Up to 88% of girls wear wrong sports bra, only 2% of schools provide one
Australian research finds up to 88% of girls wear wrong sports bras and fewer than 1% of schools teach proper fit.
Breast movement during sport causes pain, chafing and embarrassment that pushes girls away from exercise. Most schools and sports organisations do almost nothing about this.
A new Australian study surveyed 225 decision-makers from 153 sports organisations and 72 schools. Most said breast-related problems affect about 40% of girls, limiting participation and hurting performance.
Only 2% of surveyed organisations formally included sports bras in uniforms. Fewer than 1% offered any education on proper fit.
About 95% of decision-makers believed sports bras prevent breast pain. And 92% thought girls should learn about sports bra support.
But knowledge did not translate into action. Simple changes such as including sports bras in uniforms and teaching girls about proper fit could keep more of them playing.
- 225
- Decision-makers surveyed
- 72
- Schools surveyed
- up to 88%
- Girls wearing wrong fit
- about 40%
- Girls affected by breast-related issues
Why it mattersA massive gap exists between what schools know helps girls stay in sport and what they actually do, leaving a fixable barrier unaddressed.
AustraliaAustralian girls are dropping out of organised sport at alarming rates; better sports bra access and education could be part of the solution.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
