bras.

Supporting Girls and Women in Sport: Decision-Maker Insights on Breast-Related Issues, Education and Sports Bras in School and Sports Kits produced by Victoria University's (VU) Professor Clare Hanlon, Senior Research Fellow Dr Elliott Flowers and University of Wollongong’s Professor Deirdre McGhee, from Breast-Research Australia, in partnership Active Education Australia, and supported by Susan Alberti AC, highlights that decision-makers understand that a well-fitted sports bra is essential when participating in sport, yet very few are doing anything about it.

The guide showcases national survey results to better understand the perspectives of over two-hundred decision makers across 153 sport organisations, 73 schools as to why sports bras are rarely identified as a standard item in sports kits.

The results show these decision makers including coaches, teachers and committee members, believe girls and women have insufficient knowledge on well-fitted sports bras and don’t know where to buy them. 

Findings include:

• 66% said breast-related issues limit sporting performance
• 63% said breast-related issues discourage participation in sport
• 57% said they breast-related issues led to them dropping out of sport

Professor Hanlon, VU’s Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair said she hoped the evidence-based guide will influence those in leadership roles to make the connection between access to sports bras and sport participation.

“Our research shows the importance for schools and sports to educate girls and women on well-fitted sports bras and recognise sports bras as an essential kit item. This is not rocket-science, this is a necessity if schools and sports want to improve participation and performance in sport for girls and women,” Professor Hanlon said.

Active Education Australia Chief Executive Officer, Gillian Manson said this guide will become “a resource in our training with educators across the country to assist schools to take informed, practical steps to support girls to remain physically active and engaged in sport.” 

Co-researcher Professor McGhee said more than 25 years of research has shown that high-support, correctly fitted sports bras can prevent or relieve breast-related problems during exercise. “Supported by the IOC’s recognition of sports bras as essential sporting equipment, not underwear, we hope this guide will help more Australian women and girls exercise in comfort and confidence. It offers a simple, evidence-based solution to a problem that affects far too many women and girls.” 

The call to educate girls and women on well-fitted supportive sports bras and recognising this as an item for school sports and sports kit, is supported by athletes.

Former netball champion, now sports commentator Bianca Chatfield applauds the messaging in the guide: "I know firsthand the difference bra support can make. This guide highlights practical actions, and weblinks sport organisations can take, including providing education and recognising sports bras as an essential part of a sports kit. These changes would have improved my comfort and experience as an athlete."