The Complete Guide to Sports Bras for Female Wrestlers
Photo By Distinctively d’Layne Photography
Every female athlete knows that taking off a sports bra at the end of a good workout can seem every bit as strenuous as the workout itself. As a broad-shouldered athlete, I am familiar with the struggle. Finding a good sports bra for wrestling can be frustrating. Bras from major companies or boutique brands are either not designed to accommodate the physique of most competitive wrestlers or have features that are not appropriate for competition.
Women's wrestling has grown unprecedentedly. With brand new coaches, athletes, and administrators in the girl's sector of the sport, these groups need help to accommodate female-specific gear. Girls' teams are growing out of previously established boys’ teams nationwide. This can result in young women being issued men’s equipment that does not conform to female bodies or the specific standards governing competition. This article aims to provide athletes, coaches, and parents with the best information about sports bras regarding performance, regulations, and style.
Being “Dress Coded"
During high school, I went through five pairs of shoes, four singlets, three head coaches, two teams, and a partridge in a pear tree. But one thing stayed the same: the struggle to meet uniform regulations. In my freshman year, I was issued a boy's singlet and penalized for not meeting uniform requirements. My coach then ordered a custom girls' singlet in school colors, which I wore for two years on the boys' team before joining the newly formed girls' team.
Even in my senior year, uniform issues persisted. I was again given a boys' singlet and had to use an altered rash guard to compete. This last-minute change, due to inadequate coverage, was embarrassing and disruptive. Discussing coverage with my coach and the referee made me feel objectified, pulling me out of the competition mindset.
A week before my senior state tournament, I was fed up with wearing a rash guard under my boy’s cut singlet, so I bought the highest-cut sports bra I could find to ditch the rash guard. Unfortunately, I didn't test it before competition, breaking the “nothing new on game day” rule. Its high collar and binding nature made it hard to breathe during matches, leaving me fatigued.
Being dress-coded can disrupt an athlete's focus and performance. To avoid this, athletes, parents, and coaches should be aware of the regulations and buy gear accordingly.
What are the Regulations, and what should you know?
I spoke with Andrea Yamamoto, a former college wrestler and the creator of the NFHS Wrestling Uniforms Guide for Girls. Having women like Yamamoto working with NFHS and other national sports organizations is important because the rules and regulations for female wrestlers are best developed and governed by female wrestlers.
“We felt that girls were not to be ‘covered up’ in a shaming way,” said Yamamoto.
Having these conversations about coverage is challenging. “Wrestling involves impact, force, quick and aggressive change of direction, impact in the mat, twisting, rolling, either with or against an opponent. Girls have popped out of their sports bras, and that comes at a risk to the female athlete. To have her breasts exposed at a school event with an official, coaches, fans in such close proximity.” Yamamoto added.
From the NFHS Guide: What you should know
Women's wrestling is the only sport that requires athletes to wear sports bras.
An athlete's sports bra must cover their breasts.
You must wear a bra to weigh in, but it does not have to be the same bra you compete in
Yamamoto concluded: “Her uniform and sports bra need to be able to perform well during the course of the match to meet her own needs in a combat sport and it needs provide a level of protection against breast exposure for the adolescent female student. ”
Sydney’s Recommendations for Buying a Sports Bra
1. Supportive but not binding:
You want to minimize breast movement during activity without inhibiting breathing or causing stress on your shoulders.
2. Coverage:
Coverage is also essential to compete confidently without risk exposure during a match. Having a bra that provides coverage will also prevent being “dress-coded” if your singlet is riding too low. This looks different for different athletes.
3. No plastic or metal components:
Avoid bras with plastic or metal elements that can come loose or cause injury. Avoid any bra with a tie that could loosen or anything with lace.
Athletes and parents: shop for sports bras, try them on, and test them before purchasing. Find one that meets your needs, then put it through its paces—jump, do jumping jacks, run, and get into your wrestling stance. Wrestling is active and unpredictable, so finding a bra that gives you the confidence to perform your best on the mat is crucial.
Recommended Brands
Cliff Keen
Cliff Keen has released a new sports bra for female wrestlers that “provides just the right amount of coverage while still matching up with the classic cut of your singlet.” It's encouraging to see major brands working with top female wrestlers to create gear designed by women for women. This bra is also made for different wrestling body types by providing sizes extra small through double extra large. Cliff Keen is offering 10% off for LuchaFit readers through their link.
Rudis
The Rudis sports bras also meet the requirements of female wrestlers. Made by a wrestling-centered brand, the bras have no plastic or metal parts and offer various levels of coverage and necklines to meet the needs of different athletes. The razor-back cut makes them very comfortable and takes the stress off of your shoulders, which is perfect for strong athletes.
Girls Wrestle 2
Girls Wrestle 2 is a fantastic bra for emerging female wrestlers. Clearly designed with wrestling in mind, the bra meets all three requirements. The cut of the bra aligns with most singlets as well. This is a great option for athletes who are looking for an affordable sports bra that will meet all their needs.
Bustz
Bustz Sportswear, founded by accomplished wrestler Reeve Fatuova, is the first sports apparel company dedicated to developing gear solely for female wrestlers. Using a high-stretch performance blend and wicking liner, their bra provides coverage without restricting movement, making it a pioneering product designed specifically for the unique needs of female wrestlers.
Sports Bra Comparison Chart
Cliff Keen |
Rudis |
Girls Wrestle 2 |
Bustz |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Competition | Practice | Beginner | Coverage |
| Coverage | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Comfort | Medium | High | Medium | High |
| Supportive | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Colors | 1 | 3 | 10+ | 1 |
| Sizing | XXS-XXL | XS-XXL | YS-L | XS-XL |
| Price | $48 | $65 | $25 | $67 |
Conclusion
It is normal to see high-performance gear made especially for women in other sports. The emergence of female wrestler-specific gear is a testament to how much the sport has grown. Stepping out on the mat can be vulnerable and scary, so you want to feel confident about what is under your singlet. Finding a good sports bra that makes you feel like the powerhouse you are is essential. When you look good, you feel good, and you perform better.
The Sport Bra Project
If you or your team are looking for a community outreach program and would like to do a sports bra drive for female athletes, please contact: Info@thesportsbraproject.org or visit The Sports Bra Project.
