Your Guide To Companies Designing Just For Women Athletes
A growing list of startups and others focused on high performance sports gear for female sports competitors and enthusiasts
We fully expect to see this list grow! If you know of a great business we’ve missed, email us at editorial@5wins.com
Summary
- Innovative women-led sports brands like IDA Sports, Moolah Kicks, Rip-It, and Miss Mayfly are designing athletic shoes and gear specifically for female athletes.
- Female-focused apparel companies such as GoalFive, Kari Traa, Lacuna Sports, Branwyn, Paradis Sport, and Freyja Fit create performance wear tailored to women’s bodies.
- Specialized solutions from startups like Boob Protect, Nixibody, Maaree, and Gnara address protection, menstruation, and comfort—empowering women in every sport.
Boob Protect
Australian startup founded by Suzie Betts, whose youthful high-impact sports activities led to a breast condition that mimics cancer and required surgery, to protect her athletic daughters from the same fate. Impact-resistant inserts to shield breasts during high-contact sports. Basically, shin guards for boobs.
“Be Confident and Feel Empowered.”
Branwyn
High-performance “innerwear” made with natural, recyclable moisture-wicking Merino wool, soft and stretchy.
“Empowered women power the world.”
Freyja Fit
UK-based female-focused gym equipment brand, with a beautiful, feel-good aesthetic.
“Commercial gym equipment. But pretty.”
Gnara
Launched as Shefly out of a Vermont college dorm in 2018, Gnara makes pee pants and shorts with a zipper that lets ladies “go” in the woods almost as easily and privately as men can.
“Reclaiming the historically ‘bro culture’ idea of what’s gnarly”
GoalFive
Starting with supersoft pocketless soccer shorts, GoalFive now offers a range of tops, bottoms, bras and outwear for athletes and athletic women.
“Fit for Her”
IDA Sports
Created by & for female footballers, IDA Sports designs boots for women’s feet.
“Say goodbye to blisters and hello to performance.”
Kari Traa
Founded by three-time Olympic medalist Kari Traa, the company makes women’s clothing for hiking, skiing, and gym training.
“We are the badass friend that lifts everyone around her.”
Lacuna Sports
Founded in 2019, Lacuna makes cricket gear tailored to the female form. (Main image)
'Focus on your game, not your kit.'
Maaree
Founded by a sports bra tester to reduce upward bounce, Maree's award-winning sports bras fit athletic women of many sizes and shapes. The official sports bra provider for the Welsh Rugby Union Women’s Senior team.
“Support that delivers.”
Miss Mayfly
Starting with a chest wader for women in 2018, passionate female angler Kimberly Ranalla’s company makes waders and flyfishing gear for women, including the first woman-specific wading boot.
“Your body is unique. Your waders should be too.”
Moolah Kicks
Launched in 2020, Moolah makes basketball shoes "by and for girl ballers." Praised by the likes of Courtney Williams, Eva Hodgson, Faith Masonius and other top-notch competitors and coaches.
“No break-in. No burning.”
Nixibody
Leak-proof underwear to support women athletes through menstruation, motherhood and menopause.
“Breaking the leakage taboo.”
Paradis Sport
Soft seamless bikinis, thongs and boyshorts in natural fibers.
“Love your first layer.”
Rip-It
Born from a softball facemask, Rip-It now makes everything that softball and volleyball players need—with an emphasis on athletic shoes designed for female feet.
“She’s made for the game. We’re made for her.”