Abstract: A breast pad for a sports brassiere includes at least one resilient cushioning layer having an inwardly curving shell shape that includes a receiving space for receiving a breast. The cushioning layer has a contour cross section with a thickness increasing towards a central portion of the curving shell shape and is dimensioned to substantially cover a lower portion of the breast below the nipple, a central portion of the breast, and an upper portion of the breast above the nipple. In further alternative embodiments, the breast pads may be placed in a specifically designed sports bra with at least one pocket or alternatively, the breast pads can be sewn into a conventional sports bra.