For far too long, the pursuit of activewear performance has meant a compromise: pieces born from petrochemicals, shedding microfibers and feeling abrasive against the skin. Our journey at MAIKAI began with a desire to find a gentler path, one that led us deep into India’s rich artisanal heritage. Our founder, Vidya Sethi, envisioned fashion that honored both people and the planet, embracing the inherent breathability of pure cotton. This vision blossomed into the MAIKAI 100% cotton sports bra.
This design is based on our philosophy ‘Craft-Centered, Artisanal Luxury,’ which represents the return to a slower, more intentional way of living, honouring our people and the planet's natural rhythms. This first of a kind creation arrives at a pivotal moment, as we collectively reckon with the environmental cost of synthetic textiles. As the demand for plastic-free apparel grows, MAIKAI’s IP answers the call for conscious, natural alternatives, its design a protected testament to novelty in a market dominated by polyester and nylon.
"Our IP-registered 100% cotton sports bras are made without synthetics or microplastics. So you can move powerfully in every phase of the month.”
— Vidya Sethi, Founder of MAIKAI
Why Cotton for Skin? The Science of Natural Fibres
The choice of 100% cotton for our sports bra is a deliberate decision, rooted in textile science and a deep understanding of skin’s comfort. Unlike many synthetic materials that dominate the activewear market, cotton offers a unique embrace, exceptionally kind to the skin, especially during movement.
Reduced Friction and Irritation
Scientific studies often highlight that the friction between fabric and skin is a primary factor in tactile comfort. Materials with a lower coefficient of friction feel smoother and are less likely to cause irritation. Research indicates that cotton exhibits one of the lowest friction coefficients against human skin, gently minimizing the sensory triggers that can lead to chafing and discomfort. It truly feels like a second skin.
Superior Breathability and Hygienic Properties
Cotton is a naturally hydrophilic fiber, meaning it lovingly draws in and absorbs water molecules. Composed of pure cellulose, its structure allows it to absorb sweat effectively, contributing to its excellent intrinsic hygienic properties. This process of drawing moisture into the fiber aids in thermal regulation, offering a natural cooling sensation. By managing moisture and allowing air to circulate, cotton helps prevent the creation of an occlusive, humid microclimate against the skin—an environment that can weaken the skin's barrier and foster irritation.
Honest Performance: Absorption vs. Wicking
Understanding the performance of this bra requires clarifying the fundamental difference between moisture absorption and active wicking. Cotton is highly absorbent; it draws sweat into its fibers, which can create a pleasant cooling sensation and prolong a natural cooling effect. However, this also means it becomes saturated and has a slower drying time, typically around 30-45 minutes. In contrast, synthetic fabrics are often hydrophobic and engineered for active wicking, transporting moisture away from the skin to the fabric's surface for rapid evaporation, drying in as little as 8-12 minutes.
The MAIKAI 100% cotton sports bra is engineered for a specific performance profile, prioritizing natural comfort and breathability. It is ideally suited for low-to-high impact activities where a second-skin feel is paramount, including practices like yoga, pilates, running, hiking, lifting, combat-sports, and everyday wear. For all these movements, the sports bra provides gentle, effective support that moves with the body without restriction.
Fabric Engineering: The Architecture of Natural Support
The unique fit and comfort of the MAIKAI 100% cotton sports bra is achieved through a combination of material choice, structural design, and artisanal craftsmanship. While appearing simple, its construction employs several key engineering choices to provide function without relying on a high percentage of synthetic fibers.
Core Construction
The bra is crafted from 100% Indian cotton. A critical design feature is its double fabric lining. This two-layer construction provides full coverage and support, eliminating the need for separate pads while enhancing the garment's gentle compressive ability. Support is further enriched by double straps, which help distribute weight and secure the fit.
Artisanal Details and Dyes
Each sports bra is stitched in small batches in a small family run tailoring unit, reflecting a commitment to fair pay and high-quality craftsmanship. Many pieces feature hand block printing, a traditional technique using natural or low-impact dyes. This artisanal approach means slight variations in print and tone can occur, adding to the unique story of each piece. The use of natural dyes necessitates specific care; we advise hand washing in cold water, washing colors separately, and drying in the shade to prevent the fading that direct sunlight can cause.
"Crafted without synthetics, each design is stitched in small batches by Indian artisans, offering gentle support, all-day comfort, and no microplastics."
Cotton vs. Blends at a Glance
| Attribute | 100% Cotton Bra | Synthetic Blends (Polyester/Nylon) |
| Absorption | High: Absorbs moisture into the fiber, providing a natural, cool feel. | Low: Hydrophobic fibers do not absorb water; they are designed to wick moisture away from the skin. |
| Odor | Low Retention: Natural fibers have a higher capacity to adsorb odor molecules, resulting in significantly less malodor after exercise. | High Retention: Studies show synthetic fibers support the growth of odor-causing bacteria (Micrococcus spp.) and smell more intense post-activity. |
| Skin Feel | Soft & Breathable: Naturally soft with a low friction coefficient, making it gentle on the skin. | Smooth & Slippery: Can feel less breathable and may trap heat and moisture, potentially causing irritation for some. |
| Wash Cycles | Durable: Generally durable through many washes. Does not shed microplastics. | Microplastic Shedding: Sheds plastic microfibers with every wash, contributing to environmental pollution. |
| End-of-Life | Biodegradable: As a natural plant fiber, it will decompose at the end of its life. | Non-Biodegradable: Persists in landfills for hundreds of years, contributing to plastic waste. |
Fit & Sizing Guide: Your Perfect Embrace
Finding the right fit is essential for both comfort and support. Our 100% cotton sports bra is designed to feel like a second skin, and this guide will help you select your ideal size.
Care Rituals: Preserving Craft and Comfort
Your MAIKAI 100% cotton sports bra is an artisanal piece crafted with natural fibers and dyes. Following these care rituals will maintain its softness, preserve the clarity of its dyes, and ensure its longevity.
Read Our Complete Care Instructions
From Studio to Street: Three Ways to Style Your Cotton Sports Bra
The quiet versatility of the MAIKAI sports bra allows it to transition seamlessly from mindful movement to everyday elegance. Here are three vignettes, inspired by how our community wears it.
The Studio Look:
Embrace the bra's origin in mindful practice. For yoga, Pilates, or meditation, wear it as a standalone top with high-waisted joggers or flowy pants. Its breathable cotton and gentle support are designed for every kind of movement, from powerful flows to restorative poses.
The Street Edit:
For a day of errands or a casual coffee meeting, layer the sports bra under an open, oversized button-down shirt paired with relaxed-fit jeans or linen trousers. The bra's elegant straps and natural texture add a subtle, intentional detail to a classic look. It's the perfect foundation for your everyday rituals, offering all-day comfort and support without compromising on style.
Romantic Layering:
Channel a softer, more romantic aesthetic by using the bra as a delicate base layer. Style it under a sheer blouse, a lightweight knit cardigan, or a flowing kimono for a resort-ready feel. The artisanal nature of the bra, especially in a block-printed design adds a touch of joy to your basics. This approach is perfect for slow mornings and going out where thoughtful touches are a key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'IP-registered' mean for this sports bra?
'IP-registered' signifies that the unique design of the MAIKAI 100% Cotton Sports Bra is a protected innovation. It is a formal acknowledgment of its novelty in a market often dominated by synthetic activewear. This status confirms the design is original and pioneering, with details on file with the relevant authority.
How does the 100% cotton bra handle sweat and odor?
Our 100% cotton sports bra manages sweat and odor through the natural properties of its fibre. Cotton is highly absorbent, drawing sweat away from your skin to provide a natural cooling sensation. Where cotton truly excels is with odor. Scientific studies show that synthetic fabrics are significantly more prone to retaining unpleasant odors, while cotton's natural structure is less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria, resulting in a garment that smells fresher for longer.
Will the cotton bra shrink or lose its shape?
To prevent shrinkage and preserve the bra's shape, it is crucial to follow the care instructions. Always hand wash in cold water and air dry in the shade. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying. The design incorporates a small amount of elastic within cotton channels to aid in shape retention, ensuring lasting support when cared for properly.
What level of support does this bra offer?
The MAIKAI 100% cotton sports bra is designed to provide gentle but effective support for low-to-high impact activities. Its double-fabric lining and dual-strap construction offer full coverage and a secure, comfortable fit for practices like yoga, Pilates, walking, everyday wear, and high-impact sports like endurance running, combat, and heavy lifting.
Shop the IP-registered collection. Discover the comfort of natural fibers. Explore why cotton is the conscious choice over synthetics. Experience a new era of natural activewear.