Leading sportswear brand Nike has developed a new performance bra, based on the company’s famous Flyknit construction technology, which helps hold shape of the bra while facilitating precise zones of greater or less support and breathability. According the manufacturer, the technology enables designers to engineer every stitch for specific performance benefits. “Nike Flyknit allows us to be incredibly precise in a single layer,” said Janett Nichol, VP of Apparel Innovation, Nike.

The right sports bra can be the difference between a kickass workout and no workout at all. “It is the most important piece of apparel for the active woman – a good one enables women to play sports, and sports can give women confidence in life,” said Janett Nichol. The NikeWomen design team asked athletes about what makes a good bra.

The response was unanimous, with women wanting a bra that provides total support for a variety of activities and one that keeps them cool and dry without sacrificing comfort. “They also want it to look as good as it feels,” the company reports.

Nike Flyknit

Nike Flyknit, which debuted at the 2012 London games with the Nike Flyknit Racer, is a digitally engineered knitting process best known for its role in lightweight, formfitting and virtually seamless shoe uppers. Today, the technology is used in Nike footwear across sport, from the Nike Zoom Fearless Flyknit women’s training shoe to Kevin Durant’s signature Nike KD10.

Bra construction

The bra is constructed with an ultra-soft nylon-spandex yarn that form fits to your body, using two single-layer panels that are assembled for a seamless feel. This Flyknit process also enabled designers to combine encapsulation (which have separate cups for each breast) with compression (which holds the breasts close to the body), offering the shape, support and comfort without the addition of components like wires, pads, stabilizers and elastics.

The result is a significant reduction in materials and seams: The Nike FE/NOM Flyknit Bra has two panels and a binding (other high-support Nike bras can have up to 41 pieces and 22 seams) and is 30% lighter than any other bra in Nike’s line.

“The Nike FE/NOM Flyknit Bra is a new generation of bra," said Rendone. “It offers all of the support, strength and comfort of traditional high-support bras even without all of the components typical to those styles, and it's full-coverage for total confidence during any activity, from running to high-intensity training, boxing to spin, Pilates and yoga.”

Nike bra collection

Nike is launching three other new bras this season for 30 total styles – its most expansive bra collection to date. Sizing will span from from 32 A to 38 E, and will offer light-, medium- and high-support options.

With so much choice, one simple way to determine what bra is best for you is to take your size and sport to indicate the level of support you need. “Be sure to consider style and comfort as well," said Rendone. "Because in the end, the right bra is the one that makes you feel confident and capable no matter what your workout is.”

The Nike FE/NOM Flyknit Bra launched on 12 July exclusively on Nike+ for 48 hours. Then, the bra will be available on nike.com. All other bra styles shown above are available now.

www.nike.com