Sports bra fittings roll out across Army garrisons to support servicewomen
Sports bra fittings are taking place at several British Army garrisons following the announcement that all eligible personnel can get £50 a year towards their cost.
Since 2021, the Army began issuing individually fitted sports bras to all women in basic training.
At Tidworth Garrison, women and men are being educated about the benefits of a well-fitted sports bra with the message being it should be seen as an essential kit not simply a piece of underwear.
Charlotte Gill from Sportsbra Business Pebe explained why to BFBS Forces News: "As women, when we are playing sport, we need to think about supporting our breasts, because our breasts don't have any structure to themselves, there are no muscles in there to help support them.
"Skin is your only weapon. The average bra size in the UK is up to a 34DD, and that 34DD can weigh around 1.5kg."
Private Talimba Kachale of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), who suffers from back pain, said: "Now I need to get measured again to find the right sports bra for me.
"When it comes to fitness, I should be able to do it properly without back pain."
Last month, the Army announced that all eligible personnel can claim £50 a year towards the cost of a sports bra.
Corporal Natasha Day, a champion of women's causes in the Army who organised the fitting at Tidworth, said: "It does state in the Army briefing note (ABN) that we should get fitted before we use that funding. We don't have to, but we should.
"So we thought it would be best practice to bring a company in to fit people so that they know their size, so that they can decide whether they want to purchase from here – they don't have to – but they can make an informed choice on where they spend their money."
A similar event at ATR Winchester found that 90% of the women who went for the fitting were wearing the wrong size.
A recent study led by Army Recruit Health and Performance Research found that 85% per cent of female recruits experience breast health issues relating to inadequate breast support and poor bra fitting.
In 2022, the Royal Navy rolled out funding for female regulars and reserves to claim two sports bras, up to a maximum value of £50.
According to the ABN, personnel should source their own sports bras and use a fitting service to ensure they have a bra which offers sufficient support for all levels of physical training.
It is vital for performance that personnel are not distracted by wearing uncomfortable sports bras that interfere with carrying a Bergan and webbing, or an underwired sports bra that is not suitable under body armour.
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