This International Women’s Day (IWD), Lowland RFCA was delighted to partner with 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment as they hosted ‘Supporting the Troops’, a special sports bra fitting.
In light of the new Army policy that allows service personnel to claim annually towards the cost of a sports bra, women based in Scotland were invited to attend a No Bounce Sport fitting and education event, celebrating IWD.
No Bounce Sport, founded by Jen Misseldine, is a sports bra company offering women a product that seeks to support them in any and every active situation.
Credit: NoBounce Sport
Passionate about promoting women’s health, Jen explained why she was attracted to collaborating with the Army on this project:
‘When I developed the bra, I was thinking about women on horseback as my daughter is a keen rider. If you watch a woman trotting on a horse, it’s very obvious why they need decent breast support. I was designing the product to be worn under body protection, and it occurred to me that it’s not just horse riders who wear that sort of kit.
‘I thought of all the ladies serving our country, running about in the field, perhaps in the Army or Police. It dawned on me just how much they needed decent support. It’s been brilliant to travel around the barracks, fitting women, and seeing just how enthusiastic they have been about the education and product we offer.’
The event included a morning and afternoon session. The ladies in attendance enjoyed mingling over a cuppa, a detailed briefing on the science and importance of well-fitted sports bras, a complimentary fitting and then a no-pressure opportunity to purchase a sports bra.
Staff Sergeant Green, a Reservist with 215 MMR and the event’s organiser, said:
‘I think it’s great to publicise women’s health in conjunction with IWD. There have been plenty of bra fitting events in England, however I was not aware of any happening in Scotland. It’s very important that all service personnel have sports bras that are fitted correctly, particularly considering how active we have to be as part of our jobs.
‘Only new recruits were issued sports bras but those already serving were not entitled. This new Army policy is great because now, all service personnel can purchase sports bras annually. This acknowledges that a standard issued sports bra may not be suitable for everyone but also recognises how much our bodies can change, whether that’s due to weight fluctuation or even pregnancy.
Credit: NoBounce Sport
‘The education element of this event has also been invaluable, reminding us all that as our bodies change, our sports bra needs to change too.’
Lance Corporal Stirton, a Reservist with the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, thoroughly enjoyed the event. She commented:
‘Quite often our uniforms are one standard shape and size, and they’re not always the most suitable for our body types or the most comfortable, so I jumped at the opportunity to attend today and to get something totally suited to my body.
‘I’m currently pregnant and my body is going through a lot of change just now, so this new policy that allows me to get a new sports bra every year is a game-changer. I can get one today that suits my pregnancy shape, and one next year, after I’ve had my baby and my body has changed again.
‘This brilliant initiative will keep us comfortable and will allow us to take part in all the fitness and tasks that are required of us. It’s novel, and really nice to be considered in this way.’
Brimming with enthusiasm after her fitting, Officer Cadet Stone, a Reservist with 105 Royal Artillery, remarked:
‘I’ve never had a bra fitting in my life so I learned loads from the presentation and was really struck by just how important it is to get fitted properly.
‘During the fitting, Jen measured my band size around the chest and then suggested a cup size. I popped it on and she showed me how to properly put my breasts into a bra, and I was amazed at the difference it made. I did a little jump test, put my clothes back on to see how it would look under clothes, and that was it, I was sold!
‘As Reservists, we do lots of physically demanding things, and I’ve been doing a lot of running recently, which has been getting quite sore, so I’m thrilled to be getting some extra support.
‘I’m off to Sandhurst in May and you can be sure this bra will be coming with me!’
Credit: NoBounce Sport
Lowland RFCA is committed to promoting and supporting the Reserve Forces, so we were thrilled to partner with 215 MMR as they organised this event. Discussing the partnership, Staff Sergeant Green said:
‘The input for this event has been exceptional and I’ve been given so much support during the organisation of it all. From media assistance to help with hiring the venue, Lowland RFCA have been very helpful.’
Kate Johnston, Lowland’s Head of Communications, reflected:
‘It’s not our typical event, but it is one we’re very proud to have taken part in. Our hope is that female Reservists throughout the Lowlands will have a renewed sense of support to take part in all the physical activities that are thrown at them.
‘It’s easy to get a bit embarrassed about breasts and bras, but it’s crucial that we educate ourselves and do what we can to promote women’s health and well-being.
‘As an Association, our raison d’être is to promote and support Reservists and Cadets. Well… it’s an unorthodox approach, but this sort of event certainly “ticks that box” and we’re so pleased to have been able to assist. We truly hope the women that attended today feel a renewed sense of vigour for their Reserve life.’
