Athlete-Turned-Founder Redesigns Sports Bras for Female Performance
Sara Falkson launches Robyn to address critical gaps in athletic gear design.
1The Hidden Performance Barrier
Many female athletes struggle with ill-fitting sports bras that cause physical pain and distraction. Research indicates that 26 percent of elite athletes report breast pain impacting their performance. Furthermore, 46 percent of school-aged women identify their breasts as a significant barrier to exercise, highlighting a critical gap in current athletic apparel design.
2Personal Motivation for Change
Founder Sara Falkson experienced these challenges firsthand as a collegiate field hockey player. She often resorted to wearing two bras simultaneously to achieve necessary support, which caused discomfort and social anxiety. These personal struggles, combined with observations while coaching youth sports, inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in design and engineering.
3Academic Research and Validation
While studying at Harvard, Falkson focused on the statistic that 50 percent of girls drop out of sports by age 14 due to low body confidence. She conducted workshops with young female athletes to understand their needs. This research became the foundation for Robyn, a brand dedicated to elevating confidence through better equipment.
4Expert Design Guidance
Falkson collaborated with Karen Korellis Reuther, a former creative executive at Nike and Reebok. Reuther, who authored a book on how design often excludes women, provided critical mentorship. Her expertise helped translate the thesis project into a functional business model that addresses systemic design flaws in the athletic apparel industry today.
5Engineering for Better Support
Robyn’s upcoming product line, including the Game Day and Everyday bras, prioritizes adjustability. Unlike standard retail options that offer limited sizing, these bras feature adjustable straps and bands. Preliminary testing showed the design provides 46 percent less vertical breast movement compared to a leading high-support sports bra during intense physical activity.
6Brand Identity and Symbolism
The brand name Robyn holds personal significance for Falkson and her mother, who share it as a middle name. It also references the robin bird, known for its distinctively colored breast. The founders aim to encourage athletes to lead with strength, joy, and color, mirroring the bird’s unique physical characteristics in their branding.
7Community and Digital Growth
Ahead of its spring launch, the brand has built a strong digital presence with over 34,000 Instagram followers. Robyn has already recruited more than 100 brand ambassadors from high school and college sports teams. This grassroots strategy ensures the product resonates with the target demographic of young, active female athletes across the country.
8Mission Beyond Apparel Sales
Robyn integrates social impact into its business model through partnerships with nonprofits like South Bronx United and Shooting Touch. These collaborations focus on body confidence workshops and STEM education for girls. By providing resources and 3D printing access, the company aims to empower young women both on the field and in classrooms.
9Strategic Industry Positioning
The company has successfully executed five major collaborations and gained media attention, including a feature in Yankees Mag. These milestones demonstrate the brand's ability to bridge the gap between niche athletic needs and broader consumer interest. Falkson’s commitment to performance-focused design positions Robyn as a challenger to traditional, one-size-fits-all athletic retailers.
10Future Goals for Athletes
Falkson envisions Robyn gear becoming a standard part of the female athlete’s uniform. Her ultimate goal is to foster a community where girls feel comfortable and confident in their bodies while pursuing lifelong movement. By addressing the physical and emotional aspects of sports gear, the company seeks to normalize the female experience.