Unleash the Girls: The Untold Story of the Invention of the Sports Bra and How It Changed the World

by Lisa Z. Lindahl

It’s 1975 and American women were coming into their own, working hard to carve out new roles for themselves at home, in culture, politics, business and sports. As the “fitness revolution” began, like so many others, Lisa had taken up running and loved it. Only problem? She bounced… a lot… and it was very uncomfortable. She needed a solution and within a year had created the world’s first “jogbra.” Her invention-turned-business took off like wildfire, throwing Lisa into the then mostly male world of business. As Cathy Keen, an archivist at the Smithsonian Museum said, “The introduction of the sports bra did more than improve athletes’ performances. It represented a revolution in ready-to-wear clothing, and for many women athletes, past present, and future, it actually made sports possible.” This is the untold story of the invention of the sports bra and how it changed the world ... and Lisa, too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Biography, History, Memoir, Feminism, Sports

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Sarah Boselovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting read! Loved this quote from the last chapter that I think sums up the book well: “As I’ve said before, women’s stories need to be told - their true stories, not the fairy tales or fame-glam stereotypes or strident melodramas still too prevalent today. In these times more than ever, the real stories of real women need to be told by the women who lived them - it’s my new form of a “by women for women” agenda for this era. My story about inventing the sports bra is one such story.”

[Saloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa Z. Lindahl for signing a copy of this book at BEA 2019!

Overall, I really enjoyed learning about the invention of the sports bra from conception to the multi-million dollar business it is today. The tone of the book, written as a memoir from the author's perspective, reads very easily, almost as if she's telling you the story herself. Definitely a good read depicting what is probably one of the most significant inventions for the feminist movement.

[Viral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for Lisa Z. Lindahl for signing my copy at BEA 2019!

This was an interesting memoir about how Lindahl invented the JogBra, the first sports bra. It takes you through her first having the idea, to how she and her friends tried different models and struggled to start their business, to it becoming a success and watching as other brands adopted the style. I will say, I wish the book had pictures (it says they are coming, so perhaps this is just an ARC problem), because I would be really interested in seeing how sports bras have changed from the early 1980s to today. I also felt like partway through the book went from being a memoir to kind of a business pep talk, which wasn't the vibe I was going for. I'm not really interested in starting my own business, although I appreciate the advice. An interesting and untold story of a really important invention that has meant a lot untold millions of women.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story on an article of clothing that was a game changer for girls and women in sports. In conversational tone, veering towards spiritual towards the end which makes sense considering her professional trajectory, Lindahl tells her side of the story about the creation of the "Jogbra", the first sports specific bra for women. She uses the benefit of hindsight to not only explore her experiences of founding, building, and eventually selling a company and also to examine her identity as a woman, a woman with a chronic medical condition, and the contradictory status of an independent woman whose psyche is ingrained with ideas about traditional gender roles and all the baggage that accompanies those ideas. I'm especially intrigued by her business partner Hinda Schreiber who Lindahl admits to disagreeing with, but who seems to have bullied and cheated Lindahl throughout their time running the company. Lindahl admits that she let Schreiber take advantage of her, but Schreiber (now a politician according to Wikipedia) comes off as a slimy swindler. It would be interesting to hear her side of the story too. Nonetheless, it's an interesting tale. The book overall could have benefitted by at least one more round of editing. An important story that leaves more to be told.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! The journey of this writer from secretarial school to the invention of the sports bra, to a successful business, to finishing her life fulfilling her passions is just amazing. I love her and so admire her. This is a wonderful memoir full of fascinating aspects of her story. Loved the story of how she invented the sports bra to improve the lives of women athletes but I stayed frustrated about Hinda and how my new hero Lisa could allow her to steal her idea, her credit, her patent, her company shares, and her authority. How could she even allow her to continue to work in her company? Much of her story is describing the horrible person Hinda is but I kept wanting Lisa to DO something about her. At least Lindahl continued her career with life affirming work serving people with epilepsy. Except for a lot of repetition, this is a super great read.

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found the writing style to be quick paced and fun, and the story equally compelling. Lisa didn't get too bogged down in the details, giving you just enough to pain the picture before getting boring and repetitive. While I understand why the book was structed the way it was, in themes, the timeline did get a bit confusing at points since it jumps around based on theme rather than chronological order - but in the end this didn't detract from the story being told. It amazes me that this book was written recently, yet it feels so fresh, when the events took place in a completely time in the world. While we have come so far, I think it is telling that a story like this, of women overcoming the odds and making such an impact, has been essentially buried for the most part. I think this is a story that most anyone can benefit from.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Lisa Lindahl tells a gripping story that shows us how a woman with a vision can overcome challenges and build something bigger than she ever could have dreamed. I was immediately engrossed in Lindahl's delicate story, which combines historical facts with the viewpoint of a lady who never lets obstacles deter her. By focusing on a groundbreaking idea and seeing it grow into a successful business that inspired a whole generation of women, the author provides a thorough account of what it's like to live in a society where males rule.

I recommend Unleash the Girls because I personally believe that every woman should read this book not only to be inspired by Lindahl's strength and tenacity but also to see that it is possible to remain true to our values in a competitive environment. I give this book five stars; it deserves it!

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended
“Unleash the Girls” is an engaging book penned by Lisa Lindahl who was a visionary about the feminist struggle and was eager to make a change in the world. So, she came up with the invention of the sports bra for women that put her into a great position with a thriving business. It seems to be a simple invention but it produced a sense of power, beauty and identity for women. It’s an interesting and deep story that can show the constant struggle of women to fight for their place in the world.
I liked how the events unfold throughout the pages and the pieces of history that Lisa has included here. I found it excellent and I recommend it to all women to understand their fair fight.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Lisa Z. Lindahl is a before and after for real. Not only for the iconic moment that is narrated, but also for the book itself. Along the pages, I read about both the invention of the sports bra, which was a lot of fun; and the story of Lisa, which is amazing and captivating. As regards the invention of this marvellous piece of clothing for women, Lisa put it out in the market at the correct time in the correct place, shooting her to the stars of the business world. As regards her personal life, while becoming a businessperson, it was a very hard one. She accomplished her best goal while crossing the difficulties of a life with epilepsy and seizures; I believe this to be an outstanding point to highlight. A book to recommend.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One could think how a bra can change so much the world and especially women. Lisa was not satisfied with the fact that she decided not to suffer pain or discomfort, that is why she began to think about what the bra that would accompany her running would be like. Although the road was not easy, Lisa managed to create a revolutionary item in a multi-billion-dollar industry.
I celebrate this book in all its aspects; firstly because it was very good to know Lisa's story, secondly because once again, it is exposed that women can do whatever we set our minds to. Without a doubt, it is an inspiring book capable of touching the soul.

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular Book

What a great book, what an example of self-improvement and courage. After reading it, I came to the conclusion that it should be a must read for all people who for some unfavourable circumstance in their lives feel they have no chance.
The life story of the creator of a garment that is so common today, the sports bra, is incredible. A life full of shocks, with a disease like epilepsy and that despite that was not an obstacle for Lindahl to meet all your goals, dreams and break paradigms.
Unleash the Girls is written in an easy, entertaining and fun way that makes the reader want to identify with Lindahl, the author.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. I cannot believe it was not invented until 1977!! That’s not that long ago. What the heck. Also my favorite quote: once again,the irony was not lost on me that by binding the breasts, we had unleashed the girls.

I am so thankful my life had sports bras. I am so thankful for title IX and all thd women who do sports and are athletic and such good examples of strong women! That’s so important to me and my daughters!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting personal and professional story of the true Jogbra.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and interesting read chosen by my nonfiction book club.

[Ms. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting! Very personal story of her experience.

[Phyl · Rating 2 out of 5]

35% through the book and set it down with no desire to finish. Glad she and her cohorts invented it but I just don’t care to read on in her book.