So, you’ve switched to non-toxic personal care products, tossed your sketchy plastic water bottle, and swapped old plastic food containers for stainless steel or glass. When the cashier at your local store asks if you want a BPA-infused paper receipt, you usually opt for a digital version instead . . . so you’ve eliminated most of the BPA exposure in your life, right?
That’s what I thought until recently when the Center for Environmental Health – a non-profit watchdog organization – released a report showing high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in popular sports bras and other athletic clothing made by Athleta, PINK, Asics, The North Face, Nike, FILA, and other popular brands. According to the report, these bras can contain up to 22 times the safe limit of BPA established by California law.
Yikes.
This would probably be good time to mention that I’ve basically been living in bralette-style sports bras in order to avoid lymph-constricting underwire bras. Double yikes.
Is BPA in sports bra’s really a big deal?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is definitely yes, and here’s why:
1 – BPA exposure is linked to a wide range of negative health effects. BPA is often added to fabrics like polyester and spandex to improve colorfastness and make materials more resistant to static, but it comes with significant risks.
Unfortunately, according to Dr. Jimena Díaz Leiva, Science Director at CEH, “The problem with BPA is it can mimic hormones like estrogen and block other hormone receptors, altering the concentration of hormones in our bodies, and resulting in negative health effects.” (1) Exposure has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, weight gain, and even premature death. (2) (3) (4) (5)
She adds that, “Even low levels of exposure [to BPA] during pregnancy have been associated with a variety of health problems in offspring.” (1)
2 – BPA is easily absorbed through skin. According to Kaya Allan Sugerman, Illegal Toxic Threats Program Director at CEH:
Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through skin and end up in the bloodstream after handling receipt paper for seconds or a few minutes at a time. Sports bras and athletic shirts are worn for hours at a time, and you are meant to sweat in them, so it is concerning to be finding such high levels of BPA in our clothing.”
Also, though the chemical studied was different, research suggests that prolonged exposure to toxins in clothing can significantly impact chemical absorption: (6)
Better Bra Options
For some of you, the solution might be to burn your bra – not literally, of course, since that would just cause you to inhale the toxins. But while going bra-free is an option, for most of us there are times when a bra is preferable.
I’m currently testing some wool sports bras to use for workouts, but so far I haven’t found one I love. When I do, I’ll make sure to update this article.
In the meantime, if you’re like me and gravitate toward sports bras as an alternative to underwire bras, here are some healthy alternative options to consider:
Vibrant Body Company
I turned to bralette-style sports bras because I couldn’t find an underwire-free regular bra that I liked – that is, until I discovered the semi-demi and full coverage options from Vibrant Body Company. I’m working on a review for you, but here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons I’ve found:
Pro #1: Comfort + Clean Ingredients – They’re comfortable and truly supportive thanks to a unique design that does not include underwires, and they’re made with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified clean ingredients.
Pro #2 : Custom Virtual Fitting – If you’re like me and haven’t had a proper bra fitting in awhile (let’s just say three kids ago), you can take advantage of their free virtual fitting consult. I learned I was wearing the wrong size, discovered a new favorite style, and felt weirdly relaxed after the consult because it had a very pampering, self-care focused vibe. (My fitting specialist had a lovely English accent which didn’t hurt.)
The main con I’ve found is that they carry a limited selection of sizes. They’re a relatively small company, and though I haven’t talked with the owner my guess is that it’s because they need to streamline production costs while they get their message out. I wouldn’t be surprised if they increase their offerings as they grow.
If you want to try them out, click here and use code MP15 to save 15%.
Pact
Pact offers several organic cotton bras that offer lighter support than Vibrant Body Company. I consider them more “loungewear” than “out-and-about” bras, but they might work for you depending on your preferences and cup size.
I’m sure there are other great options out there, I’m just sharing the ones I have personal experience. In general, look for high-quality materials like organic cotton, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 fabrics, or GOTS certified fabrics.
Sources
- Center for Environmental Health (2022) New Testing Shows High Levels of BPA in Sports Bras and Athletic Shirts
- Wei Bao et. al. (2020) Association Between Bisphenol A Exposure and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in US Adults
- Ruth Naomi et. al. (2022) Bisphenol A (BPA) Leading to Obesity and Cardiovascular Complications: A Compilation of Current In Vivo Study
- Francesca Farrugia et. al. (2021) Bisphenol A and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Epidemiologic, Functional, and Early Life Factors
- Hui Gao et. al. (2015) Bisphenol A and Hormone-Associated Cancers: Current Progress and Perspectives
- Francesco Ladaresta et. al. (2018) Chemicals from textiles to skin: an in vitro permeation study of benzothiazole
Donna
Yikes, then that would mean that our ‘must have’ jeans are hoarding BPA as well?
(Because of the spandex). Oh dear, what do we do then? Thanks for the heads up
with this article.
Heather Dessinger
Not all spandex contains BPA fortunately, but I would love to see the Center for Environmental Health test some brands!
Kathie
I had no idea about the BPA but started switching up to organic for underwear especially. PACT is my go to. You have hand dry as they don’t last as long as the BPA type. I am OK with that. An interesting thing about bras is that they contribute to breast cancer in a big way. I cannot go without due to my small size with large breast. I have stoped the underwire and go with the bralettes only and sports bras for workouts or more support when called for. I go without as much as possible. Read Dressed to Kill by Dr Sydney Ross Singer. He did a really good study the Mainstream does not notice.
Cathy
Pepper brand is specifically designed for cup sizes B, A and AA and use non-toxic, OEKOTEX certified fabrics!
Jennifer McBride
When I first read this report regarding sports bras, I immediately purchased organic, non-toxic options. Other companies to consider are: Branwyn, Blue Canoe, Boody, and Groceries Apparel. However, this also got me thinking about body surface area, and I immediately ditched all of my synthetic-fabric leggings for natural fibers as well! Thank you for spreading this very important piece of information. I appreciate you!
Jennifer
Jami
I’ve been searching for healthier bras for a long time. Neither of these companies make a bra large enough or with enough support. Hoping to find an option soon.
Laura
Did you know that in the 60s or 70s, Doctors knew that bras with “bones” cause women to get cancer of the breast? I’m not joking. I heard this on a nightly radio show I have been listening to for many years. Then, everyone just seemed to forget. Go figure………….
Rose
How can we check our garments for BPA?
Heather Dessinger
Unfortunately it doesn’t have to be disclosed by the manufacturer as a material, so there’s not currently a way to check the tags for info. Materials like spandex don’t always contain BPA or other problematic chemicals, so the important thing is to choose manufacturers (whenever possible) that put effort into sourcing good materials and share that info with consumers.
Bottom line: Look for high-quality materials like organic cotton, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 fabrics, or GOTS certified fabrics.
Carol L
For many years now, I have been wearing nothing but leggings. I began with black as that was the only color available in natural fibers (organic cotton, organic bamboo) I got so tired of being dressed in black all the time, so I stopped wearing the natural fibers and went to the colorful prints available at many leggings stores. I know they aren’t healthy, but organics are SO DRAB!!!!! I don’t understand why the organic companies don’t at the very least make leggings in solid colors… Don’t they understand that women like COLOR! Pretty patterns would be nice, too…..but if it is the spandex that is the problem, there is spandex in the organics as well….so what is the difference?
I have the same trouble with bras, although I do have a couple of the black and two browns from Boody. I wear boody socks, leggings and bras while walking, and organic panties, so I’m head to toe in organic with no polyester.
But for everyday wear, I just can’t go back to boring, drab black. (the only problem with solid colored leggings (except black) is they show all of the rolls and fat layers, which is why I love the patterns. They don’t show it. I do have many tops that are also the same fabric in the trapeze/tunic flowy tops, but also have fabric in organic cotton and hemp and bamboo that I will be making patterns from to make organic tops.
Anyone find an organic fabric leggings that isn’t black (grey/white: Patterned is great!) be sure to let me know and I’ll switch.
I have already begun switching out my nasty pj bottoms with organic ones, and a few organic tops for sleeping/lounging as well. Not all at once, but slowly as they are SO expensive!!!! ( $80+ for 1 pair, about the same for the tops). So, soon, it will only be the leggings that are the BPA made ones. Sure would be nice to have colorful solid organic bras, too!!!!!
Kathie
Wear Pact has colored leggings. Many types and shades. They carry almost all cloths now. Not cheap and do not put any in dryer. They last much longer if you line dry.