In 1914, the first modern bra was patented by New York publisher, activist, and socialite Caresse Crosby (born Mary Phelps Jacob). Frustrated with a whale bone corset that kept popping through a new party dress, she created the bra from two handkerchiefs and some ribbon to create cleavage.
A bra is a form-fitting undergarment designed to cover, support and elevate a woman's breasts. It is important that a woman chooses the right type of bra in order to protect the general health of the breasts. A bra that doesn't fit well and offers little support can stretch and displace breast tissue.
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.
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.
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.
The intention behind the invention of the bra was to provide support for the breasts, but nowadays, it is debated whether all women need to have their breasts supported at all times.
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 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 1910 by using two handkerchiefs and some ribbon.
The upper garment worn over the breasts was variously described as a pratidhi, uttariya, kanchuki, kanchuli, choli or angopa. Later, Jain and Buddhist nuns would cover themselves fully. Blouses came into being and breasts were cupped into the front portions of the blouse.
The word braless was first used circa 1965. Other terms for going braless include breast freedom, top freedom, and bra freedom.
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.
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”.
"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.
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.
“It's OK to do whatever is comfortable for you. If not wearing a bra feels good to you, that's fine. If you feel that some support is needed, then maybe a bralette or a wire-free bra would be a happy medium at home. It all depends on what you're comfortable with.”
There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make a girl's breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
As a woman gets older, the ligaments that make up the breast tissue stretch and lose elasticity. As a result, breast fullness is compromised as the underlying support system of tissue and fat diminishes. A change may be particularly evident during menopause.
Wearing a bra does more harm than good – it does nothing to reduce back pain and weakens the muscles that hold up the breasts, resulting in greater breast sagging, Jean-Denis Rouillon, a sports science expert from the University of Besançon, France, reported after a 15-year study.
You should wash your bra after 2 or 3 wears, or once every 1 or 2 weeks if you're not wearing it every day. Wash your jeans as rarely as possible, unless you're going for the distressed look. Wash sweaters as often as needed, but be careful not to stretch or shrink them as they dry.
No. A girl's bra won't affect the growth of her breasts. That's because genes and hormones control breast growth, not what a girl wears. Bras don't make breasts grow or stop growing, but wearing the right-size bra may help you feel more comfortable.
Even with gentle usage and care, all bras will lose their shape over time as the elastic fibres in the band and straps begins to deteriorate. It's generally recommended that a bra should last anywhere between 6-9 months, although we think that with good care your bras should last a lot longer.
Typically, the center gore on back-close bras is taller and a bit sturdier, providing a little extra support and separation for your girls up front. Plus, there's less will-my-clasp-come-undone worry that can come with front-close bras (especially ones that don't fit right).
As a guideline, you should be able to comfortably run two fingers under both sides of the bra at the same time. If the bra pulls away from your body easily, it is too loose. If you have trouble getting your fingers under the band and it feels uncomfortable, it is too tight. The band should be level front and back.