A bra, short for brassiere or brassière, is a form-fitting undergarment that is primarily used to support and cover women's breasts. A typical bra consists of a chest band that wraps around the torso, supporting two breast cups that are held in place by shoulder straps.
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.
According to Life magazine, in 1889, Herminie Cadolle of France invented the first modern bra. It appeared in a corset catalog as a two-piece undergarment, which she originally called the corselet gorge and later le bien-être (or "the well-being").
We have this notion that bras and corsets were invented by men to confine women - to keep them from moving freely, bound up tightly for the viewer's pleasure. But they appear throughout time because they're also about practicality, and freeing women to do the things they want to do.
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.
Women's breasts are made of fats and glands. Even though the ligaments provide the necessary support, breasts eventually sag in almost every woman. And to avoid this, girls should wear a bra. Wearing a bra lifts the breasts and helps prevent sagging up to some extent.
Although women in ancient Greece and Rome wore garments to support their breasts, the first modern bra is attributed to 19-year-old Mary Phelps Jacob (later and better known as the New York publisher and activist Caresse Crosby) who created the garment in 1913 by using two handkerchiefs and some ribbon.
Here, Hall forgoes a bra in a button-up white shirt. Soon enough, the no-bra look became ubiquitous on both on the streets and runways. During the 1970s, disco was at full force, free love still lingered, and going bra-free was more about fashion than making a political statement.
bra 1. / (brɑː) / noun. short for brassiere.
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.
One of the most famous historical garments ever - the Lengberg Bra! This is the world's oldest known bra, dating from the late 15th century. It generated much interest in reenactor circles and the general public when it was excavated in Lengberg Castle, Austria, in 2008.
brassiere. noun. bras·siere brə-ˈzi(ə)r. also ˌbras-ē-ˈe(ə)r. : a woman's close-fitting undergarment to cover and support the breasts.
At ThirdLove, we're usually asking you, “How old is your oldest bra.” But today, we're asking, “How old is the oldest bra.” Though the bras sitting in your top drawer might seem pretty modern, the first “bra” actually dates back to 2500 BC.
The only reason bras have hooks at the back is to give room for the column of different loops to be put in. You can always start out from the furthest hook and go in as the bra stretches over time.
Origins. The concept of lingerie as a visually appealing undergarment was developed during the late nineteenth century. Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucile was a pioneer in developing lingerie that freed women from more restrictive corsets.
Yes! They give incredibly good support to your breasts and make them stay in place. This is also one of the reasons why girls choose padded bras in a great number. They also offer greater comfort than flimsy thin bras.
"If you don't wear a bra, your breasts will sag," says Dr. Ross. "If there's a lack of proper, long-term support, breast tissue will stretch and become saggy, regardless of breast size." Still, both experts agree that multiple factors play into if and when sagging (technical term: "ptosis") occurs, bra-wearing aside.
Gillian Anderson says she is “not wearing a bra anymore,” telling fans: “I don't care if my breasts reach my belly button.” “The Crown” actress told followers during a live question and answer session on Instagram: “I'm so lazy and I don't wear a bra any more. I can't wear a bra.
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.
How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says that as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.
Breast buds are small, disc-shaped lumps felt under the nipple and areola. Any lump found under the areola is a breast bud until proven otherwise. Breast symptoms in newborns are also covered. Other symptoms: breast lump, breast redness and nipple discharge.
Dr. Blake says wearing a bra doesn't prevent your breasts from sagging and not wearing one doesn't cause your breasts to sag. “Wearing a bra doesn't affect the risk of breast sagging, or what is called 'breast ptosis,'” she says. It also won't impact the shape of your breasts.