BPA in Sports Bras: Health Risks, Industry Response, and Safer Choices

Learn how BPA in sports bras can impact your health, brand controversies, and how to choose safer activewear.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

BPA in Sports Bras: Understanding the Risks and Making Safer Choices

In recent years, alarming findings regarding the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in activewear—including sports bras—have emerged, raising essential questions about consumer health and industry accountability. Once primarily associated with plastics and food containers, BPA has been detected in clothing, exposing wearers to potential health hazards. This article delves into how BPA enters athletic apparel, why exposure poses a concern, what recent investigations have uncovered about popular brands, and actionable strategies for consumers seeking safer options.

What Is BPA?
How Does BPA Get Into Activewear?
Recent Findings on BPA in Sports Bras
Why Is BPA Dangerous?
Brands Involved and the Industry Response
What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure
Alternatives to BPA-Containing Activewear
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is BPA?

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a synthetic chemical compound used for decades in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is valued in manufacturing for its durability and clarity, and is often found in:

Plastic water bottles
Food containers and can linings
Thermal paper receipts
Dental materials
Some clothing fibers and coatings

BPA is known for its tendency to leach from products, particularly when exposed to heat, moisture, or acidic conditions. It is recognized as a significant endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormone systems—even at low exposure levels.

How Does BPA Get Into Activewear?

The emergence of BPA in activewear—especially in sports bras and leggings—can be traced back to the prevalence of synthetic fibers in modern clothing manufacturing. Materials like polyester, spandex, elastane, and nylon are all petroleum-based plastics. BPA may either be used directly as a building block or as a byproduct of their manufacturing processes.

Why is it problematic?

These fibers are favored for athletic wear due to their moisture-wicking, stretch, and quick-drying properties.
BPA or related compounds can remain in the finished product, or new exposures can result from certain chemical treatments used to enhance fabric performance and durability.
Direct skin contact and the increased absorption potential during exercise (from sweat and heat) create a concerning exposure pathway for BPA from clothing to the body.

Recent Findings on BPA in Sports Bras

In 2022 and 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) published results from extensive testing of sports bras, leggings, athletic shirts, and shorts from dozens of popular brands sold in North America.

Key Facts from Investigations

BPA levels detected in some activewear were up to 40 times the legally accepted limit established by California for safe daily skin exposure.
BPA was particularly prevalent in polyester and spandex blends, common in sports bras and similar garments.
Legal notices were sent to more than 20 prominent brands, requiring them to either reformulate their products or face legal action.
The brands involved included Athleta, Nike, PINK, The North Face, Asics, Brooks, FILA, Aerie, Amazon Essentials, Avia (Walmart), Patagonia, Skechers, and more.

Brand	Product Type	BPA Status (as reported)
Athleta	Sports Bras, Leggings	BPA detected, legal notice served
Nike	Sports Bras, Shorts	BPA detected, legal notice served
Patagonia	Sports Bras, Leggings, Shirts	BPA detected in some items
Skechers	Sports Bras, Shirts	BPA detected
Amazon Essentials	Sports Bras, Shirts	BPA detected
Aerie	Sports Bras	BPA detected
Others (Brooks, FILA, Avia, PINK, etc.)	Sports Bras/Shirts	BPA detected

CEH’s efforts have prompted some companies to begin reformulating their products to phase out BPA and related chemicals. However, not all have provided public details about their timelines for removing these chemicals.

Why Is BPA Dangerous?

BPA disrupts the body’s endocrine (hormone) system. The chemical mimics estrogen, binding to hormone receptors and interfering with normal biological signaling. This can lead to widespread metabolic and reproductive effects, including those shown in multiple large studies:

Altered metabolism and increased risk of obesity
Disrupted reproductive function, impacting fertility and development
Potential links with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure
Possible increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancer
Higher levels of BPA exposure in women have been associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, recurrent miscarriages, and endometrial hyperplasia.

Exposure during pregnancy and childhood is especially concerning, as hormonal disruption can impact embryonic and fetal development. Potential effects may include:

Abnormal development of the mammary glands and ovaries
Increased likelihood of developing breast or ovarian cancer later in life
Impact on gene expression in utero

BPA’s effects occur at very low exposure levels—sometimes even below regulatory thresholds—and its effects may be cumulative, manifesting years after initial exposure.

Brands Involved and the Industry Response

The revelation that BPA was present in major activewear brands’ products was met with concern and calls for corporate accountability. Below are highlights of how brands and regulatory agencies responded:

Legal Action in California: Under California’s Proposition 65, companies must warn consumers about exposure to listed toxic chemicals, including BPA. CEH issued legal notices, giving brands a 60-day window to remedy violations or face lawsuits.
Brand Statements: Some companies responded publicly, outlining their commitment to safety and promising to review supply chains or reformulate products. Many have not disclosed timelines or specifics, and some challenged test methodologies.
Reformulations and Product Recalls: CEH reported that over 90 companies had taken steps to remove BPA and similar chemicals from their products after public pressure and legal notices. Some activewear lines are now advertised with “BPA-free” or “non-toxic” claims, but shoppers should remain cautious as these claims are not always regulated.
Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Advocacy groups urged consumers to contact brands, sign petitions, and opt for safer alternatives while reforms are underway.

Important Note: The BPA problem is not limited to sports bras; other athletic items such as leggings, shorts, socks (including for infants), and shirts made from polyester-blend fabrics have also tested positive for BPA.

What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure

While the onus should be on manufacturers to ensure product safety, consumers can take practical steps to reduce their risk of BPA exposure from activewear:

Avoid synthetic blends (especially polyester, nylon, and spandex) where possible. Look for garments made from 100% natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or ethically-sourced wool.
Check for certifications such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or similar, which verify low chemical residues in finished garments.
Launder new athletic garments thoroughly before first use, which may reduce surface chemical residues.
Monitor brand statements and third-party testing; seek out brands that are transparent about their materials and chemical testing.
Support advocacy efforts and sign relevant petitions to pressure companies for greater transparency and safer formulations.
Rotate workout attire and reduce prolonged skin contact with any synthetic garments, especially during heavy sweating or for extended wear.

Alternatives to BPA-Containing Activewear

The recent BPA scare has prompted more brands to develop performance activewear using sustainable, non-toxic materials. Look for activewear that emphasizes:

Organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo: Breathable, naturally moisture-wicking, and grown without harsh chemicals.
Ethically-sourced wool: Exceptionally moisture regulating, antimicrobial, and renewable.
TENCEL™ (lyocell): Made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, soft against skin, and produced with environmentally friendly methods.
Minimalist design: Fewer dyes, coatings, and chemical treatments mean fewer opportunities for harmful exposures.

Questions to Ask When Shopping

What fibers are used in the fabric (avoid high polyester and spandex blends)?
Has the garment been tested for substances like BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors?
Does the brand publicly share their chemical safety standards and independent testing results?
What international or third-party certifications does the product have?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is BPA, and why should I be concerned about it in my sports bra?

A: BPA is a synthetic chemical used in the production of plastics and resins. When present in clothing, especially synthetic blends, it can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt hormone systems, potentially leading to serious health effects such as reproductive issues and increased cancer risk.

Q: Which types of sports bras are most likely to contain BPA?

A: Sports bras made from polyester or spandex blends are most commonly implicated in BPA contamination. Natural-fiber bras (cotton, linen, wool) present a much lower BPA risk.

Q: Is skin exposure to BPA as dangerous as swallowing it?

A: Skin exposure to BPA can be significant, especially with prolonged contact and sweating. Studies have confirmed that BPA can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream.

Q: Have brands removed BPA from their sports bras and activewear?

A: Some brands have taken steps to remove BPA following legal notices and consumer demand, but not all have indicated clear timelines or released specific product information. Always check for transparent safety information and certifications.

Q: Are “BPA-free” claims on clothing trustworthy?

A: While “BPA-free” claims indicate a reduction or elimination of BPA, they may not preclude all similar chemicals such as BPS (bisphenol S). Third-party testing and certifications offer greater assurance.

Q: What are the safest alternatives to BPA-containing sports bras?

A: Choose bras and activewear made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or ethically-sourced wool, and seek out brands with independent safety certifications.

Conclusion

The detection of BPA in popular sports bras and activewear is a call to awareness for both consumers and manufacturers. While the health risks of BPA—especially as an endocrine disruptor—are increasingly clear, there remains a significant gap in regulation and transparency within the apparel industry. By staying informed, demanding greater industry accountability, and making mindful purchasing decisions centered on natural fibers and independent safety certifications, consumers can take meaningful steps to protect their health and support a cleaner, safer future for activewear.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete