Eco-friendly sports bra developed with scientists

Scientists have teamed up with a leading eco-sports brand to develop a high-performance sustainable sports bra.

A team from the University of Essex is working with pioneering company BAM to test exercise garments as the company develops its next generation of products.

Students led by Dr Kelly Murray from the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, measured the bras’ support offered by using high-tech motion capture cameras and sensors.

The team in the Human Performance Unit recruited women to walk and run on treadmills whilst breast movement was measured.

Now BAM – which specialises in producing low-impact bamboo-based garments – will take the data to design a sports bra made from sustainable fabrics.

Dr Murray said: “The University of Essex is dedicated to increasing women’s involvement in sport.

“Providing women and girls with high-performing sports bras is absolutely essential to increase female engagement in sport and exercise.

“By helping BAM produce a product that can help reduce breast motion, pain and discomfort is a tangible way we as scientists can help.

“Working towards sustainable and environmentally friendly products is vital and this has been an exciting project to work on.”

Rethinking traditional sportswear

BAM has praised the University and thanked Dr Murray for her work.

A spokesman said: “Innovating to create nature-based, lower-impact activewear means completely rethinking traditional sportswear design.

“The University of Essex’s Innovation Voucher programme has given us access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise that would typically be out of reach for an SME brand like ours.

"Being able to rigorously and scientifically test our developments has been game-changing—enhancing our product credibility and helping us stand out in a highly competitive market."

The University is dedicated to developing and nurturing female athletes and sports.

It is home to the region’s only FA Women’s High Performance Centre and elite Essex Rebels women’s volleyball and basketball sides.