The elasticity distribution of under-band based on pressure comfort and breast support performance for seamless sports bras

Abstract

Seamless knitted sports bra is becoming popular for its high performance in tactility and pressure comfort, however, it also encounters the problem of insufficient support. To improve the support performance, it is always knitted with strong elastic material in a reduced size than the body dimension, which will generate much pressure on the body, leading to discomfort. As the pressure distribution may affect the pressure comfort and support performance of the sports bra, this study aimed to explore novel information in optimizing the pressure comfort and support performance by applying elasticity distribution. 4 sports bras with different elasticity distribution on the under-band were developed to compare with the one without elasticity distribution, and 12 healthy women were involved as subjects. The pressure distribution and pressure comfort sensations both in static and dynamic conditions, and the reduction of breast displacement (RBD) of 5 sports bras were measured and analysed by ANOVA analysis. The results indicated that the pressure distribution, the pressure comfort and RBD were effectively changed by elasticity distribution. Bra D with a high Young’s modulus on the side area of the under-band was ideal and typical both in pressure comfort and RBD.