Full Breakdown
Poorly Fitting Sports Bras Hinder Female Participation in Australian Sport
By Drooid · · How we work
The Scope of the Problem
Research on Australian sport participation identified breast-related discomfort as a notable barrier for girls and women. The study found that up to 88 % of female participants wear sports bras that do not fit properly, and only about one-third actually wear a sports bra during physical-education classes or school sports. Decision-makers reported that roughly 40 % of girls and women in their organisations experience breast-related issues that limit participation, lead to dropout, or impair performance.
Survey Findings from Coaches, Teachers and Administrators
The researchers surveyed 225 individuals—including coaches, teachers, administrators and program coordinators—from 153 sporting organisations and 72 schools across Australia. Key quantitative insights include:
- 95 % of respondents believed sports bras help prevent breast pain during exercise.
- 90 % said proper support reduces embarrassment from breast movement.
- 92 % thought education on bra design, fit and support would benefit girls and women.
- Two-thirds felt their organisation should provide such education, yet less than 1 % actually offered it.
- Only 2 % formally included sports bras in school or sports kits.
These gaps were attributed to cost barriers, limited awareness of the performance role of sports bras, and the perception of bras as underwear rather than equipment.
Successful Interventions in Practice
Two case studies illustrate how targeted actions can improve participation. At Gilgandra High School in New South Wales, teachers used NSW government equity funding to provide professionally fitted sports bras at no cost. The initiative coincided with a 35 % rise in girls’ participation in the school’s athletics carnival and boosted confidence and willingness to discuss breast health.
The Queensland Academy of Sport incorporated breast-health education and one-on-one sports-bra fittings into its athlete-support services. Following the program, athletes were markedly more likely to utilise breast-health resources, and the sessions facilitated open conversations about breast health and reduced perceived barriers.
Recommendations for Schools and Sporting Clubs
The study proposes practical steps for organisations seeking to retain female athletes:
1. Recognise sports bras as essential performance equipment and include them in kits.
2. Integrate breast-health and sports-bra education into physical-education curricula and training sessions.
3. Provide opportunities for girls and women to learn about bra design and proper fit in supportive environments.
4. Seek funding or identify cost-sharing mechanisms to make high-support bras affordable.
Anticipated Impact
If schools and clubs adopt these measures, the researchers argue that improved breast support could be one of the most straightforward strategies to boost female sport participation and curb dropout rates in Australia.