12 June 2008
Salford City Reds Vice-Captain and New Zealand Test star, Robbie Paul came face to face with an ample bosomed sports bra when he visited Salford University’s art and design degree show at CUBE gallery, Manchester.
The scrum half met student Hannah Minto who revealed her size 40E prototype of a revolutionary bra design called the ‘Bodyhug’, to hold bigger breasted women firmly in place during vigorous exercise.
Manufactured using high-strength double-backed fabric, the underwear is moulded to accommodate larger breasts using a heated press – resulting in complete support for the chest area. It is the first and only design of its kind.
Robbie said: “Some of my female friends have told me that larger breasts can be a real problem during exercise. I’ve even heard of women wearing two or even three bras to protect themselves so Hannah’s design must be a real godsend!”
Current sports bras on the market only support breasts during up and down movements, whereas Hannah’s Bodyhug moulds to the skin and is the first to offer all-round protection for the chest area.
Hannah said: “Over 60% of women experience breast pain during exercise – me included – so I wanted to design something that would give them comfort, support and confidence, whatever their size.
“The UK is officially the fattest country in Europe so my design has the added benefit of enabling overweight women to exercise comfortably and without embarrassment.”
With the Bodyhug prototype a success, Hannah is now planning to manufacture and scientifically test several more versions – with the aim of attracting the interest of big-business retailers.
She added: “Big breasts can be a real curse when it comes to exercising but I hope my new design will help to make moving about more of a pleasurable experience for larger women.”
The University of Salford Art and Design Shows will be running until 12 June at CUBE, Princess Street, Manchester.
Admission is free.
