With women’s needs historically underserved when it comes to sportswear designed for the female form, adidas has unveiled its extensive new sports bra collection after undergoing extensive research, development and multiple testing stages.
Studies show that breasts can undergo damaging skin stretch without the right bra, and everyday and elite athletes alike express widespread dissatisfaction about the impact of poor support on performance and participation in sport.
Meeting female athlete needs
adidas is committed to driving its innovation forward to better serve the needs of female athletes, making their impossible, possible, in sport.
As part of this mission, adidas worked closely with a leading breast biomechanics research institute at the University of Portsmouth.
Research found that if breasts are not properly supported during running, they experience the same G force as an F1 driver and could undergo potentially damaging skin stretch.
Meanwhile, unsupported breasts can move up to 19cm during star jumps and nearly half (46%) of schoolgirls who were surveyed reported their breasts affected their participation in sports.
Added comfort and better fit
Using these insights, adidas set out to redefine its current offering and create a range of sports bras that deliver added comfort and better fit, enabling more female athletes to participate in sport and experience the benefits it brings.
Using the latest material and design innovations, the new collection features:
- Everyday bras designed for lounging and gentle movement;
- Studio bras for yoga, Pilates and other low-to-mid intensity activity;
- Training bras designed to provide enhanced support during HIIT classes and more intense sport;
- Running bras that offer the highest level of breast support in the collection.
The collection comprises 43 new styles across 18 product franchises, which are available in an extensive and inclusive size range to help more athletes experience sport without restraint, key pieces include:
COREFLOW LUXE STUDIO MEDIUM SUPPORT BRA
Using new adidas adisoft fabric the sleek and bonded seam finish enables a comfort first fit and feel while in the studio.
Inspired by ballet wear, the seams allow athletes to experience a full range of motion while also ensuring full coverage and support, moving with the body through every twist and turn.
POWERIMPACT LUXE TRAINING MEDIUM SUPPORT BRA
With a high neck finish, the bra offers extra coverage and medium support through a wide range of movement. The innovative design includes a quick release front opening for instant relief as lungs expand during exercise. The subtle front opening also provides air flow in high sweat zones, whilst new adidas adiflex fabric ensures a smooth fit and feel with the clean edges also designed to help reduce chafing over long training sessions.
FAST IMPACT LUXE RUN HIGH SUPPORT BRA
Designed to provide high support whilst running, the bra includes 360 adjustability allowing athletes full control over required fit. The wrapped design helps distribute weight evenly for a secure feel, whilst the smooth flat seaming design along the interior and armholes help prevent chafing. adidas’ new absorbent adiform fabric also provides a cool to the touch finish, whilst AEROREADY technology helps manages moisture in a range of conditions.
Scientific support
With the impact of breast movement in sport not regularly brought to the fore, adidas has partnered with Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, head of the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth, to help shine a light on why sufficient breast support during exercise is crucial, and the damaging effects of not wearing the right sports bra.
Prof Wakefield-Scurr added: “Unknown to many, athletes may require the same amount of breast support during power walking as they do during sprinting, and a lack of support has the potential to cause irreversible damage. Breast movement in sport continues to be an area that is overlooked, so it’s great to have established a long-standing relationship with adidas. Not only have they invested in sports bra research and development and independent scientific testing, but they recognise the importance of raising awareness of this topic. This is great to see given the impact breasts can have on participation and performance in sport; and it’s vital that we continue to provide further education where we can.”
To further support the specific needs of its female athletic community, adidas worked with many of its leading partners to understand what they’re looking for in a sports bra and the impact it has on their training and competition.
Bra measurement service
With fit being critical to the efficacy of a sports bra, adidas offers a free and discrete bra measurement service at its Sandton City, Canal Walk, V&A Waterfront and Gateway Shopping Centre stores. Alternatively, you can make use of their online bra fitting tool with self-measurement tutorial and bra finder to help shoppers find their perfect fit.
The new adidas sports bra collection is available in-store and online at adidas.co.za.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
Hello Pedro! I am a fitness freak woman and understand the need for sportswear in a woman’s life, especially the sports bra. Yes, the unsupported breasts may move as much as 15-20 centimeters. This kind of movement can cause back or breast pain. Thanks to Adidas for giving us a more great choice to us and for our wardrobe. Also, thanks for sharing the article, keep posting.