How technology is revolutionising sports bras
Say goodbye to squashed boobs
For decades, sports bras have relied on high compression and rigid structure to minimise movement, often at the cost of comfort. But the latest research from Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr at the University of Portsmouth shows that innovation in fabric technology is changing the game.
I spoke to Joanna about how new fabric technology, rather than structure, is altering the way sports bras are designed. Our discussion came about after I tested the Adidas Techfit Control Bra, featuring RHEON™ technology. I was genuinely impressed by how comfortable the bra was, even over a 15-hour ultra. Other brands seemed to rely on compressing the breast in order to minimise bounce which I found extremely uncomfortable. By comparison the Adidas bra was stretchy and soft and not in the least bit constrictive. Yet it was perfect for a fast 5k or a slow and steady, sweaty 100km.
So I was keen to find out more about the technology behind the bra which is an energy absorbing super polymer called RHEON developed by Imperial College London and NASA. Rigorous testing has shown that unlike traditional bras that often depend on restrictive compression, the Adidas bra, featuring RHEON™ technology, offers 15% more support while remaining adaptive and comfortable.
I spoke to Joanna to find out more.
Breakthrough technology
Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr is a world leader in biomechanics and head of the internationally renowned Research Group in Breast Health. Since 2005, her team has studied thousands of women to understand the challenges of breast movement during exercise. Their research highlights that breast pain is the fourth biggest barrier preventing women from engaging in sports, with many unable to find a bra that offers adequate support without discomfort.
“We’ve worked with many sports apparel brands, but sports bra design had remained largely unchanged for 50 years,” explains Joanna. “Compression has always been the go-to solution, but it can be restrictive and uncomfortable. With RHEON™, we finally have a technology that allows for dynamic, adaptive support without relying on excessive compression.”
The Holy Grail
What sets the RHEON™ technology apart is that it isn’t about adding more structure or tight compression; it’s about the material itself. The key is a patented reactive polymer developed by RHEON LABS®, designed to be both dynamic and adaptive. The material remains soft and flexible but stiffens under strain, absorbing energy and providing targeted support.
“Traditionally, the more support a bra provides, the bulkier and more restrictive it becomes,” Joanna notes. “With RHEON™, we can provide the same or greater support dynamically, without squeezing the chest.”
In the Adidas Techfit Control Bra, thin strips of RHEON™ polymer are strategically placed across breast tissue. These strips react in real time, providing the necessary support only when movement requires it. Unlike conventional bras that hold the breasts tightly in place at all times, RHEON™ adapts to movement, allowing freedom when it’s needed and firmness when it’s required.
And this isn’t just PR mumbo jumbo. The University of Portsmouth study put the Adidas Techfit Control Bra through rigorous, independent testing.
“We have the only dedicated sports bra test house in the world,” Joanna says. “We’ve tested over 1,000 different sports bras on more than 10,000 women and recorded over a million breast bounces.”
For the RHEON™ study, a group of 12 women, all wearing a 34D bra size, ran on a treadmill under different conditions—first with no bra, then with a standard medium-support bra, and finally with the Adidas Techfit Control Bra featuring RHEON™. The results were significant: the RHEON™-enhanced bra reduced breast movement by 15% compared to the control bra, elevating it into the high-support category.
No more compression
One of the most remarkable aspects of RHEON™ is that it achieves this enhanced support without increasing compression. Many traditional high-support bras work by pressing the breasts tightly against the chest, which can lead to discomfort, chafing, and even difficulty breathing during intense activity. The RHEON™ technology removes this issue by only stiffening under movement strain, ensuring the bra remains comfortable at all times.
“We measured perceived support and comfort, and in every instance, women reported the same or improved comfort levels with the RHEON™ bra compared to traditional high-support designs,” Joanna says. “Crucially, we also found that compression levels remained the same, proving that the increased support did not come at the cost of comfort.”
The implications of this research extend beyond running. Breast discomfort is a major barrier to participation in sport. The Research Group in Breast Health found that breast pain and the inability to find the right sports bra were the fourth most common reasons women cited for avoiding exercise.
“Women shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and support,” Joanna says. “This research proves that the right technology can remove this barrier, allowing women to move confidently and comfortably.”
This revolutionary technology was a key part of the Team GB, France, and Ethiopia kits at the Paris Olympics, where elite athletes relied on it for high-impact, multi-directional sports like tennis, football, and long-distance running. The technology is also being introduced to other pieces of kit like body armour for cyclists and running shorts.
I’m certainly sold on this new technology - it has made a huge difference to my comfort over long distances. It might be a ‘medium’ support bra but it has given me maximum support and comfort.
Pick of the week
When women join my running group they often ask what kit they need. The first thing I always say is “good running socks”. Some people are surprised to hear there are specially designed socks for running but as soon as they get a decent pair they release what I am talking about!
There is nothing better than the feeling of fresh new running socks. And having a good quality pair will make running more comfortable and help to avoid blisters and chafing. My go to pair are Hilly Marathon Fresh Anklets. These are high enough that debris can’t slip in and I don’t have to worry about rubbing around the heel from running shoes with a deep drop.
I was very excited at the recent National Running Show when I managed to pick up three pairs for £30 (instead of the usual price of £45). They may be expensive but they are well worth it.
Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. If you have any running news for me, let me know! Send feedback to lilycanter@yahoo.co.uk or suggest topics you’d like me to cover.
