Six things we have learned from sports bra researchBy Derriere Equestrian
Comfort and fit are key for mature
women
A brand new
(2018) study published in Ergonomics
found that age and body mass index significantly affect breast characteristics,
tallying with a previous study in the 2014 European Journal of Ageing
that found that bras have a ‘social role’, in terms of one’s body perception
and self-esteem. Just 7 % of the ‘mature’ women (45-65 years old) surveyed were
‘still proud of their breasts’. Of primary importance to those ‘mature’
participants included areas such as comfort, the bra's ability to stay in place,
and optimal fit.
Comfortable straps are preferable,
during exercise
A 2015 study
published in Sports
Medicine looked at bra strap width, finding that thinner straps offered
least support, and the most amount of pressure.
Bigger boobs jiggle more (quelle
surprise!)
A study
published in Applied
Ergonomics in 2013 studied what’s described as ‘bra-breast forces’ in women
with large breasts while standing and running. Unsurprisingly, bigger boobs
caused more ‘vertical breast displacement’. (That’s jiggle, to the rest of us).
The researchers advised wearing sports bras with ‘high levels of breast support
[during] physical activity [via a sports bra], to reduce force generation and
breast discomfort’.
Elevation and compression boots
comfort
A 2010 study
published in Medicine
and Science in Sports Exercise looked at bra design, concluding that elevation
AND compression of the breasts is preferable to increase breast and bra comfort,
when compared with a standard encapsulation sports bra. The team stated: ‘Exercise-induced
breast discomfort was achieved through greater breast elevation and
compression, with no increase in vertical breast displacement (jiggle!) [when
the breasts were elevated].’
Compression bras aren’t necessarily
comfortable for non-exercise situations
They’re not
for everyone, but compression bras CAN work well for women with smaller
breasts. A 2016 study published in Ergonomics found that,
of the women studied, who were of Chinese origin (Chinese women average a 34B
or 34A size), compression sports bra provided more ‘comfortable support’ than
encapsulation sports bras, which give more separation and elevation. However, when
the wearers were stationary, the compression bras were found to be more
uncomfortable.
The majority of female sporting
enthusiasts seemingly experience bra-fit issues
A study
relating to participants in the 2012 London marathon published in the Journal of Sports Sciences
found that three-quarter of participants reported bra fit issues, e.g. chaffing
and shoulder straps digging in, with a higher incidence of issues reported by
participants with larger breasts.
Naturally, Derriere Equestrian has
taken all of the industry’s research into consideration with the design of our Sportief Bra,
which boasts:
A fusion of
encapsulation and compression in the sports bra, which is designed for horse
riders.
An exclusive
(non-underwired) cupping system designed to lift, separate, shape and support
the rider’s breasts.
Shoulder
straps featuring a padded support system.
An item
that’s comfortable and flattering under clothes, both on and off the horse, and
both in and out of the gym.
A wide range
of sports bra sizes, with an enhanced ‘plus’ range coming soon.
