A (brief) history of bras
let's talk about bras. We may take them for granted now, but the history of women's undergarments is a fascinating one, and it all started with the corset.
The corset was a staple of women's fashion from the 16th to the early 20th century. It was a tightly laced garment that was worn to shape and support the torso and create the desired silhouette of the time. However, corsets were also known for their restrictive and uncomfortable nature, causing many women to faint and even suffer from internal damage.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that a more comfortable and practical alternative was introduced: the bra. The first bras were made of linen and cotton, and they were designed to flatten the chest rather than lift and support it.
Fast forward to the 1920s, and the flapper era brought about a new style of dress that required a different kind of undergarment. Women needed a bra that would provide lift and support without the bulk and structure of the corset. Enter the bandeau bra, a simple, stretchy band that was worn over the breasts.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the bra as we know it today began to take shape. Bras were designed with cups and straps for lift and support, and they were made in a variety of styles and materials, including silk, lace, and nylon.
But it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that the bra really began to evolve. The feminist movement brought about a desire for more comfortable, natural-looking undergarments, and the bra became less about shaping the body and more about providing support and comfort.
Then, in the 90s and 2000s we had the Victoria's Secret era, which was all about sex appeal.
Today, bras come in a variety of styles, from push-up and padded bras to wireless and sports bras.
So there you have it. The history of women's undergarments!