IWD The History of the Sports Bra: How Women Took Charge

In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th we wanted to use today to speak about an amazing achievement by women and celebrating them taking charge and making a big difference in the world. With this also being a topic that lies very close to our hearts too, this is the story of how the first sports bra was made.

Back to the 70s: The Sports Bra Revolution Begins

Can you believe the first sports bra only came into existence in the late 70s? This means that the sports bra is less than 50 years old. That seems crazy young! Before then, women were pretty much making do with whatever they could for support during exercise - doubling up on regular bras, or just suffering through the discomfort. This wasn’t just inconvenient; it was a massive roadblock to fully participating in sports.

The creation of the first sports bra, or the “Jockbra” as it was initially known, was a lightbulb moment sparked by necessity. Lisa Lindahl, Polly Smith, and Hinda Miller were the brains behind this invention. Frustrated by the lack of support while jogging, they took matters into their own hands. Using two men's jockstraps stitched together, they crafted the first prototype, paving the way for a revolution in women’s sportswear. This wasn’t just about comfort; it was a bold move against the norms that had long sidelined women’s specific needs in sports.

Image Credit - New York Post

I don't know what you think, but I feel it's so backwards that the jockstrap was invented before the sports bra. I'm not an expert in the field of male support but my general impression is that women's breast support is a bigger (and heavier) problem than the male genitalia department. But appreciate I could be wrong...

Women Taking the Lead: How the Sports Bra Evolved

From that first “jockbra” moment, women have been at the forefront of innovating their own athletic wear. In the decades following the invention of the first sports bra, the garment has undergone significant development and innovation, driven by the increasing recognition of women's unique needs in sports and fitness. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, sports bra designs evolved from basic constructions to incorporate more advanced materials and features aimed at providing better support, comfort, and performance.

Significant milestone. have come in the form of the introduction of compression and encapsulation style sports bras, The former offering a a tighter and more supportive fit through elastic materials and strategic paneling. The latter separating each breast separately and offering improved shape and control, especially for larger-busted ladies, than ever before. This eventually lead to the development of a hybrid style, incorporating the best of both worlds.

In the early 2000s, advancements in fabric technology led to the emergence of moisture-wicking materials like nylon and spandex blends, which helped keep athletes dry and comfortable during intense workouts. Additionally, seamless construction techniques were introduced to reduce chafing and irritation, further enhancing the overall comfort and performance of sports bras.

More recently, there has been a focus on incorporating innovative design elements to address specific support needs for different activities and body types. For example, some sports bras now feature adjustable straps, underwire support, and targeted compression zones to provide customisable fit and support for a wide range of women.

On the other hand, while there have been notable improvements in sports bra technology and design over the years, some aspects of the garment have remained relatively unchanged. For example, the basic concept of providing support and minimising breast movement through compression during exercise has remained consistent, with most innovations focused on refining and enhancing these core functionalities.

Enter MAAREE: Redefining Support with Overband^® Technology

This is where MAAREE shines. Founded by Mari Thomas-Welland, MAAREE isn’t just another sportswear brand. It’s a testament to what happens when passion meets innovation. Frustrated by the lack of effective sports bra options, despite her background in testing their performance, Mari set out to create a solution.

The first Overband^® prototype

The result? The world’s first sports bra with Overband^® Technology. This genius design features a curved panel that runs over the top of the breasts to minimize upward motion, providing unmatched support. It’s about empowering women to exercise without worry, boosting their confidence, and supporting their health and well-being.

MAAREE Sports Bra Range with Overband^® Technology

The Big Picture: Empowering Women One Sports Bra at a Time