WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Mar 23, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

ChampionAthleticwear, the founder and leader in the sports bra market for more than 30 years, has introduced its newest sports bra collection, Champion Spot Comfort, aimed at taking on the toughest problem areas with innovative "zones of comfort."

"In developing Spot Comfort, we began by asking women to identify their biggest problem areas with sports bras," said Kathy Hare, senior manager, Champion Women's. "Issues such as strap dig-in, ventilation, chafing, support and shaping all came through loud and clear."

With these common challenges in mind, the designers at Champion developed a product strategy focused on "zones of comfort" - critical areas in the sports bra construction that deliver support, comfort and fit. In the new Spot Comfort sports bras, each zone features an innovative solution such as gel-filled straps to alleviate dig-in, supportive yet lightweight mesh panels for ventilation and ultra-soft fabrics to eliminate chafing. In addition, Champion incorporated molded cups to provide support through encapsulation versus compression of the breasts.

The Spot Comfort sports bras are available in an average-figure style (sizes S-XL) and a full-support style (sizes 34C-42DDD). Both sports bras are rated for High Support according to the Champion Motion Control Requirements system.

"The innovative product features in Spot Comfort mean relief in all the right places," said Hare. "Champion is taking comfort to a new level by tackling these traditionally high-irritation areas head-on."

A recent online survey conducted by Champion confirms that the new Spot Comfort sports bras are right on the mark. According to the survey, close to 60 percent of respondents identified Not Enough Support as their No. 1 sports bra pet peeve followed by No Shaping/Uni-boob and Chafing. And though sports bras have challenges, women also know their importance - nearly 60 percent of respondents characterized the sports bra as "mission critical, can't exercise without it."

"Champion has always been extremely attuned to the needs and desires of women when it comes to designing our sports bras," said Hare. "Our sports bra testing is unparalleled, and women know they can count on Champion to solve the problems that matter most to them."

The new Champion Spot Comfort bras join the brand's impressive history of industry-leading product innovations such as shaping encapsulation technology and seamless construction.

"Champion has been a leader in shaping encapsulation technology for more than a decade, because we understand that sports bras should still let her maintain her femininity and sense of style," said Hare. "Our Champion Shape collection offers exceptional solutions for women of every size."

Another one of the brand's early product innovations was the introduction of a seamless sports bra designed to practically eliminate chafing. Over time, the number of Champion seamless sports bra offerings has expanded to the current roster of five styles, including the top selling Champion High Support Shiny Seamless sports bra and the Champion Seamless Underwire sports bra, one of the few seamless sports bras designed specifically for fuller-busted women.

"Champion sports bras are recognized as a consumer favorite because of their superior support, comfort and fit," says Kathy Hare, senior manager, Champion Women's. "And no one in the industry can match our commitment to product innovation and problem-solving."

To learn more about the Champion sports bra offerings, visit the Champion Web site at www.championusa.com or follow the Champion sports bra blog by going to www.facebook.com/champion.

About Champion(R)

Since 1919 Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including sports bras, activewear, team uniforms, sweats and accessories. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at most sporting goods and department stores.For more information please contact us at 1-800-999-2249, visit www.championusa.com or at www.facebook.com/champion or follow us on Twitter @Championusa. Champion is a brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI)

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SOURCE: HanesBrands

HanesBrands
Bernadette Wallace, 336-519-6250
Champion Product PR
Bernadette.Wallace@hanesbrands.com