Not Just Sports Bras: Why Occupational Breast Support Matters

Dr Jenny Burbage

Introduction

We often talk about sports bras in the context of exercise, but what about work?

For many women, roles that involve physical activity require running, lifting, reaching and wearing heavy equipment for prolonged periods. Yet breast support is rarely considered as part of occupational kit. This is surprising, given that breast discomfort and pain are common experiences that can influence movement, concentration and overall wellbeing.

As more women enter roles in the police, military and emergency services, the need to better understand breast support in these environments is becoming increasingly important.

Breast support: a missing piece of the kit list

In sport, the importance of breast support is well established. A supportive sports bra is recognised as essential for reducing breast movement and discomfort during activity. However, this understanding has not yet translated into occupational settings.

In these operational environments, many women continue to rely on everyday bras, which are not designed for dynamic movement. This mismatch between task demands and support can contribute to discomfort, chafing and, in some cases, tissue damage. In policing, for example, breast discomfort is commonly reported, particularly when bras are worn in combination with body armour and other equipment. Despite this, bras are rarely considered alongside other essential equipment.

Why sports bras are not the full solution

At first glance, the solution appears simple: replace everyday bras with sports bras. However, emerging research suggests this is not enough.

Sports bras have traditionally been designed for short-duration, high-intensity activities such as running. In contrast, these roles often require long shifts lasting eight to twelve hours or more, with fluctuating physical demands and prolonged interaction with equipment.

Research with tactical athletes highlights this challenge clearly. Even when sports bras were professionally fitted and issued, the majority of women still reported at least one bra-related issue, and no single design was able to meet the full range of military task demands.

This highlights a critical gap: sports bras developed for sport are not necessarily suitable for occupational environments. This trade-off is central to understanding why current bras fall short.

Figure 1 Sports bras designed for high support during intense activity may compromise comfort during long-duration occupational wear, highlighting a key design challenge.

When bras meet equipment: a hidden challenge

One of the most overlooked issues in this area is the interaction between bras and occupational equipment.

Recent research with elite female football match officials has shown that almost all participants reported at least one breast or bra-related issue, with a notable proportion identifying problems caused specifically by upper-body equipment. These issues included discomfort from pressure points, chafing caused by straps or devices, and interference with monitoring equipment worn on the chest. While these findings come from sport, the implications extend directly to occupations where similar equipment is required.

In environments such as policing, military service and ambulance work, these interactions are likely to be amplified by heavier loads, longer wear times and more restrictive clothing.

A wider occupational issue

Although research in this area is still developing, a consistent pattern is emerging across different populations. Women in these roles often face similar challenges: additional upper-body equipment, kit designed primarily for male bodies, prolonged shift patterns, and limited access to appropriate breast support and breast health education. When combined, these factors create a complex environment where discomfort and pain are consistently reported. What becomes clear is that this is not an isolated issue within a single profession. Instead, it reflects a broader gap in equipment design and provision for women.

Figure 2.Physically demanding occupations create a “perfect storm” of factors that increase the risk of breast discomfort and injury.

Progress – and its limitations

Encouragingly, there have been some important developments. The British Armed Forces, for example, have introduced bra fitting and issue services and monetary contributions towards bras, recognising breast support as an important aspect of health and performance.

However, recent research suggests that challenges remain. Even with provision in place, many women still report issues related to fit, comfort and compatibility with equipment.

This suggests that while progress has been made, current solutions are still not fully meeting the needs of women in these roles.

Rethinking bras as occupational equipment

If we accept that footwear, helmets and body armour must be fit for purpose, then breast support should be no different. This requires a shift in perspective. Bras need to be recognised not simply as clothing, but as functional equipment that plays a role in movement, comfort and performance. Importantly, this also means moving beyond adapting existing sports bras and instead focusing on developing designs tailored specifically to occupational demands.

There is now a clear need for further research to better understand how bras interact with equipment, how they perform over long durations, and how design can be improved to support women in these environments.

Conclusion

As women continue to take on roles in physically demanding occupations, it is essential that the equipment they rely on evolves alongside them. Current bra designs are not built for the realities of these roles. Without appropriate support, many women continue to experience discomfort that may affect both wellbeing and performance. Recognising bras as part of the occupational kit list is a critical step forward. The next challenge is ensuring that they are designed to meet the demands of the job.

Call to action

Have you experienced discomfort due to inadequate breast support at work, or do you work in an organisation where women are physically active on duty?

This is an emerging and under-researched area, and both lived experience and organisational insight are essential to driving change. If this resonates with your work, or you would be interested in exploring this further, please get in touch.

About the author

Dr Jenny Burbage is an Associate Professor in Applied Biomechanics and Women’s Health at the University of Portsmouth. Her research focuses on breast biomechanics, breast health and the development of functional support solutions for women in sport and physically demanding occupations. She works closely with organisations including the military, police and elite sport to address gaps in equipment design and improve health, wellbeing and performance.

You can connect with Jenny on LinkedIn or get in touch via email at jenny.burbage@port.ac.uk.  

Blog editor: Dr Tess Flood

Blog administrator: Dr Jacky Forsyth