Date: June 2026.
Source: Textile Research Journal, DOI: 10.1177/00405175261458655.
Abstract: The demand for high-support sports bras has increased since more women with larger and ptotic breasts engage in physical activity. Inadequate control of multidirectional breast motion can lead to discomfort and soft-tissue strain. This study presents an integrated framework combining four-dimensional (4D) breast scanning, composite fabric engineering, and cup-structure optimization to improve motion control and wearer comfort under running conditions. Ten female participants ran at a speed of 8 km/h while dynamic breast models were captured using a Temporal 3dMD system under bare-breast and bra-wearing conditions. The breast surface was divided into 12 directions at 30° intervals. Direction-specific surface deformation was quantified using Euclidean distance changes relative to the papilla base, and the vibration attenuation rate was calculated to evaluate motion reduction. Two cup structures (T-shaped and double-vertical) were combined with two laminated fabrics and assessed for interface pressure and vibration attenuation. Incorporating upper-breast deformation characteristics derived from 4D key-frame data significantly improved full-cup conformity during dynamic motion. The proposed approach offers a transferable methodology for designing high-support sports bras for women with larger and ptotic breasts.
Article: Integrating 4D Scanning and Material Optimization for Sports Bra Design.
Authors: Ming-wei Sang, Li-ying Zhang, Ruo-dan Pang, Ming-hai Cui, Li Liu. School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.