What’s up with the sports bra?  To be more specific, what’s up with the sports bra appearing here, there, and everywhere? For example, women at the gym wear sports bras. Yet somehow, currently it is En vogue to wear the sports bra alone, not underneath a shirt as this writer believes was originally intended. Oh, the scandal! So, how should women wear a sports bra to the gym today? Or rather, how is it being worn today?

Let me clarify. In the past few months, I have witnessed more and more women working out sans their tops and choosing the sports bra as the workout top. Let me clarify further. Most of the women I am referring to are young, smart, beautiful, college aged. Well-defined youthfulness exudes from their appealing young bodies. These coeds (and their sports bras) are in abundance because there are at least three major universities within striking distance of the gym I attend on a weekly basis.

Yes, I am a gym rat, so I notice.

And no, it’s not fair to go toe-to-toe with their timeless confidence on the treadmill. But I had my turn once in life. Now it is their time to be young and energetic while I drag my sorry-self to the gym several times a week just to “maintain” and fight the aging process, my sagging, slowed-down metabolism. Not everything in life can be fair. Thank goodness for the gym. And for self-motivation.

A Brief History of the Sports Bra

But back to the sports bra because that’s the real topic of conversation here. Let’s pause for some brief research into the history of the sports bra. The concept of the first “jogbra,” introduced in the late ‘70s, was received with great fanfare once it was available for consumers. The aerobics craze of the ‘80s soon followed creating a bigger demand for female support in sports bras – and for Lycra. While women in sports continued to evolve, so did the sports bra:  different sports required different support, and so on.

Which is how we have arrived at the discussion of women wearing only a sports bra on top in the first place. Oh, how we have evolved. Now we have choices, plenty and plenty of choices.

Sports Bra Choices: Size, Shape, and Sport

It’s not just size, shape, and sport that defines – and confuses – the sports bra one woman may select but the varied colors, patterns, and styles available. Strolling into any mainstream athleisurewear store today, customers will be met not only with a colorful array of all athletic wear (shorts, shirts, jackets) but additionally a section dedicated entirely to (drum roll, please) sports bras!

First a customer must select a style based on her favorite activity – running, training, yoga, to name a few – then her size and support, until finally she gets to choose the pretty color or fancy pattern of her choice. Who knew it could be so much fun to shop for an article of clothing no one may ever see?

Stop right there! This is the exact solution to my original conundrum! Sports bras no longer must be hidden under our tops. Straps no longer must be tucked away in shame. Discover, show, and celebrate these works of art! Turns out the college girls knew it all along.

College Coeds Wear Fashion-Forward Sports Bras

More power to these daring coeds who are willing to show-off the cute leopard-print sports bra purchased at Lululemon. Hats off to the brainiac college seniors donning sports bras from Athleta that come in more than one color. Camo, neon, floral, printed, tie-dye. Strappy, racer back, zip front (who knew?). If you choose to shop in the comfort of your own home, rest assured. There is an online tab just for sports bras and a bra finder guide. Sweet!

These manufacturers are not only endorsing consumers to wear their sports bras on the outside, but they are encouraging it. Well done, to our local college girls who are simultaneously right on par and ahead of the curve when it comes to what to wear at this moment in time while working out in a splashy orange workout facility.

So now you know what is, in fact, up with the sports bra today. It has evolved. And while this tired old lady can keep up with the coeds at the gym, she won’t be donning just her sports bra any time soon. You can stop holding your breath.

I envy the women who are confident, cool, and collected enough to pull off this “look.” They own their workout time and outfit like a boss. There is an entire industry telling them they are correct in style, ease, and comfort. They are so “on.” You continue to go, girls!

Good luck, reader, if you are shopping at the mall for the perfect sports bra to accompany your workout. You may want to read about Scout’s mall adventure from last summer before you head out on your own: A Funny Thing Happened On My Way To The Mall – scribingwithscout