How three women invented the modern sports bra
Three women turned running discomfort into a revolutionary garment, patenting the sports bra and changing athletic wear forever.
(Photo via Fast Company)
During the jogging boom of the late 1970s, three women developed a garment that would change athletic apparel for women by addressing the physical discomfort caused by running. Lisa Lindahl, a runner, sought a solution to the chafing and pain she experienced during her workouts.
The invention process began when Lindahl’s husband jokingly placed a jockstrap over his head, providing the inspiration for a new design. Polly Smith, a costume designer, used this concept to create the first functional prototype by sewing two men's jockstraps together.
Hinda Miller joined the project to assist with design and business operations. To help launch the venture, Miller secured a $5,000 loan from her father. The trio eventually formed Jogbra Inc. to manufacture and distribute the product.
The team received U.S. Patent No. 4,174,717 for the athletic brassiere in 1979. This innovation arrived as women’s participation in sports was increasing, supported by the impact of Title IX, which prohibited sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
Reflecting on the development of the business, Miller noted that the lack of pressure to be perfect allowed the team to move forward without the fear of failure. The company continued to operate until 1990, when Jogbra Inc. was sold to Playtex Apparel.