Kit from the very first layer
22 June 2026
A sports bra should be considered an essential piece of kit for women in physically demanding roles, particularly in the emergency services where officers face unpredictable, high-impact situations. For female police officers, every element of kit contributes to operational effectiveness, including what is worn beneath body armour.
Long shifts, foot pursuits, public order deployments and rapidly evolving incidents place significant physical demands on the body. Without adequate breast support, officers could face unnecessary discomfort, distraction and reduced tactical performance.
Treating a sports bra as essential operational kit - not an optional extra - is a simple but important step in supporting both officer wellbeing and performance. Kit from the very first layer is a crucial part of performing your job effectively.
Breaking the education barrier
Despite its importance, sports bra fit and education are often overlooked. A lack of accessible, specialist guidance means many women are unsure how to find the right size or style.
Research suggests that up to 80 per cent of women may be wearing the wrong bra size. Poor fit can lead to shoulder and neck pain, skin irritation and ongoing discomfort, all of which are amplified during long, physically demanding shifts.
Improving awareness and access to expert advice is key to addressing this issue within policing.
Expert support and education
For more than 21 years, boobydoo has supported women in physically demanding roles. Their expertise is used across schools, elite sport and the Ministry of Defence, supplying new recruits in the British Army and Navy with appropriate support during training.
To improve education in this area, they developed a CPD-aligned Sports Bra Awareness Advocate Course, equipping individuals to lead conversations around breast health and correct support within their organisations.
A sports bra’s primary role is to reduce breast movement during activity, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every woman’s body and preferences differ, and what works for one person may not work for another. As around 80 per cent of support comes from the band, a professional fitting is recommended to ensure the right foundation.
The operational challenge: wearing sports bras under PPE
For officers, the requirements go beyond a good supportive sports bra for a standard gym session, there are additional factors to consider. Will this sports bra be comfortable for a 12-hour shift? And crucially, is it suitable to be worn under PPE equipment such as stab vests?
A 2024 study by Canty, Mulloy, and Burbage, published in the ISBS Proceedings Archive, examined the effect of equipment and breast biomechanics. It revealed that underwire bras are particularly problematic under stab-proof vests, often leading to increased pain and pressure points. The study also revealed that a high-level support bra demonstrated the smallest range of motion.
Based on these findings, when selecting a style suitable to be worn under stab-proof vests, a high-impact non-wired option may be the most effective direction to take.
Choosing the right sports bra: quick checklist
When selecting a sports bra suitable for policing duties, look for:
- High-impact support, ideally tested to reduce breast movement, such as the Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra
- Proper bra sizing (e.g. 36 DD), rather than small/medium/large
- A firm, well-fitting band (this provides most of the support)
- Non-wired construction to avoid discomfort under PPE
- Reviews or guidance relevant to your cup size and activity level.
A professional fitting, whether in person or virtual, can help ensure the correct size and style.
Why it matters
Small changes in kit can have a significant impact. A properly fitted sports bra can reduce distraction and discomfort, support mobility during pursuits or physical interventions and improve endurance across long shifts. As policing continues to focus on officer wellbeing and performance, attention to foundational kit, including what’s worn beneath body armour, should not be overlooked.
Further support
Specialist retailers such as boobydoo offer guidance and virtual fittings for those unsure where to start. Access to accurate information and expert support can help officers make informed decisions about what works best for them.
References
Canty, A., Mulloy, F., & Burbage, L. (2024). The effect of equipment on breast biomechanics and the breast support requirements of female police officers. Read more.
Research highlights impact of ill-fitting bras on female first responders.
This article was provided by Jess Grace, marketing manager and sports bra fitter at boobydoo and was originally featured in the June/July edition of our Federation magazine.
