History of bras

History of Bras

The bra or brassiere has been a complex garment with a rich history that reflects changing societal attitudes towards femininity, sexuality, and body image. The history of bras is intertwined with the social history of the status of women, including the evolution of fashion and changing views of the female body.

Origins

The first form of bra to be introduced was the corset in the 16th century. This was a garment worn to mold the torso into a desired shape for the fashionable dress of the time. This was achieved through the use of a tightly laced corset. The corset differed from the earlier bodice in that it was intended to be worn concealed under other clothing.

19th Century

In the 19th century, the corset continued to be the dominant form of bra. However, there were some significant developments. In 1859, Henry S. Lesher patented a new design of corset that was meant to be healthier and more comfortable than previous designs. This was followed by the invention of the underwire bra in 1893 by Marie Tucek.

20th Century

The 20th century saw a revolution in bra design. The first modern bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps Jacob, who used two handkerchiefs and a ribbon to create a bra that was more comfortable and less restrictive than the corset. This design quickly gained popularity and led to the decline of the corset.

In the 1920s and 1930s, bras became more streamlined and less bulky. The invention of nylon in 1935 allowed for the production of lightweight, seamless bras. The 1950s saw the introduction of the padded bra and the push-up bra, reflecting societal changes in attitudes towards sexuality.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a backlash against the bra, with many women seeing it as a symbol of oppression. This led to the bra-burning movement, where women publicly burned their bras as a protest against societal norms.

21st Century

In the 21st century, bras have become a multi-billion dollar industry, with a wide variety of styles and designs available. The focus has shifted towards comfort and individuality, with many women choosing to go braless or wear non-traditional types of bras.

See Also

• History of corsets
• History of lingerie
• Feminism and bras