As the Women's World Cup gets underway, a look at the history of the sports bra

As the Women's World Cup gets underway, a look at the history of the sports bra Enlarge this image toggle caption Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images The sports bra is a contradiction: It constricts and restricts, compresses and muzzles — yet offers freedom to bodies that move in ways that are powerful. Enlarge this image toggle caption Lisa Lindahl Lisa Lindahl The power of the sports bra in women's athletics After scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Women's World Cup, Brandi Chastain tore off her soccer jersey in celebration, revealing a black Nike sports bra, creating one of the most iconic moments in the history of soccer. "l have literally never forgotten to wear a sports bra," says Keishi Foecke, 24, a communications specialist who joined a soccer rec league shortly after moving to D.C. "This one has a clasp on the back which is really helpful for me," she says. How to find the perfect sports bra First, you'll need to decide what activity you'll be doing in the sports bra, says Jennifer Lava, assistant store manager at FP Movement in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Murashima/NPR Claire Murashima/NPR You'll probably want a high-impact sports bra for an activity like running, boxing or a high-intensity interval training class, whereas a low-impact sports bra will probably suffice for yoga, a spin class or walking.