Towards Developing a Method for Identifying Static Compression Levels of Seamless Sports Bras using 3D Body Scanning

Sports bras are functional garments designed to minimize breast movements, while providing support, during physical activity. Understanding the factors influencing breast support is necessary for future development of better functioning sports bras to prevent wearers from soreness and pain. Compression was found to be the most effective factor in controlling the breast support. Moreover, respiratory state was reported to be significantly affecting bra size and comfort. Therefore, our pilot study explored how females’ breast area measurements change when wearing seamless sports bras of different support levels. Two medium-size seamless sports bras with low and medium compression (i.e. breast support) levels were tested with and without removable pads. A [TC] NX-16 three-dimensional (3D) body scanner was used to scan three females, with three different cup sizes, with and without wearing bras. Additionally, for each condition participants were scanned at fully inhaled and relaxed (neutral) positions. In order to identify compression rate changes among various conditions, twenty-one slice measurements taken at 0.25 inches intervals between under bust and armpit levels were collected and compared. The compression rates for each slice level were calculated by subtracting the slice circumference from the no bra circumference, and dividing the result by the no bra measurement. Our preliminary findings showed that the highest compression rates were achieved without pads, in both relaxed (5.06%) and inhale conditions (4.73%), at levels below bust height. Cumulative compression rates over all levels also showed higher compression rates for the bras without pads. Visual analyses revealed smoother contour lines and a more uniform distribution of compression all around the body for the medium support bra as compared to the low support bra for both with and without pads conditions.