Athletic and Sports Bras
There was a time when a bra’s only purpose was to support and cover the breasts avoiding any sort of impropriety on the part of the woman. As women become more involved in social activities, however, many forms and styles of the bra emerged. Women were demanding more comfortable bras, skimpier bras, fancier bras and bras for different occasions such as bras made to be worn with halter tops and no-back evening gowns, bras with no straps and even bras for running or exercising.
Without question, going to the gym or an aerobics class was no treat in a regular bra. Even for small-busted women, the breasts jumped all over causing severe pain and sore backs. The thin straps cut into the shoulders when moving and the bra slid up over the breasts when stretching the arms above the head. Something more substantial and more appropriate was required. Enter the athletic or sports bra.
The fitness bra comes in many styles including racer back, t-back and y-back. The bra might be crop top styling, soft or molded cupped, underwire or wire-free cupped, low or high impact and may even have UV protection for outside use.
Some features to look for in a sports bra are:
• bras without metal clasps or plastic snaps that poke into the skin,
• breathable materials which absorb the perspiration keeping it away from the skin,
• friction-free bras which keep sensitive areas of the breast from chafing and leaving burn marks,
• armholes that are wide enough to allow movements while engaged in strenuous activities but not too wide as to allow spillage,
• seamless designs as the thread on the seam cuts into the skin,
• and tagless bras to avoid aggravation from the tag rubbing on the back or side of the body.
One designer that has made his mark in women’s yoga and fitness gear is Chip Wilson. He founded a company called “lululemon” when he discovered that people taking yoga classes did not have access to properly made clothing for the activity. Selling rudimentary products from his studio, he then advanced to opening a store in 2000. He professes basic values such as community involvement, charitable participation, the use of natural and sustainable raw materials and the fair treatment of employees and ultimately his fellow man.
Lastly, since the popularity of the fitness bra escalated, women are throwing away traditional bras and opting to wear the comfort-laden athletic bra to work and under their fancy clothes as well. Bare Necessities, an online retailer of women’s undergarments offers pages of sharp looking sports bras from many designers around the globe.