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 different and not always convenient devices to give beautiful outlines to their figures. Today, women have a huge selection, depending on the destination and preferences, lingerie stores are full of models from different materials and with different forms of cups. The history of the creation and transformation of a bra for a long time has many interesting facts about which it will be discussed.
Who came up with the first bra?
Since exactly the time began the history of the bra is not known to anyone. Ancient women used as a underwear bandages on the chest, which were the prototype of the modern subject of women's wardrobe.
The first bra, which looks like modern models, appeared in 1889 and was presented at the World Exhibition in Paris. Its creator, Ermini Cadol, presented for all to see an unusual construction consisting of two cups and straps. This model was the first in the world that was able to support and increase the breast. For that time, the appearance of the first bra with this functionality was a bold and innovative step.
Underwear for women in those days was a kind of luxury. It was available only to rich individuals and was sewn into atelier or home conditions by individual measures.
In 1907, the world-famous fashion magazine Vogue released a number with the first photos of this element of women's wardrobe. He received the name of brassiere, and later it was reduced to a sonorous and short bra.
If we talk about the officially registered fact, it is worth remembering about the patent for this invention. It was received by Mary Phelps Jacobs, a resident of the United States, on September 3, 1914. Shortly before this, a woman in anticipation of the next ball thought about what can be replaced with 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 a simple design. The invention of a woman was named Caresse Crosby.
After receiving the patent, Jacobs decided to sell it to a large company producing women’s corsets called the Warner Corset Company for a fairly modest amount. By launching a mass production of bras, this company for several years was able to earn a fortune measured by millions of dollars.
Changing forms and famous models of bras
With the beginning of the popularization of the subject of women's wardrobe, many considered the bra a softer type of corset, as it was sewn from the same fabrics.
In the 30s of the last century, the shape of the bra undergoes some changes. Bra cups have become deeper, and also added special pillows to give pomp and seductiveness of the female breast. At the same time, the element of underwear was divided into size, which differed in Latin letters. The invention of nylon allowed to give the bra elasticity.
The next decade was marked by an unprecedented popularity of a cone-shaped bra, called Bullet Bra. To keep the laundry in shape, the girls filled the cones with all the available materials. The aggressive image of the singer Madonna using such an unusual shape in a corset, developed by designer Jean-Paul Gautier, brought back the popularity of such a model after almost half a century.
Rigid and sharp cones afterwards gave way to softer and more comfortable shapes. In the middle of the 20th century it was believed that in order to preserve the correct and beautiful shape of the chest, this element of underwear should be worn constantly. The most popular at this time used the model Sweet Dreams. At the same time, the first model appeared with the push-up effect, which pleased the beautiful Marilyn Monroe.
In the 1960s, the favorite model of the balconette bra appeared today. A special feature of this type of underwear is the cup, which supports the breast and covers only its lower half. In the people he got the name Angelica thanks to the heroine of the movie of the same name. Today this model is an excellent option for underwear for a wedding dress.
During 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 female wardrobe.
The 80s of the last century were marked by the release 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 a model Wonderbra. With the help of a new revolutionary form, the decollete area acquired sexual forms. To create it is used in two times more details than for other models.
Today, in addition to beauty, many girls appreciate convenience in the elements of underwear. Some models are suitable for sports, others are good for a romantic evening, and still others - for going to work.
