A Brief History of the Bra
The #braoffdefibon campaign speak mostly about cutting the bra off, but today we’d like to acknowledge the history of this sometimes controversial clothing item.
The history of the bra dates back to the Bronze Age when linen or leather bands called “mastoeides” provided support. In Ancient Greece, bandeau-like bras were worn over clothes, and in Roman times, cloth was tightly wound around breasts under garments.
The 15th century saw the rise of the corset, offering breast lift and body shaping. In 1869, the corset split into the upper brassiere and lower waist corset, marking the possible birth of the modern bra. Interestingly, the first documented use of the word “brassiere” in the fashion magazine Vogue was in 1907, and it was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1911.
By the late 19th century, concerns about health risks led to looser garments and bras replacing tight-fitting corsets. A quote from Interesting Engineering states:
"But during the dress reform, or rational dress, movement in the late Victorian era, corsets were accused of posing several health risks, such as the rearrangement of internal organs due to the tight-lacing practice. They suggested the corset be replaced with looser fitting garments, and many women, literally, breathed a sigh of relief.”
In the 1930’s, bras with cup sizes (A-D) were introduced. The first sports bra, known as the “jogbra,” was created in the 1970’s by sewing together two jockstraps!
Fashion and global events have continually influenced bra trends. Notably, research during the coronavirus pandemic revealed that women shifted from structured wired bras to softer, more comfortable options. However, more recent research suggests a reversion to structured bras as restrictions eased.
Throughout history, the bra has adapted to changing beauty ideals, comfort, and functionality, evolving to meet women’s needs worldwide.
Educating men and women on the importance of using a defibrillator safely and to encourage them to remove the bra in an emergency to increase the chances of survival.
