Sportswear giant Reebok has launched a new sports bra which uses a gel-like solution developed by engineers at the University of Delaware that solidifies when in motion to offer enhanced support.
Described as a ‘first of its kind’, the PureMove Bra uses Reebok’s Motion Sense Technology, the result of treating a performance-based fabric with STF (Sheer Thickening Fluid) – which takes a liquid form when in a still or slow-moving state and contrastingly stiffens and solidifies when moving at higher velocities.
This fabric technology adapts and responds accordingly to the body’s shape, velocity of breast tissue, and both type and force of movement. The end result is said to give wearers a bra that stretches less with high impact movements, while providing the comfort and light support that one would desire during rest and lower intensity activities.
Integral in PureMove’s three-year development process, was Reebok’s work in the lab, testing breast movement and product variations with the University of Delaware. According to Reebok, until now, industry standards for breast biomechanic testing typically included an average of only two to four motion sensors on the chest area to track bounce and support, but Reebok and the University of Delaware utilised 54 unique motion sensors on this area during its rigorous testing process and used this data to ensure every detail was covered and accounted for in PureMove’s development.
The end result is a second-skin like design that creates a barely-there feel. Key performance features of the PureMove Bra in addition to the reactive fabric technology include: Breathable Perforations, Natural Shaping, and Minimalist Construction.
“Many would assume that the more support sports bra gives would equate to the more fabric, straps or hooks it’s comprised of. However, by utilizing our Motion Sense Technology, PureMove’s design is quite deliberately the opposite,” says Danielle Witek, Senior Innovation Apparel Designer at Reebok. “The minimalist design of the bra may seem deceiving when you first hold it, but you should not confuse this for lack of support or technology. Every single detail is intentional and directly informed by years of our testing and research.”
