A bra, short for brassiere or brassière (US: /brəˈzɪər/, UK: /ˈbræsɪər/ or /ˈbræzɪər/; French: [bʁasjɛʁ]), is a form-fitting undergarment that is primarily used to support and cover women's breasts.
also ˌbra-sē-ˈer. : a woman's undergarment to cover and support the breasts.
Coming to the parameters of bras, they can be divided into 4 types based on construction – padded, non-padded, wired, and non-wired. Based on coverage, bras are of two types – those with demi cups and those offering full coverage.
One hundred years ago today, Mary Phelps Jacobs received a patent for the garment she had invented while preparing to go to a dance.
A brassiere is the same as a bra.
The word braless was first used circa 1965. Other terms for going braless include breast freedom, top freedom, and bra freedom.
But the modern “bra” as we know it today – made up of two cups, a chest bandeau and shoulder straps, the word shortened from the French term brassière – is a descendent of the 19th-century dress reform movement.
The first ever Bra was made of silk and wire and it appeared in the Great Britain. Herminie Cadolle from France cut the corset into two parts and made corselet-gorge (that supported the breasts) and soutien- gorge (a bra with straps) and gave corset a makeover.
After the straight-fronted corset became fashionable in the early 20th century, a bra or "bust supporter" became a necessity for full-busted women because the straight-fronted corset did not offer as much support and containment as the Victorian styles.
While there's no medical evidence that wearing a bra prevents sag, wearing a high-quality comfortable bra is a helpful way to lift and support both large or small breasts and keep your body feeling balanced and healthy. The key to finding a good bra is to make sure it has a comfortable fit.
The letter portion of your bra size is your cup size.
This is your bust measurement. Get your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. If the difference is a 1 your cup size is an A, 2 a B, 3 a C, etc.
Bra vs. Bralette. Simply put, a bralette is a wirefree bra that has minimal or no padding. Often, they're made from soft fabrics that feel extremely comfortable, and create a more natural breast shape because they're not as structured.
Word forms: plural cleavages. 1. countable noun. A woman's cleavage is the space between her breasts, especially the top part which you see if she is wearing a dress with a low neck.
Mary Phelps Jacob (also known as Caresse Crosby) patented the most frequently referenced modern brassiere in 1914, after making one from two handkerchiefs to wear under an evening dress. Although her design was not a huge commercial success, the “bra” was established as an essential underpinning by 1917.
While some early cultures didn't wear bras at all, others took cloth in the shape of a bandeau and wore it around their breasts. Over time, women began to wear corsets and girdles designed more to shape their bodies (uncomfortably at that) than to support breasts, although they did provide lift.
New York City socialite Mary Phelps Jacob invented and patented the first modern bra using two silk handkerchiefs and a pink ribbon. Also called the “backless bra,” her invention was lightweight, soft, comfortable, and naturally separated the breasts.
On 3 November 1914, the bra was patented in the United States and officially became part of the world of dress, courtesy of Mary Phelps Jacob (aka Caresse Crosby).
Your breasts might sag if you don't wear a bra.
Since the dawn of time—OK, 1889—bras have been considered the best way to support your, erm, assets. According to Waqas Ahmad, MD, a family medicine physician and head of the medical advisory board at Insurecast, forgoing the bra can lead to less support.
According to Dr Tanaya, aka Dr Cuterus, wearing or not wearing a bra does not have an impact on health, as it is more of a “fashion statement”. She explains in an Instagram video that it is a personal choice, even though many people may feel that the piece of clothing can make their breasts and nipples appear “perky”.
The number of hooks on a bra is based on the actual width of the bra at the back closure. And, the width of the back of the bra is really proportionate to cup size. Small cup sizes only require 1 or 2 hooks. Bigger cup sizes can require 3, 4, or 5 hooks.
Many factors can play a part in your breast cancer risk, but going braless isn't one of them. The bottom line: "Generally speaking, wearing or not wearing a bra really won't have a significant impact on your overall health," Dr. Sahni said, adding that it's entirely a personal choice.
Breast massage therapy can ease the breasts' sensitivity and provide better blood circulation to the breast. Gentle massage can also increase milk supply. Massage can help warm up and loosen the tissues around the breasts' milk ducts and help the milk flow.