High Levels of BPA Found In Sports Bras + Non-Toxic Alternatives

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 Sports 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.

Here are some healthy alternative options to consider.

Branwyn

Branwyn makes comfy and flattering first layer essentials and activewear that are all BPA and PFAS forever chemical-free. I highly recommend this seamless racerback sports bra, which is made with a heavyweight 4-way knit that provides a lot of support.

For lighter weight support, this non-toxic merino wool bralette is one of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever owned, period. It’s super soft and lasts 2-3 times longer than organic cotton bras. It’s unlined so I only wear it with thicker tops, but even with that it’s still an absolute favorite.

Click here to shop Branwyn

Pact

Pact offers several organic cotton bras that offer lighter support than Branwyn. 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 testing some additional options this year, plus a whole lot of leggings that I picked up last Black Friday. I’ll post when I have more info to share, but for now look for high-quality materials like organic cotton, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 fabrics, or GOTS certified fabrics.

Click here to shop Pact

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