The first sports bra was called the “Jogbra” and it was created in 1977 by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Smith. It was specifically designed to provide women with proper support and comfort while engaging in physical activity such as running or jogging. The Jogbra was revolutionary at the time because it allowed women to exercise without experiencing discomfort or pain caused by traditional bras.
Many people believe that the first sports bra was created much earlier than the 1970s, but this is a misconception. In fact, before the invention of the Jogbra, many female athletes had to make do with makeshift solutions like binding their breasts with bandages or wearing multiple layers of regular bras in order to get the necessary support for physical activities.
A less-known fact about the creation of the Jogbra is that it was initially made from two jockstraps sewn together by Lisa Lindahl’s sister. Knowing about this little detail can be useful as it shows how innovation can come from unconventional sources and how necessity truly is the mother of invention. For those looking to learn more about sports bras, I recommend researching further into the history of athletic wear for women and how it has evolved over time.
It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come since then. Who knew that something so essential could have such an interesting backstory?
| Year | Key Development | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | The first sports bra, the “jogbra,” was created by Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Smith. | Research the original “jogbra” design for historical context. |
| 1977 | The “jogbra” was officially patented and made commercially available. | Explore the impact of the “jogbra” on women’s athletics in the late 1970s. |
| 1984 | The first sports bra specifically designed for running, the “Moving Comfort” bra, was introduced. | Compare the features of the “Moving Comfort” bra with modern sports bras for running. |
| 1999 | The “Enell” sports bra, designed for larger-breasted women, was launched. | Examine the innovation in the “Enell” sports bra for inclusive sizing. |
| 2000 | The first sports bra with encapsulated cups and adjustable straps, the “Panache Sport,” was released. | Analyze the impact of customizable support in the “Panache Sport” bra. |
| 2004 | The “Shock Absorber” sports bra with bounce control technology was introduced. | Evaluate the effectiveness of bounce control technology in sports bras. |
| 2012 | The “Shefit” sports bra with adjustable, customizable support straps was launched. | Assess the benefits of customizable support in the “Shefit” sports bra. |
| 2015 | The “Brooks” sports bra with moisture-wicking fabric and breathable mesh panels was released. | Investigate the impact of moisture-wicking and breathability in sports bras for comfort. |
| 2018 | The “Knix” sports bra with seamless construction and anti-odor technology was introduced. | Examine the benefits of seamless and odor-resistant features in sports bras. |
| 2020 | The “Nike Indy” sports bra with adjustable straps and removable pads was launched. | Compare the versatility of adjustable straps and removable pads in the “Nike Indy” sports bra. |