In the modern world, a bra is a very important and integral part of every woman’s wardrobe. Before its appearance, women were forced to use various and not always convenient devices to give beautiful shapes to their figures. Today, women have a huge selection depending on the destination and preference, lingerie stores are full of models from various materials and with different shapes of cups. The history of the creation and transformation of a bra more than one century long has many interesting facts, which will be discussed.
Who invented the first bra?
From what exact time the history of the bra began is not known to anyone for certain. Ancient women used chest bandages as underwear, which were the prototype of the modern subject of women's wardrobe.
The first bra, which looks similar to modern models, appeared in 1889 and was presented at the World Exhibition in Paris. Its creator Ermini Kadol presented to the public for an unusual design, consisting of two cups and straps. This model was the first in the world that was able to support and increase breasts. For that time, the appearance of the first bra with such functionality was a bold and innovative step.
Underwear for women in those days was a kind of luxury item. It was accessible only to wealthy people and was sewn in ateliers or at home by individual standards.
In 1907, the world famous fashion magazine Vogue released a number with the first photographs of this element of a women's wardrobe. It was called brassiere, and later it was reduced to a sonorous and short bra.
If we talk about the officially registered fact, then it is worth recalling the patent for this invention.It was received by a resident of the United States Mary Phelps Jacobs September 3, 1914. Shortly before this, a woman, in anticipation of the next ball, thought about what could replace a tight and uncomfortable corset. Armed with a pair of silk handkerchiefs and a satin ribbon, as well as the help of her maid, she built an uncomplicated design. The invention of the woman was called Caresse Crosby.
After receiving the patent, Jacobs decided to sell it to a large company for the production of women's corsets called Warner Corset Company for a fairly modest amount. By launching the mass production of bras, in a few years this company was able to earn a fortune in the millions of dollars.
Changing shapes and famous bra models
With the beginning of the popularization of this item of women's wardrobe, many considered the bra a softer kind of corset, since it was sewn from the same fabrics.
In the 30s of the last century, the shape of the bra undergoes some changes. The bra cups became deeper, and special pillows were added to add splendor and seduction to the female breast. At the same time, the element of underwear began to be divided in size, which differed in Latin letters. The invention of nylon allowed the bra to give elasticity.
The next decade was marked by the unprecedented popularity of a con-shaped brassiere called the Bullet Bra. So that the linen did not lose shape, the girls filled the cones with all the materials at hand. The aggressive image of the singer Madonna using such an unusual form in a corset, developed by designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, returned the popularity of such a model after almost half a century.
Rigid and sharp cones followed by softer and more comfortable forms. In the middle of the 20th century, it was believed that in order to maintain a correct and beautiful breast shape, this element of underwear should be worn constantly. The most popular model at that time was Sweet Dreams. At the same time, the first model with a push-up effect appeared, which pleased the beautiful Marilyn Monroe.
In the 1960s, the beloved model of the balconette bra appeared today. A feature of this type of underwear is a cup that supports the breast and covers only its lower half. The people he received the name Angelica thanks to the heroine of the same film. Today, this model is a great option for underwear for a wedding dress.
In the heyday of feminism, bras were perceived by many women as a symbol of gender inequality and therefore faded into the background. However, this did not last long, and soon many magazines showed photographs of this element of the women's wardrobe.
The 80s of the last century were marked by the publication of several collections of elegant and sexy lingerie from the finest lace and luxurious satin from world-famous designers.
Another significant event in the history of the bra can be called the creation of the Wonderbra model. With the help of a new revolutionary form, the neckline area acquired sexual forms. To create it, twice as many details are used than for other models.
Today, in addition to beauty, many girls value convenience in the elements of underwear. Some models are suitable for sports, others are good for a romantic evening, and others are suitable for going to work.
