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Whether we admit it or not, bras play a crucial role in many people’s daily lives! With women making up half of the global population, it's no surprise that so many individuals experience the challenge of dealing with bras. While shopping for the perfect one might be tricky, once you figure it out, there’s a wide range of colors, patterns, materials, and shapes to choose from.
Bras might seem like an everyday garment, but they have helped create a multi-billion dollar global industry. Over time, bras have evolved significantly, and there are plenty of fascinating facts throughout their history. Let’s dive into some interesting tidbits about bras!
10. The Bra’s Forerunner: Corsets
Though bras are a key part of many people’s lives today, they didn’t always have the soft and comfortable materials we’re used to. As NPR explains, corsets, which date back to the early 1500s, were the predecessors to the modern bra. These corsets were essentially uncomfortable, thin, wiry structures made from wood, metal, or whalebone—ouch! Despite their discomfort, corsets quickly became a must-have for middle and upper-class women.
Years later, a shortage of metal arose in the United States. As a result, the U.S. War Industry Board imposed a ban on corset purchases, redirecting the metal used for corset production to the war effort. This ban freed up over 28,000 pounds (12,700 kilograms) of steel—enough to construct two battleships. Once the war concluded, corsets were no longer in demand, making way for a new fashion trend: bras! (LINK 1)
9. Ancient Bras
Although bras were not patented until the 1900s, some intriguing finds from ancient times suggest that bras have been a long-standing part of clothing history. In 2012, The Guardian reported the discovery of four bras, each 600 years old, found in an Austrian castle. This find was a breakthrough, pushing the history of bras back to the Middle Ages instead of the 1900s.
Hilary Davidson, a fashion curator from the Museum of London, observed that these bras 'look exactly like a [modern] brassiere.' Additionally, as referenced in the aforementioned NPR article, 'The first-ever bra likely dates back to ancient Greece, when women wrapped a wool or linen band around their breasts, fastening or tying it at the back.' This shows that, even though bras were not patented until 100 years ago, ancient women were resourceful enough to create their own supportive garments.
8. A Historic DIY Project
Though bras and brassieres existed before 1914, it was Caresse Crosby who officially patented the first modern bra in the United States. On the day she invented it, Crosby was getting ready for a debutante ball. During the long preparation process, she had to squeeze into a rigid, tight corset before putting on her gown. Unfortunately, the corset stuck out from her gown, looking like 'a boxlike armour of whalebone and pink cordage.'
Thankfully, Caresse's inventive mind led her to create a bra herself! She told her maid, 'Bring me two of my pocket handkerchiefs and some pink ribbon.' With those materials, Caresse and her maid crafted a makeshift bra. Her peers were impressed with the creation, and it wasn't long before Caresse secured a patent, sparking the evolution of bras to the modern ones we wear today.
7. Mark Twain: An Unexpected Contribution
That's right—Mark Twain, the renowned author of the classic novel Tom Sawyer, who earned the title 'Father of All Literature,' played a role in the creation of a key component in today's bras: the Bra Clasp. Although not exactly as intended, Twain's invention came about because he found suspenders uncomfortable and sought a better alternative.
In 1871, Twain invented the 'multi-purpose elastic clasp,' explaining, 'The nature of my invention consists in an adjustable and detachable elastic strap for vests, pantaloons, or other garments requiring straps.' Though his creation didn't catch on for the garments he intended, it became an important part of the bra! So, the next time you're struggling with your bra clasp, you can thank (or blame) Mark Twain!
6. The 'Jock Bra,' Now Known as the Sports Bra
Before the invention of sports bras, exercise could be quite uncomfortable. Without proper support, women had to endure the discomfort of running or engaging in other physical activities. In the times before bras, women were still required to wear corsets while playing sports like tennis, often while wearing long dresses. Honda Miller, Lisa Lindahl, and Polly Smith experienced this issue firsthand. In 1977, during a jogging trend, the three women struggled to find clothing that offered the necessary comfort and support while running.
As a joke, Lisa Lindahl decided to take her husband's unused jockstrap and fashioned it into a makeshift bra by placing it across her chest. To her surprise, this DIY solution provided relief. What started as a playful experiment quickly turned into a working prototype, which eventually became a major success! So, the next time you’re enjoying a comfortable jog in a sports bra, you can thank these three women for the invention.
5. Bra Myth Debunked: Does Sleeping in a Bra Prevent Sagging?
Although bras are commonly used, they often aren't the subject of much conversation, leading to a number of myths. One such myth revolves around wearing a bra while sleeping. Many people believe that going braless at night can lead to sagging, but this idea has been debunked. Thankfully, Dr. Amber Guth, the director of the Breast Cancer Surgery Fellowship at NYU, has provided clarity on the topic and offers good news for those wondering about this common myth.
There is no evidence to suggest that sleeping in a bra helps prevent sagging of the chest area. Dr. Guth affirms, “There is certainly no evidence that sleeping in bras is either helpful or harmful,” and notes that changes in the chest area are attributed to factors such as pregnancy, aging, and gravity. The only real consideration when wearing a bra to bed is personal comfort and preference!
4. Another Bra Myth Uncovered: The Breast Cancer Link
The misconception that bras cause breast cancer is a baseless myth, fueled by flawed studies and poor logic. The connection was made because bras were introduced around the same time that breast cancer detection technology was developed. This overlap caused some people to mistakenly associate the two. As a result, many women avoided wearing bras for extended periods, believing it to be necessary. Thankfully, this myth has been thoroughly debunked!
A 2014 study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that no aspect of bra use—whether it’s the cup size, underwires, or duration of wear—has any influence on breast cancer. The organization points to factors such as family history of breast cancer and lack of exercise as the primary contributors. So, while bras may not always be the most comfortable choice, they do not cause harm.
3. The Price of Bras
Although bras may not be an item we frequently buy, their cost over time adds up significantly. A study reveals that on average, women spend around £2,700, or $3,400, on bras throughout their lifetime. This substantial figure suggests that while bras may not always be top of mind, they represent a major expense in the overall economy.
$3,400 spent on bras per woman in the U.S. can accumulate into billions, significantly influencing the retail market. According to Global Edge, in 2016, the global lingerie market was valued at approximately $29 billion, with bras accounting for about 34% of that total. Bras are more than just undergarments—they play a crucial role in the retail world, proving that support can be more powerful than you think!
2. Extending the Lifespan of Your Bra
In the previously referenced article, Lois Siciliano shared expert tips on how to extend the lifespan of your bras without breaking the bank. One key recommendation is handwashing your bras. Lois emphasizes, 'Handwashing is the best method and the only truly foolproof, eco-friendly option to preserve your bras.'
Washing bras at high temperatures or using an incorrect cycle can damage the elastic fibers, drastically shortening their life. There's even a risk of the wires coming loose! While it's helpful to know how to prolong your bra’s life, remember that the most important factor is your own comfort. If your bra still feels good, don’t rush to replace it.
1. Do I Really Need to Replace My Bras?
Many people continue wearing their bras far beyond their recommended lifespan. Yes, bras do have a shelf life! Lingerie Technologist Lois Siciliano advises, 'We suggest replacing your bra every nine to twelve months, and as your body changes, you definitely shouldn’t be wearing a bra from the previous decade.'
To ensure a comfortable fit and avoid irritation, it’s important to update your bras as your body evolves. But don’t worry—there are ways to extend your bra’s life and enhance its comfort!
