The Fascinating History of the Bra
The Fascinating History of the Bra
Once in a while we like to ask ourselves deep and complex questions about the various mysteries of the universe. Always boob related of course. Well today we wondered, where did the modern bra that we love and celebrate so much come from? How did women go from topless hunter gatherers to push-up bra wearing Victoria’s Secret models? From corsets to sports bras, we're digging deep into the annals of history to lay some serious booby knowledge on you.
4th Century AD- Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Roman Bikinis
Mosaics depicting women wearing bikini-like athletic clothing while playing sports were discovered at a Roman Villa in Sicily. Dating from the 4th Century AD these mosaics were the first proof that Roman women wore bra-like garments. Before that wall paintings on Crete were found that showed ancient Minoan women wearing similar garments dating from the 14th century BC. Proving that even the Ancient Greeks and Romans appreciated a good Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model.
16th Century AD- Chin Pillows
Corsets in some form or other were known to be worn for hundreds of years before they finally became an everyday staple. In 1547 Catherine de Medici married King Henry II of France and brought with her the Italian custom of wearing corsets. They shaped her figure by pushing up her breasts until they created little pillows for her chin to rest on. Making her sexy silhouette the envy of every woman in France. Cementing corsets as the absolute fashion must for centuries to come. Hmmm maybe we should change the name of Booby Pillow to Chin Pillow.
1889- Over the Shoulder Boulder Holders
In 1889 a French corsetiere and feminist named Hermini Cadolle, wanted to free women from the confines of the straight jacket like corsets of the times. She invented a two piece underwear garment that cinched at the waist but had a separate brassiere with shoulder straps, allowing the women to feel supported while breathing easier. Her corselet-gorge became an instant hit across Europe. Gorge is still the word the French use for Bra today.
1914- A See Through Dress & 2 Hankies
In 1914 debutante Mary Phelps Jacob wanted to wear a sheer dress to a ball, but couldn’t because her corset would show through. Refusing to admit defeat, she had her maid sew together 2 handkerchiefs and proceeded to dance the night away as the belle of the ball. Soon women all over New York City started asking her to make them the special brassiere too. Mary eventually patented the design and sold it to a bra maker, who went on to make a fortune off of it 30 years later.
1914-WWI Defeats The Corset
With the onset of World War 1, women were asked to make several sacrifices. First give up wearing corsets to help conserve metal for the war effort and then take up active jobs while the men were away. Once women abandoned the corsets, they refused to go back to them after the war had finished. Thus ushering in the new era of the bra.
1930’s- What Size Are You?
The 1930’s saw several advancements in bra technology. The seamless bra was invented and the use of measurement charts and standard cup sizes made a shift from one size fits all to snugger more personalized matches.
1950’s- The Atomic Age & Bullet Bras
The Atomic Age brought an obsession with all things futuristic, from cars and furniture to the iconic bullet bras. Hollywood celebrities like Maryln Monroe and Jane Mansfield became known as the Sweater Girls for wearing tight sweaters over their giant torpedo bras.
1960s - The Playboy Bunny Outfit
Hugh Hefner modeled his iconic Playboy Bunny uniforms after the bullet bras of the 1950’s. Yearning to return the female figure to the hourglass shape of the Sweater Girls as opposed to the shapeless A-line dresses of the 60’s, and the Twiggy era.
1963- The Wonder Bra Goes Unappreciated
Invented by a Canadian lingerie company in 1963, the Wonder Bra was the first bra to push-up and lift the bust line. Making for a new rounder silhouette that would not be fully appreciated until 30 years later. Such a shame.
1977- The Jockbra
In 1977 two female joggers were fed up with having to run in their regular bras. The underwire would chafe and the straps kept slipping off of their shoulders. Plus they couldn’t take their shirts off to cool down while they ran like the men could. After one of their husbands jokingly grabbed a jock strap and put it around his chest, saying he’d found the solution, they got the brilliant idea to sew two jock straps together. Birthing the very first sports bra. Originally called the Jockbra, they eventually renamed it the Jogbra. The Jogbra was a major success and they went on to sell their design in 1990 to a company that would later become Champion.
1990’s Celebrity Lingerie & Victoria’s Secret
All through the 80’s and 90’s celebrities like Madonna brought lingerie into the world of outerwear. Making bras a visible part of the outfit. The Wonder Bra finally gained worldwide popularity and the era of the push-up bra began.
1990s - Victoria’s Secret
Founded in 1977 Victoria’s Secret didn’t hit its stride until the 1990’s. With the advent of their annual fashion show and their mega popular Angels campaign they averaged over a billion dollars in sales annually, with 350 stores across the nation. In 2000, model Gisele Bundchen made headlines for walking the runway wearing a $15 million diamond and ruby encrusted Fantasy Bra. The most expensive item of lingerie ever made at the time.
This fascinating herstory lesson has taught us that boobs have been on everyone’s mind for centuries. The bra continues to adapt and change and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Check out our selection of fun covers to give your Booby Pillow a historical makeover.
