What Purpose Do Removable Sports Bra Pads Serve?

Photo credit: www.self.com

During a recent jog in my neighborhood, I noticed an unexpected bulge beneath my shirt. Initially, I thought it might be a stray piece of underwear tucked in my sports bra—an all-too-frequent laundry mishap—but what I found was a compressed, oddly-shaped pad lodged inside instead.

I attempted to adjust the pad through the narrow opening in my sports bra, but it was a futile effort—the pad was folded in half, and I was surrounded by a crowd on the busy city sidewalk. Ultimately, I decided to leave it as it was and completed my run with the pad peeking out from under my shirt.

While it’s not the end of the world to have a sports bra pad noticeable through my top, it can certainly be frustrating, especially in public or during a workout. I’m clearly not alone in this annoyance; many users express similar sentiments online, creating a consensus around this common issue.

Recognizing this frequent irritation, SELF sought insight into why these removable pads are a feature in so many sports bras. The inquiry led us directly to the manufacturers responsible for their design, and here’s what they had to say.

The Purpose Behind Removable Pads in Sports Bras

Designers from various sports bra brands explain that the primary function of removable pads is to provide modesty. Lauren Haron, a senior designer at Athleta, points out that many sports bras are constructed from lightweight materials ideal for exercise, as they are breathable and wick away sweat. However, this thin fabric also increases the likelihood of visibility around sensitive areas, which is where these pads come into play—to mask the outline of nipples.

Many individuals appreciate the added coverage that pads provide, particularly those who prefer a fuller appearance or wear light-colored tops in public. Haron shared that this feature is especially beneficial for breast cancer survivors following mastectomies, allowing them to wear activewear with confidence.

However, there are also numerous people who find these pads cumbersome. For example, Paola Quiñones, a friend of mine, regularly discards the pads from her sports bras. She argues that for those with larger cup sizes, like herself, the pads can create unnecessary bulk and draw attention to size disparities.

Product designer Jasmine Leidich from Brooks Running notes that opinions on removable pads tend to be split—focus groups reveal that preferences are almost evenly divided between those who favor and those who oppose them. Adidas’s Amy Charlton echoes this view, observing that consumers have varying responses; some embrace the pads from the start, while others find them distracting and remove them immediately. By introducing pads that can be removed, brands cater to diverse preferences, allowing wearers the choice to eliminate what they dislike.

Improving Comfort: Changes in Sports Bra Design

Manufacturers are taking steps to address consumer feedback regarding the discomfort of removable pads. For instance, Athleta has developed fixed pads that are either stitched into the fabric or bonded to the bra to prevent them from shifting, as well as maintaining the option for removable ones. Brooks has re-engineered its designs, enlarging the opening along the edges to simplify pad removal and enhancing comfort during intense activity. Furthermore, larger cup sizes now come with proportionately larger pads to deliver better coverage and usability.

Source
www.self.com