The History and Evolution of the Womens Bra
The modern bra has been a part of women’s fashion since the 19th century, yet its evolution over the last century has been fascinating. From ‘bra words’ to full-fledged lingerie, to body positive designs and health-conscious constructions, the bra has taken many steps to become one of today’s most beloved fashion pieces.
In the 1800s, the bra as we know it didn’t exist. Women had to rely on heavy, uncomfortable corsets to support their chests. These constricting garments were made of steel boning and, in some cases, whale bone. It was not uncommon for women to faint from breathing restrictions and heat exhaustion due to wearing a corset.
By the early 1900s, a revolutionary form of the lingerie had been developed the ‘bra word.’ This was a combination of two words ‘brassiere’ and ‘armoire’ that stood for ‘upper arm holder.’ The bra word was comfortable and provided much needed breast support. This version of the ‘bra’ was made from a flexible combination of fabrics, such as cotton or lace, and was decorated with lace or ribbons.
The 1920s saw the next evolution of the bra the ‘bandeau.’ This particular style had no straps and was typically a cylindrical tube that wrapped around the woman’s breasts, kind of like a tube top. It was flimsy and lightweight but provided some amount of breast support.
The bra, as we know it today, was perfected in the 1940s. This was when the ‘point form’ design was developed, which involved forming cups in the chest area and adding an adjustable line of fabric at the back, allowing for a more tailored fit for women of all sizes. This innovation not only provided longer term wear but also improved comfort.
By the 1950s, the ‘bullet bras’cone shaped cups that gave a pointed silhouette to the bustbecame popular. They also highlighted the resurgence of the padded bra in this era, when the natural shape of the breasts was not seen as the ideal.
The 1960s marked the beginning of more progressive times in lingerie. This was when ‘minimizer bras’ were introduced. These bras featured a slightly wider armhole than the traditional version, and were designed to give a slimming silhouette to the figure. This development also contributed to healthier body image standards and ushered in a new wave of design possibilities for the bra.
The 1970s saw the advent of the ‘sports bra’. Rather than relying merely on elasticity to hold the breasts in place, there were some features that were designed to reduce discomfort and offer better support. This style was popularized by world-famous tennis star Chris Evert who frequently wore the new style and even had the design patented in 1978.
The 80s and 90s were all about exploring more design options for the bra. From brightly coloured and printed styles to body-positive and health-conscious constructions, manufacturers started to cater to women of all shapes and sizes.
The turn of the century saw the rise in popularity of the ‘plunge bra’. Contrasting its predecessors, this was a bra designed to draw attention to cleavage and give the impression of an increased bust size.
As we move into the 21st century, bras have become more practical and versatile, while losing some of their restrictive, uncomfortable features. Brands have begun to offer bras that can be worn in all types of settings and situations, from bras specifically designed for yoga, swimming, and sleeping, to breathable everyday bras for the office. In addition, they have become more diverse and inclusive to a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Moreover, advances in technology have made bras more comfortable, while also providing more support and functionality. Innovations such as fabric elasticity, breathable fabrics, and adjustable straps have allowed for comfortable and practical everyday wear.
What we are seeing now is a continuous evolution in the way women can dress for themselves. So whether it’s a classic point-form bra shape, a plunging low neckline, or a multi-way strapless bandeau, women can confidently choose the bra that suits their shape and their style. What’s more, with the wide variety of styles, fabrics and colours available, the perfect bra is just waiting to be foundone that can make a woman look and feel her best. So why not look around and see what works for you? After all, it’s your confidence and body that matter the most.
