Fascinating history: What did women wear before bras?

For many women today, bras are an essential part of their daily wardrobe. Not only do they provide support and lift, but they can also enhance the appearance of their breasts. However, bras were not always a staple in women's clothing. In fact, they were only invented in the early 20th century. So, what did girls wear before bras were invented?

The History of Undergarments

Before we dive into what women wore before bras, let's take a quick look at the history of undergarments. Throughout history, women have worn various types of undergarments to shape and support their bodies. Some of the earliest examples of undergarments include the corset and the girdle. These garments were designed to cinch the waist and create an hourglass figure.

In the late 19th century, the corset began to fall out of fashion as women began to embrace looser, more comfortable clothing. This led to the invention of the brassiere, which was first patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps Jacob (later known as Caresse Crosby). The bra was designed to provide support for the breasts without the need for a corset.

What Did Women Wear Before Bras?

Before the invention of the bra, women wore a variety of undergarments to support their breasts. Here are a few examples:

• Bust Bodices: These were similar to corsets, but were designed to support the breasts rather than cinch the waist. They were typically made of cotton and had straps that went over the shoulders.
• Bust Bodices with Cups: These were similar to bust bodices, but had cups sewn into them to provide more support and lift.
• Bandeau: This was a simple strip of fabric that was wrapped around the breasts to provide support. It was often worn by women who were participating in athletic activities.
• Camisoles: These were loose-fitting tops that were worn underneath clothing. They didn't provide much support, but were often worn to hide the nipples.

The Evolution of the Bra

While the early bras were a vast improvement over the corset, they still had their flaws. They were often uncomfortable and didn't provide enough support for larger breasts. Over the years, the design of the bra has evolved to better meet the needs of women.

In the 1920s, the "flapper" style became popular, which featured loose, boyish clothing. This led to the invention of the bandeau bra, which was designed to flatten the breasts and create a more androgynous look. In the 1930s, the bullet bra became popular, which featured a pointed shape that emphasized the breasts.

In the 1960s, the bra became more of a fashion statement, with brightly colored bras and bras with patterns becoming popular. In the 1970s, the braless movement gained popularity, with women choosing to go without bras as a form of protest against societal norms.

While bras have become an essential part of women's wardrobes today, they were not always a staple in women's clothing. Before the invention of the bra, women wore a variety of undergarments to support their breasts. Today, the design of the bra has evolved to better meet the needs of women, but the debate over whether to wear a bra or not continues.