Dragonwing Blog
Amazing Woman, Amazing Messages
In the past few months, I've been able to work with and be exposed to some amazing women. As part of my leadership class, I had the opportunity to interview the head of a local independent school. She was the first woman leader at the school! She also played collegiate level volleyball and is now a coach. I wanted to get her take on all things: from her story, to leadership, to some advice for girls and women. A few quotes from our conversation that stood out to me were: 1. "Face the beast. And then conquer it. I would like to see more girls do that. These days, find whatever that subject is that's hard, don't run from it, face it and conquer it. You're more equipped than you think you are." My interviewee was talking specifically about how she almost failed her college Spanish class, but, this lesson is applicable to everybody. Whether it's a teacher, a school subject, a coach, a tough sports play, a boss, anything; rise up and fight through it. Women, and people in general, wouldn't be where they are today if they ran from their challenges. 2. "I think everyone should have a little butterflies. Butterflies are normal. And embrace the butterflies." Don't be afraid to be afraid. Harness your fear and run with it. Get excited about having butterflies, and use them to do and play your best. (You can also use Dragonwing to help you feel more confident about your sports-related butterflies!!) 3. "I shouldn't have to fight to be non-girly. I'm a girl. Get over it. I'm proud of being a girl." She said it all right here. No caption needed. Own it girls. This woman is doing amazing things and had a lot of great things to say about women. We need to keep women like her around! As this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, women's strength is highlighted more than ever. Dragon Wing is supporting funding for Breast Cancer Research, by selling these bras! Take a look and help a great cause!
Rave Reviews for our Racer Sports Bra for Girls
I checked online customer reviews for our Racer seamless sports bra today and was delighted to see so many positive reviews and comments! Dragonwing seamless sports bras are made especially for girls, tweens and teens of all shapes and sizes. They provide superior fit, support, and comfort -- soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking fabric -- so that girls can play sports with confidence and without distraction. Plus, they won't lose their shape or stretch during a whole sports season of washings! Here's a sampling of customer reviews of our Racer seamless girls sports bra: "This product encompasses everything you can ask for from a sports bra - super soft and extra comfortable material that absorbs liquid (aka sweat) and keeps it off of your skin; stylish and fun colors; and flexible, yet form fitting. Five stars for comfort alone." "This is one of the better quality teen sports bras I've picked up. Some are so cheap they fall apart shortly after getting and washing them, and start to pill. Not this one. This one doesn't pill at all in the wash and holds its shape nicely." "My 16 year old daughter tried this bra after hearing about it from some other athletic girls at school, and loved the look as soon as it came out of the package as well as the fit and support!" "The fabric and stitch work evidences a quality you don’t often find in foundation garments for this age group."
The Power of a Girl's First Bra
I had the pleasure of talking recently with Kelly O'Brien, owner of Linger Tween, a shop that specializes in undergarments for tweens and teens. She's a big fan, as are her customers, of our Racer and Keyhole sports bras. Not surprisingly, we talked about the importance of a girl's experience with her first bra. Between the two of us, we've had hundreds of conversations with girls and mothers about their desire to find sports bras and traditional bras that are made for tweens and teens, not mini-sized women's bras or lacy, plunging, push-up styles that are not age appropriate. A girl's first bra is important to her sense of self and can have a lasting impact on how she views her body. She wants -- and should -- feel comfortable, at ease, free to move, and free to be herself. For a girl who plays sports, her first bra is often a sports bra. I've talked before about why a sports bra makes a great first bra. A sports bra that's comfortable, provides the right amount of coverage, supports and moves without binding or riding up, and doesn't scream "bra" can help a girl see herself as the healthy, active, powerful person she is.
This Sports Headband Really Won't Slip!
Three more months of school! I can hardly believe I will be a freshman next year. I'm already really excited for high school and connecting with more people. Sadly only one of my friends is going to the same high school as me but, that means I get to make some new friends.
Another great thing that will happen in high school is that my sister will be able to drive, which means I won't be late to rock climbing (at least, less often I hope!)
Getting back into rock climbing after my concussion has been going great. We've been preparing for rope season by practicing falls. Yes, we actually practice falls! When we practice for falls, we climb up the wall and then fall over and over again.
During recent practices, I've been wearing my Dragonwing Stay in Place Mini Headband, and it didn't slip off my head once! I totally recommend this sports headband to every athletic girl. I still love my Dragonwing sports bras, too. Here's a picture of me when my Racer Sports Bra arrived!
We've also been working on our first attempt-best attempt by "onsighting" routes. Onsighting is when you make a clean ascent without prior knowledge of the route or problem. I finally sent my first 11+ project on lead bottom to top -- with only a little bloody nick on knuckle. Success!
Before break our middle school had an award assembly, and I was named to the honor roll! Working my butt off to catch up with assignments after my concussion paid off. And seeing the smiles on my parents' faces was great!
During recent practices, I've been wearing my Dragonwing Stay in Place Mini Headband, and it didn't slip off my head once! I totally recommend this sports headband to every athletic girl. I still love my Dragonwing sports bras, too. Here's a picture of me when my Racer Sports Bra arrived!
We've also been working on our first attempt-best attempt by "onsighting" routes. Onsighting is when you make a clean ascent without prior knowledge of the route or problem. I finally sent my first 11+ project on lead bottom to top -- with only a little bloody nick on knuckle. Success!
Before break our middle school had an award assembly, and I was named to the honor roll! Working my butt off to catch up with assignments after my concussion paid off. And seeing the smiles on my parents' faces was great!
"Does New Tech Mean More Comfort?"
Check out this new video discussing the science behind sports bras. We are doing this for girls ages 8 to 17 years old. Please check out Dragonwing girlgear. Girls can be in every shape and size from AA to DDD and more. We are working to make sure their bras fit well so they can focus on the skill building fun of sports and not worry about their changing bodies, discomfort from bad fit, or bras malfunctioning.
Girls Sports Bras for a Cause
We've been amazed by the response to our request for donations of sports bras for girls in India who are part of Goals for Girls' initiative.
But we're just blown away by the efforts of Zoe, a 12-year old, soccer-loving girl from New York state, who took our idea and ran with it. As part of her bat mitzvah preparation, she's collected nearly 100 clean, gently-used sports bras already and is aiming even higher!
The girls' varsity soccer teams of the Fayetteville-Manlius and the Jamesville-Dewitt schools (NY) donated 76 gently-used sports bras to Goals for Girls, helping needy girls stay active. Inspired by Dragonwing girlgear, the donation drive was the project of 12-year-old Zoe C.
We pleased to introduce you to this girl-empowering girl:
How did you hear about the Dragonwing campaign to collect bras for Goals for Girls?
I read about the Dragonwing campaign in Real Simple magazine and thought it would be a great mitzvah project. My Mom and I did some online research and came up with the idea of "Bras for a Cause."
Why did you choose sports bra donations as your bat mitzvah project?
I love soccer, and I want to help other girls stay in the game and not have to stop playing because they don't have the right equipment. Donating a sports bra is something that's really simple that all girls and women can help with. It doesn't involve people spending money; they just have to look through their own drawers.
My grandparents recently traveled to India and we studied India in school, so when I saw that Goals for Girls' next trip was to India, I was even more excited to help.
What's your goal of how many sports bras you'll collect?
At first, my goal was to collect 100 bras, but I've already reached 76 by asking the girls' soccer teams from my area. Now I'm hoping to get at least 200. I've four women's college soccer teams respond to my email request and agree to help me. So now 100 seems too easy.
What sports do you play? What do you like about playing sports?
I play soccer and basketball, and I'm going to try volleyball soon.
I love soccer because I love being part of a team and working together. I like that it's fast paced and things can change quickly. I also love that you get to be aggressive.
The girls' varsity soccer teams of the Fayetteville-Manlius and the Jamesville-Dewitt schools (NY) donated 76 gently-used sports bras to Goals for Girls, helping needy girls stay active. Inspired by Dragonwing girlgear, the donation drive was the project of 12-year-old Zoe C.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you'd like to donate, send your clean, gently-used sports bra(s) -- any size, brand, or color -- to:Goals for Girls/Dragonwing girlgear 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, #188 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Boxes of Donated Sports Bras for Girls!
Earlier this month, we put out a call for donations of clean, gently-used sports bras for needy girls taking part in Goals for Girls wellness and education programs in India. The response from the Dragonwing girlgear community has been terrific. With each envelope or box that arrives, we are so grateful for and humbled by your generosity.
The remarkable women at Ladies Only Sports, a terrific family-owned business for active women of all shapes and sizes (check them out!), sent a big box of 30 brand new sports bras!
As I've said many times, a girl's sports bra can mean the difference between sitting on the sidelines and being able to play. Each of these donated sports bras empowers a girl to get in -- and stay in -- the game and reap the many benefits that sports participation brings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you'd like to donate, here's the information:
As I've said many times, a girl's sports bra can mean the difference between sitting on the sidelines and being able to play. Each of these donated sports bras empowers a girl to get in -- and stay in -- the game and reap the many benefits that sports participation brings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you'd like to donate, here's the information:
To help, please donate a clean, gently-used sports bra (any size, brand, or color) to: Goals for Girls/Dragonwing 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, #188 Chapel Hill, NC 27517Include your name and email address in the package with the donated bra(s). As a token of our thanks, we'll send you a promo code good for $5 off your next Dragonwing purchase.
Stock up on Summer Camp Essentials
Is your sports girl heading off to camp this summer? Dragonwing makes packing for summer camp easy!
Stock up on essential base layers that will keep her comfortable, cool, and confident all summer long.
• four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric for a cool, perfect fit
• anti-microbial & odor resistant even in hot, humid weather
• tag-free design and flat seams for chafe-free comfort
• smooth, light support shorts & leggings with a wedgie-free fit
• fun, stylish, age-appropriate designs for girls, ages 8-17
Whether she's at day camp, a week-long sports camp, or overnight camp for a month (or more!), Dragonwing will provide comfort, coverage (especially helpful for changing in cabins or locker room), and style. Some of our favorites with tweens and teens:
HALF-TEE SPORTS TOP: ideal for girls who comfort and coverage, the Half-Tee great under tees, tank tops, and jerseys every day.
RACER SPORTS BRA: our best-selling girls' sports bra, the Racer's super fine yarn and double-layered coverage ensures support, comfort, and coverage.
UN-DEE LIGHT COMPRESSION SPANDEX SHORTS: super comfortable with a wedgie-free fit, the Un-Dee comes in three styles: low-rise, mini (3" inseam), and regular (5.5" inseam). Lots of great colors, too!
This Dragonwing girl is a Winner!
We asked our Instagram followers to post and tag us (@dragonwinggirl) in their throwback sports photos. We reposted every one and followers voted with their "likes."
Our winner is Dorrit E., a terrific all-around athlete who specializes in soccer, rock-climbing, and pretty much every other activity you can imagine! Her photo received more than 200 votes!
Dorrit has won a Racer Seamless Sports Bra, designed just for girls. Made in the USA of high performance yarn for super softness, this tween sports bra is anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. Seamless and tag-free to eliminate chafing, the Racer has a wide bottom band that doesn't ride up so girls can run, move, and climb with confidence.
Don't miss our next contest! Follow us @dragonwinggirl now.
Girls Rule: Sports Bra Anniversary
The sports bra will mark an anniversary of sorts on Thursday, July 10: 15 years after 20-year-old Brandi Chastain pulled off her jersey in celebration of her winning goal in the Women's World Cup and fell to her knees wearing her (plain black) sports bra and shorts.
Sports bras came into the public after that and today come in many styles and colors.
According to a history of the sports bra by Ladies Only Sports -- a fascinating read -- the first sports bra "prototype" was two jock straps sewn together. It's no stretch to say that the sports bra revolutionized women's sports, making it possible for women to play active sports without breast discomfort or injury. That's been great for women, but until recently, girls (pre-teens and teens) had been left behind - that's where Dragonwing girlgear comes in.
Despite the huge increase in girls' sports, no one was making quality sports bras designed to fit girls' bodies. Most young girls whose bodies are just beginning to developing have to wear multiple camisoles or t-shirts. Older girls are forced to look for small sizes in the women's section.
Enter Dragonwing girlgear, maker of athletic apparel -- sports bras, compression shorts, and sports camis -- designed just to fit tween and teen girls, ages 8-17. Our sports bras and camis are designed for girls at all stages of development.
Dragonwing products differ from others on the market in that they're made of high-quality fabrics that are meant for real athletes -- moisture-wicking, seamless and tag-free to prevent chafing -- and designed for movement without riding up.
Dragonwing girlgear sports bras give girls the fit, comfort, and performance needed to play their best, whether celebrating a game-winning goal, playing on a hot summer day, or changing jerseys on the sideline.
Sports bras came into the public after that and today come in many styles and colors.
According to a history of the sports bra by Ladies Only Sports -- a fascinating read -- the first sports bra "prototype" was two jock straps sewn together. It's no stretch to say that the sports bra revolutionized women's sports, making it possible for women to play active sports without breast discomfort or injury. That's been great for women, but until recently, girls (pre-teens and teens) had been left behind - that's where Dragonwing girlgear comes in.
Despite the huge increase in girls' sports, no one was making quality sports bras designed to fit girls' bodies. Most young girls whose bodies are just beginning to developing have to wear multiple camisoles or t-shirts. Older girls are forced to look for small sizes in the women's section.
Enter Dragonwing girlgear, maker of athletic apparel -- sports bras, compression shorts, and sports camis -- designed just to fit tween and teen girls, ages 8-17. Our sports bras and camis are designed for girls at all stages of development.
Dragonwing products differ from others on the market in that they're made of high-quality fabrics that are meant for real athletes -- moisture-wicking, seamless and tag-free to prevent chafing -- and designed for movement without riding up.
Dragonwing girlgear sports bras give girls the fit, comfort, and performance needed to play their best, whether celebrating a game-winning goal, playing on a hot summer day, or changing jerseys on the sideline.
Getting Girls Off the Sidelines & Into the Game
With much of the world's eyes and screens tuned in to the World Cup, Wall St. Journal reporter Patricia Kowsmann wrote powerfully about how girls in Brazil are often left on the soccer sidelines.
Her personal story of being bullied as a young girl for wearing boys' soccer cleats really hit home for me. It touched at the core of why I started Dragonwing girlgear.
The sad truth is that, for most girls who play sports, the only high quality clothing -- that wicks moisture and doesn't chafe -- is found in the boys' section. Or the women's section where sports bras don't fit girls.
All too often, girls are forced to choose between the right gear for their sport OR lower-quality apparel -- like a cotton bralette -- that isn't designed for playing sports.
Girls who play sports aren't "tomboys;" they're athletes and deserve to have comfortable, supportive clothing -- sports camis, compression shorts, and sports bras -- that helps girls play their best. That's what we do every day at Dragonwing girlgear.
Girl's Keyhole Bra = Comfort, Confidence
We know that girls of all ages come in all shapes and sizes. And we know that girls love to play, whether on the playground or on a competitive playing field. Sadly and far too often, girls drop out of sports and start becoming less active when their bodies start to develop.
In a recent review of our Keyhole Sports Bra, blogger Chloe M. recounted her young daughter's experience:
My little 8-year-old loves her sports... however, her weight, size, and now developing body was making it hard for her to be comfortable when she played. The Keyhole Sports Bra changed everything and provided her with fashionable comfort for everyday use. The first day she wore the new bra she said she felt like she was years younger again. No discomfort. Her friends in the locker room even commented on how cute it looked and asked where to get one.We LOVE hearing how Dragonwing girlgear boosts girls' confidence, empowering them to be the strong, active, fun-loving kids they are! Read Chloe's full review on her blog, Reviews by Clo. Tell us how Dragonwing has made a difference for YOU and we may feature you in an upcoming blog post.