The Origin of the Sports Bra: From Jockstrap Prototype to Billion-Dollar Market
In 1977, three women founded Jogbra Inc. after identifying a critical gap in athletic apparel during the height of the U.S. jogging craze.
In 1977, Lisa Lindahl, inspired by the discomfort of standard bras while running, collaborated with costume designers Polly Smith and Hinda Miller to develop an athletic alternative. The trio famously prototyped their design by sewing two jockstraps together, leading to the creation of the first functional sports bra. They formally founded Jogbra Inc. in 1979 after securing a $5,000 loan.
The product gained immediate traction as women’s participation in organized sports increased following the implementation of Title IX. What began as a small venture quickly became a significant industry player, eventually attracting corporate interest. Playtex Apparel acquired Jogbra Inc. in 1990, and the brand was subsequently integrated into the Champion line under Sara Lee.
Today, the sports bra is a staple of global athletic apparel, with U.S. sales exceeding $1 billion annually. In recognition of their contribution to manufacturing and sports design, Lindahl, Miller, and Smith were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022.