A new year is a good opportunity to review the equipment we rely on during training, and this couldn’t be truer than for sports bras. the most overlooked piece of athletic gear. They play a critical role in comfort, performance, and long-term breast health but are often held onto way past their prime.  

How Long Does a Sports Bra Last? 

Research from the University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health (RGBH) shows that the average sports bra has a functional lifespan of up to one year or shorter, depending on training frequency, intensity, materials and washing. Over time, repeated wear and washing gradually degrade key components such as fabric fibres, elastic recovery, and overall structural support. As these elements break down, a sports bra may still look intact but no longer perform its primary function: controlling breast movement. 

The rate of this breakdown varies significantly by construction and material quality. Lower-quality sports bras can lose effective support after as few as 25 washes, while higher-quality bras, made with more durable materials and better engineering, can maintain performance for up to 100 washes. Regardless of price point, all sports bras eventually experience material fatigue that impacts support. 

A useful comparison is running shoes. Brogan Jones, Head of the Bra Testing Unit at the RGBH, recommends replacing the sports bra you wear for daily exercise every time you buy new trainers. 

Most athletes replace trainers after 300–500 miles (500–800 km) because cushioning and stability deteriorate with wear, increasing injury risk and reducing performance. Athletes clearly understand the consequences of worn footwear on efficiency and race outcomes, so much so, that elite marathon runners often compete in brand-new shoes to maximise performance gains. 

While sports bras don’t need to be replaced as frequently or as aggressively as running shoes, the principle is the same: functional support matters. Wearing a sports bra that no longer provides adequate support can affect comfort, movement efficiency, and performance whether you’re competing, training, or exercising recreationally. Ensuring your gear is still doing its job is a critical but overlooked part of athletic success, not to mention an aspect that affects comfort, which in turn affects participation and the effort we put into each movement. 

Signs Your Sports Bra May Need Replacing 

Just like worn trainers, sports bras show clear signs when they are no longer providing adequate support. Key indicators include: 

According to breast health researchers, the underband becoming too loose is the most reliable sign that a sports bra is no longer supportive. Go ahead and give your bras a quick stretch test! 

Caring for Sports Bras 

How a sports bra is washed and dried has a significant impact on its lifespan. General best practices include: 

Cold washing helps prevent elastic degradation and fabric stretching, while air drying preserves structure and fit due to high heat exposure. Some sports bras, like the Tigers Eye bras, also use antibacterial fabric treatments, which can reduce odour-causing bacteria and may allow for less frequent washing, further extending the life of a bra. 

Fit Changes Matter More Than Wear 

It’s important to note that even a well-maintained sports bra may need replacing if your body changes. A refit is recommended following: 

Breast size, shape, and support needs can change over time, and a bra that once fit well may no longer provide appropriate support. 

Supporting Breast Health Through Awareness 

Sports bras are essential equipment for active women, whether in the Emergency services or athletes, yet they’re often worn long after they stop providing adequate support. Understanding lifespan, care, and fit can help reduce discomfort, improve movement, and support long-term breast health, making education just as important as the gear itself.