Who Invented the Sports Bra? The Surprising Story Behind a Game-Changing Invention

Today, the sports bra is an essential part of almost every active woman's wardrobe. Whether you're running, practising yoga or heading to the gym, it's hard to imagine exercising without one.

But before the late 1970s, sports bras simply didn't exist.

Women often exercised in everyday bras that weren't designed to support breast movement during physical activity, making exercise uncomfortable and, for many, discouraging.

Everything changed in 1977 with an invention that would transform women's sport forever.

Who Invented the Sports Bra?

The first commercially successful sports bra, known as the Jogbra, was invented in 1977 by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller and Polly Smith.

The three women recognised a problem that millions of active women faced: traditional bras simply weren't designed for running or high-impact exercise.

Their solution created an entirely new category of lingerie and athletic clothing that continues to evolve today.

Why Was the Sports Bra Invented?

During the 1970s, running became increasingly popular among women, but suitable sports underwear hadn't kept pace.

Everyday bras often lacked the support needed for exercise, leading to discomfort caused by excessive breast movement.

Lisa Lindahl, an enthusiastic runner, wanted a bra that would make running more comfortable, but there wasn't one available to buy.

Rather than accepting the problem, she decided to help solve it.

The Famous Jockstrap Story

The inspiration behind the first sports bra has become part of lingerie history.

While discussing the lack of supportive athletic underwear for women, the conversation turned to the protective athletic supporters already worn by men.

As a joke, two jockstraps were stitched together to create an early prototype.

Although simple, the concept demonstrated that women's sports underwear could be designed specifically to provide support during exercise.

From that unlikely starting point, the team refined the design into what became the Jogbra.

How the Jogbra Changed Women's Sport

The Jogbra quickly became popular because it solved a problem that many women had simply accepted.

For the first time, women had a bra designed specifically for movement, making activities such as running, aerobics and fitness classes far more comfortable.

The invention didn't just improve lingerie. It helped remove one of the practical barriers that prevented many women from participating in sport.

Its success also encouraged further innovation, leading to the wide range of sports bras available today.

How Sports Bras Have Evolved

Sports bras have come a long way since 1977.

Modern designs now use advanced fabrics, moisture-wicking materials and carefully engineered construction to provide different levels of support depending on the activity.

Today's sports bras are available in low, medium and high-impact styles, helping women find the right level of support whether they're walking, cycling or running a marathon.

Why Are Sports Bras So Important?

During exercise, breasts naturally move in multiple directions. Without the right support, this movement can cause discomfort and make physical activity less enjoyable, particularly for women with fuller busts.

A well-fitting sports bra is designed to reduce excessive movement while providing comfort and stability throughout your workout.

Choosing the right level of support can help you feel more confident and comfortable, whether you're walking the dog or training for a race.

What Makes a Modern Sports Bra Different?

Today's sports bras are engineered very differently from the original Jogbra.

Many modern designs feature:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep you cool and dry.
• Wide, supportive underbands.
• Encapsulated or compression cups, depending on the style.
• Adjustable straps for a personalised fit.
• Racerback or cross-back designs to improve stability during movement.

These innovations help provide the support needed for a wide range of sports and fitness activities.

How Do You Choose the Right Sports Bra?

The best sports bra depends on both your bust size and the type of exercise you do.

As a general guide:

• Low-impact: Walking, yoga and Pilates.
• Medium-impact: Cycling, hiking and strength training.
• High-impact: Running, HIIT, aerobics and court sports.

Women with fuller busts may prefer higher levels of support even for lower-impact activities, as this can improve overall comfort.

The Legacy of the Jogbra

More than four decades after its invention, the Jogbra remains one of the most influential innovations in lingerie history.

It paved the way for an industry dedicated to helping women exercise more comfortably and confidently.

Today's sports bras may look very different from the original prototype, but they all owe something to the simple idea that women deserved lingerie designed specifically for movement.

Common Myths About Sports Bras

Myth: Sports bras are only for runners.

Not at all. Sports bras are suitable for many activities, including walking, yoga, dancing, gym workouts and everyday active lifestyles.

Myth: Every sports bra provides the same level of support.

False. Sports bras are designed with different support levels depending on the activity they're intended for.

Myth: The tighter the sports bra, the better.

A sports bra should feel secure but never painfully tight. Restrictive bras can become uncomfortable and may not provide a better fit.

Myth: You can wear a worn-out sports bra forever.

Like everyday bras, sports bras gradually lose elasticity over time. Replacing them when they no longer provide adequate support helps maintain comfort during exercise.

The Bottom Line

The invention of the Jogbra in 1977 marked a turning point in both lingerie and women's sport.

Thanks to Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller and Polly Smith, women finally had access to underwear specifically designed for exercise, helping make physical activity more comfortable and accessible.

Modern sports bras continue to build on that pioneering idea, offering advanced support, innovative fabrics and designs tailored to every activity and body shape. It's a simple invention that has had an extraordinary impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the sports bra?

The first commercially successful sports bra, the Jogbra, was invented in 1977 by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller and Polly Smith.

When was the sports bra invented?

The Jogbra was introduced in 1977 and is widely recognised as the world's first commercially successful sports bra.

What was the first sports bra called?

It was called the Jogbra, reflecting the growing popularity of jogging during the 1970s.

Why was the sports bra invented?

It was created to provide women with better breast support during exercise, making activities such as running more comfortable and practical.

How has the sports bra changed since 1977?

Modern sports bras use advanced fabrics, improved construction and different support levels to suit a wide variety of sports and body shapes.

Do I need a sports bra for exercise?

For many forms of exercise, particularly higher-impact activities, a well-fitting sports bra can improve comfort by reducing excessive breast movement during activity.

How often should I replace a sports bra?

Replace your sports bra when the band loses elasticity, the fabric becomes worn or it no longer provides the support you need during exercise.