Breast Protective Equipment

Recent research has recommended the use of specialised breast protective equipment during training and competition as a potential strategy for reducing the frequency and severity of breast injuries in female athletes (Brisbine et al., 2020c; Wakefield-Scurr, Saynor and Wilson, 2023). Such equipment is typically comprised of soft materials that provide padding over the breasts to dampen, absorb, and/or distribute impact forces. Despite the increasing commercial availability of breast protective equipment, fit and wearability issues are still commonly voiced as barriers to use (Brisbine et al., 2020c) and adoption at the user level has been slow, with only 17% of Australian Football League and Rugby Union athletes (Brisbine et al., 2020c) and 2% of American collegiate basketball, American football, softball, and volleyball players reported using breast protective equipment in recent surveys (Smith, Eichelberger and Kane, 2018). 

The reasons for this are thought to be multi-factorial, including poor fit, overall discomfort, and thermal burden. Perhaps more importantly, however, without vital data on the efficacy of breast protective equipment, there is no evidence-based case for the use of breast protective equipment (Coltman et al., 2025).

Coaching and support staff are encouraged to present breast protective equipment to players as an option rather than a solution, and monitor individual perceptions associated with wearing any breast protective garments, if one athlete vocalises discomfort, there is no evidence at present to suggest she should continue wearing the garment during training or game play (and conversely, if a player perceives an improvement in her particular case, there is no presently evidence to suggest she should discontinue use). Guidance from coaches and support staff will be particularly vital here in directing athletes forward as the scientific community continues to investigate the efficacy of breast protective garments.

Coaching Tips:

• Create a safe and respectful environment for discussing breast health, where players feel comfortable reporting breast pain and injuries without fear
• Encourage athletes to wear high-support sports bras to reduce breast motion and pain.