Sexy Bra, Sports Bras, Small Bras, Big Bras, Small Bras
It may seem hard to believe, but the history of the bra is rather interesting and full of tales of inventive, adventurous women, sometimes pushing the boundaries of modesty, or abandoning modesty altogether! Long before women ever had the current vast array of bra and other lingerie choices, the corset was worn with the intention of either exposing or controlling women’s breasts. In fact, the annals of bra history date back to about 2000 BC when women wore corsets that left the breasts uncovered completely. Bands of leather wrapped around the waist and curved to outline the breasts. At least the breasts were covered up by clothing. Warrior Minoan women, in about 2500 BC began wearing a garment that vaguely resembled a bra except it pushed their naked breasts upward and exposed them from their clothing!
Bra history really began in earnest when the earliest know patent for a garment most closely resembling the modern-day bra was granted in 1893, to Marie Tucek. Her “Breast Supporter” included pockets for each breast and shoulder straps, and it fastened at the back with hook and eye closures. The term ‘brassiere’ which comes for the French word meaning ‘upper arm’ first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1912, adding validity to the history of the bra.
New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob elevated the history of the bra to a new level when she refused to wear a corset under her new, sheer evening gown which she had purchased to wear to a social event in 1913. With the help of her maid, she devised a backless bra using two handkerchiefs, some ribbon and some cording. This early bra didn’t provide support, but rather flattened out the breasts, by allowing them to separate naturally. The makeshift bra was huge hit with her friends and she took out a patent for it later that year. Sales were brisk, but Jacobs sold her patent rights to Warner Brothers Corset Company for $1,500 in 1914.
Bra history was made again when Ida Rosenthal and her husband, William, created the bust size categories for the bra (cup sizes). In 1928, operating as the Maidenform Company, they developed bras for women of every shape and size, age and need including the “training bra” for young girls, the full-support bra, as well as bras to meet the changing needs of women as they age. Warner, in 1935, created the A to D cup sizing system still commonly used today by bra manufacturers worldwide.
The fashion industry has had tremendous influence on bra style and function throughout the history of the bra. Glamour was the primary focus for bra-wearing women during the 1950’s who sought to emulate Lana Turner and Jane Russell, film star ‘sweater girls.’ Their bras, designed to enhance their bust line and emphasize small waists, generated a demand for bras that provided shape and support to women of all figure types. Women owe a debt of thanks to them and to the bra manufacturers who now use nylon and other light-weight, comfortable, and easy-to-care for fabrics in their bras. Not to mention the wide array of bra styles, affording women the opportunity to feel good about themselves and their own body image, regardless of size or shape of their breasts.
The history of the bra took a brief hiatus when bra wearing declined somewhat during the sixties. Many women burned their bras rather than purchase them because the bra was viewed as a sign of oppression by women who had tasted independence during the forties and fifties, working in factories and industry while their husbands and fathers were away at war. But by the end of the decade, bras were back in style as more and more of the newest generation of women went to work outside the home. The 1980s ushered in the “dress for success” era where a good-fitting, well-made bra became an essential wardrobe item for women.
Bra history was made again when the Wonderbra was created by Louise Poirier for a Canadian lingerie company, Canadelle, in 1964. This unique bra has over 50 design elements that allow the bra to both lift and support the bustline, while it creates a pushed-together effect, affording even those with the slightest figure to have cleavage while wearing the bra. Unlike the early corsets that left the breasts exposed and unsupported, or worse, forced up and over outer wear, the Wonderbra used precision engineering to both support the bustline and give the breasts a more natural projection.
Sara Lee introduced the Wonderbra to Americans in May, 1994, with a marketing campaign that was unprecedented in the lingerie industry. Wonderbras were delivered by armored vehicles, often arriving in caravan, to keep up with the demand. Supermodels, bodyguards and security guards accompanied the initial deliveries of the Wonderbra to three New Work City department stores, Macy’s, A&S, and Lord and Taylor.
The Wonderbra is so comfortable and achieves the breast-enhancing results due to five specific, exclusive design elements. The three-part cup construction provides a more natural look. The key to Wonderbra’s cleavage effect is the precision angled back and underwire cups. The lift and ideal shaping afforded by the Wonderbra are due to the removable pads, which are contoured and can be removed, if desired. The back of the Wonderbra, with its full power netting and original gateback design provides maximum uplift and prevents the bra cups from shifting. Finally, the adjustable, non-stretch straps are convertible, allowing the bra to be changed to either halter top or low-back styling.
Today women are as concerned about their physical well-being as they are their appearance. They are keenly aware that physical fitness and good nutrition contribute to overall appearance and enhance functionality of the body. Sports bras are recommended and widely used even for low-impact exercise such as walking, biking. Many camisoles and t-shirts available today include a built-in bra, providing both comfort and support for the modern woman filling many roles in her daily life.
Women today have an almost limitless number of choices in bras. Bras are made for every need and life stage: nursing bras, sports bras, underwire bras, sexy bras and support bras, even mastectomy bras. Whatever the need or desired effect, women can purchase any bra they desire, in every color, pattern and size. The internet has afforded women even more choice and greater convenience in bra shopping. Women can visit web sites of bra manufacturers or search multiple retail store websites to shop for a bra based on size, store inventory and bra price.
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