And the "brassiere," as a widespread concept—the word comes from the French for "upper arm"—is generally thought to have originated with the DeBevoise Company, which used the term in advertisements for its whale-bone-supported camisoles.
According to Life magazine, in 1889 Herminie Cadolle of France invented the first modern bra. It appeared in a corset catalogue as a two-piece undergarment, which she originally called the corselet gorge, and later le bien-être (or "the well-being").
In France, the first modern bra was born, called the corselet gorge ("the well-being."), when Herminie Cadolle cut a corset into two separate undergarments — the top supported the breasts by means of straps, while the lower part was a corset for the waist.
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.
Origins and evolution of the bra
Prototypes of the first bras were manufactured and marketed in England, America, Germany and France from the 1850s until around the 1920s. During this early period, the bra was still very much a novelty item.
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.
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.
"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.
The word braless was first used circa 1965. Other terms for going braless include breast freedom, top freedom, and bra freedom.
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 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.
bra 1. / (brɑː) / noun. short for brassiere.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
If you don't want to wear a bra, you and your breasts will be just fine—though if you notice back pain or soreness in your breasts, consider wearing a bralette or comfortable bra to offer at least a little support.
A good rule of thumb is three everyday bras: Two in a neutral color or skin tone shade. At least one darker color, like Black, Espresso, or Olive, for outfit variety.
Hormone shifts
This sensitivity is known as cyclic mastalgia or fibrocystic changes. Around 50 percent of all women over the age of 30 experience this. Right before your period starts, your breasts may feel especially tender if you press on them, or they may ache.
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.
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.
Satin, crepe, batiste, and coutil were also popular in light pastel colors. Typically, women wore a bandeau brassiere to flatten the bust. In the early 1920s, some structure such as light boning was still utilized. As the decade progressed, however, these bras became less structured and considerably smaller.
Although it can look different from one object to the other, antique brass is generally a heavy, deep golden brown. It's not a bright, shiny metal - in fact its beauty lies in its mellow antiquity.
(brɑː ) Word forms: plural bras. countable noun. A bra is a piece of underwear that women wear to support their breasts. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary.