Breast binding isn’t exactly the hot topic in sports conversations, but it is interestingly a very valid topic concerning soccer.
Relentless running, sharp turns, and abrupt stops in a game of soccer render breast support and comfort particularly important for female soccer players.
Therefore, some female soccer players resort to breast binding as a way of limiting the movement, enabling them to focus on what’s most important.
It is a practical yet complex question touching on physical comfort, performance, and even societal expectations.
When we watch women play impressively on the pitch, much of their strength and skill overshadows the invisible challenges that they are facing.
To begin with, there is a real issue of breast discomfort which may affect their game.
So, what’s the solution? Do players bind their breasts, or are there more effective alternatives? And how do they balance the demands of their sport with the pressures of societal norms?
These are the questions we’ll look into, shedding light on a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply important.
What Is Breast Binding?
Binding is done by flattening the chest to decrease the movement of the breasts. It has been used for several reasons historically, from fashion to gender expression.
In sports, it reduces discomfort and makes movements feel much easier. Not necessarily ideal, breast binding is not exactly right for physical activity, most definitely not for such high-intensity sports as soccer.
In binding, this can be done with a tight garment or a wrap to bind the breasts, usually some sort of binder, bandages, or even compression tops.
While this reduces breast movement, it is very limiting to breathing and range of motion while also creating skin irritation-major no-nos for players needing peak physical performance.
So, do female soccer players bind their breasts? For the most part, no.
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The Physical Realities of Playing Soccer
If you have ever played soccer yourself, you know just how demanding it is. Soccer is a sport that demands speed, agility, strength, and endurance in the right mix.
You are on the go almost all the time, be it sprinting for the ball, jumping up for a header, or shielding an opponent.
This may imply specific challenges to comfort for women.
There is more to breast movement during exercise than the mere annoyance: pain, chafing, and even long-term damage to Cooper’s ligaments that support the breast.
This is also where the stakes are higher in the case of soccer players.
Now, try to imagine focusing on scoring while sharp, jarring pains hit you each time you sprint or jump. It is not ideal.
Why Don’t Most Soccer Players Bind Their Breasts?
While binding might sound like an effortless way to restrain breast movement, few female soccer players actually resort to this method.
Constrained Breathing
Breathing is everything in soccer: your ability to perform in the sport is related to your cardiovascular capacity. The binding of the chest can compress the rib cage and make it difficult to take deep breaths.
This alone is a deal-breaker for any athlete, let alone one playing a 90-minute soccer match.
Reduced Mobility
The binders can be limiting to the range of motion.
Soccer involves twisting, turning, and stretching in all kinds of directions. A tight binder would limit that movement, making a difference in performance.
Risk of Injury
The improperly fitted binders or other homemade solutions such as bandages will dig into the skin, create irritation, and eventually may lead to injury over time.
That’s a risk most soccer players aren’t ready to take.
There Are Better Alternities
We shall discuss that in a bit, but the direct translation is, there are alternatives.
Sports bras, designed with a specific task in mind of controlling breast motion during sports activities, do that much more effectively and safely.
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What Do Female Soccer Players Do With Breast Pain?
Alright, so if they aren’t binding, then what do these women soccer players do to cope with breast pain? This is where sports bras come in—quite literally.
High-Impact Sports Bra
The modern sports bra is the titleholder of support. High-impact sports bras can be characterized as a design meant to minimize breast movement by providing support.
To achieve this goal, high-impact bras rely on compression, sheath, or both to minimize bounce and keep everything in its place.
- Compression Bras: These work by slightly flattening the chest to minimize movement. They are perfect for smaller-breasted athletes.
- Encapsulation Bras: These have individual cups for each breast, providing more customized support. They’re perfect for bigger-breasted players.
- Combination Bras: Getting the best of both worlds, these bras allow for compression with encapsulation to give the utmost support.
Custom-Fitted Bras
Professional players also use custom-fitted sports bras. The bra is fitted with the exact dimensions of the player to ensure good comfort and utmost support.
Layering
Other players prefer to wear a tight-fitting tank top or compression shirt over and above their sports bra for that added feel of security. This helps in minimizing any residual movement.
Taping (Rarely)
Players may use kinesiology taping for support. This, however, is quite rare and usually only when one needs that extra something.
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The Psychological Aspect
On the mental level, there is much criticism as far as female soccer players‘ appearance is concerned, especially when they are widely exposed to the media.
This might add more pressure on them to minimize the visibility of their breasts during the game.
For some players, binding may seem like a way to avoid judgment or even just feel more comfortable in their own skin.
One may ask, then, should the players change their bodies to satisfy societal demands? The answer to that is an emphatic “no”.
The “Fearless in Femininity” movement among other initiatives has encouraged women to be proud of their natural bodies and to shift the focus back to performance and away from beauty.
What About Trans and Non-Binary Players?
It is also critical to consider that for many trans and non-binary players, binding is a way to affirm their gender.
In these cases, the benefits may be greater than the detriments. It should be minimally harmful when done properly using quality binders and best practices.
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How Can Coaches and Teams Support Female Players?
As a coach or other member of the support staff, you’re an integral part of the solution. Here’s how you can help:
- Provide Education: Ensure players understand the importance of proper breast support and the risks associated with binding.
- Invest in Gear: Provide access to good-quality sports bras, and offer fittings so players have the right size and style.
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a team culture where players will have no fear to discuss those issues without their colleagues judging them.
- Advocate for Inclusivity: Not all athletes have the same needs. So do your best to accommodate the needs that most of these ladies, including trans and non-binary, are experiencing.
Takeaway For Players
If you’re a female soccer player, here’s what you should keep in mind.
- Invest In a Good Sports Bra: You shouldn’t skip it. Get high impact when possible get a professional fit for yourself.
- Listen to your body: If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Adjust your gear as needed and consult a professional if necessary.
- Prioritize Performance Over Appearance: Your primary focus should be on playing your best game, not conforming to societal expectations.
