Abstract
This study follows on previous research which investigated the comfort and types of bras worn by UK female police officers when wearing body armour and performing typical activities. This controlled study involved a cohort of 31 female police officers and investigated three main areas. Firstly the effect of professional bra fitting on size and comfort, secondly the effect of wearing an underwired bra or a sports bra on comfort and ability to perform certain actions, and thirdly the effect of an underwired bra and sports bra on key anthropometric data in relation to the fitting of body armour.
Highlights
ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to understand the effect of two bra types on key anthropometric data relating to the breast and the effect that a professional fitted underwired or sports bra has on comfort for female police officers while wearing body armour
A previous study identified that within the Police service of England and Wales, female police officers wore a range of bras under body armour, with the predominant types being underwired and sports bras (Malbon et al, 2020)
77% of participants were resized for an underwired bra and 87% for a sports bra Cup size or under bust measurement does not influence where participants identified areas of rubbing and/or discomfort when wearing body armour Bust to bust length, chest circumference and bust prominence are all statistically significantly greater for an underwired bra than a sports bra 71% of participants identified that when wearing a body armour, they will be wearing a sports bra
Summary
The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of two bra types on key anthropometric data relating to the breast and the effect that a professional fitted underwired or sports bra has on comfort for female police officers while wearing body armour
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
