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who invented bras

Who Invented Bras?

  |   By Elisabeth Dale

It's Women's History Month and International Women's Day and the perfect time to ask: who invented bras?

Love them or hate them, most women (and even some men) won't leave home without one. There's no medical reason to wear them despite claims to the contrary. But bras do alleviate the aches and pains of carrying extra boob weight or boost self-esteem, along with breasts.

We strap them on for all sorts of reasons, be it fashion or convenience. You can buy styles for exercising, breastfeeding, or boudoir play. It's a versatile piece that serves as the foundation for everything else I wear.


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This undergarment has continued to change and evolve, like women's place in society.  They're made of stretchy materials, plastics, and flexible wires and sizes have expanded. Moving from hand-sewn to factory-made also altered the look of the female form.

So who came up with this bright idea? It appears more than one creative woman was involved. Practical and stylish bust support isn't as revolutionary as some think.

who invented the bra

Mary Phelps Jacob Bra Patent
Image via Google Patents

Many give all the credit to early 1900s socialite, Mary Phelps Jacob (aka Caresse Crosby). She filed the first U.S. Patent for a bra-like design, after asking her maid to sew two handkerchiefs together so she could wear something less constricting under her evening gown. But some bust restraint existed long before Jacob's struggle to find the right lingerie to wear under a dress. (The more things change, the more they stay the same.)

Ancient mosaics show female athletes wearing something that looks like a bikini to compete in sporting events. Who could blame them for wanting to banish the bounce?

who invented the bra

4th Century Mosaic near Villa Romana del Casale
Image by Clemensfranz via Wikipedia Commons
 

More recently, archeologists unearthed a 600-year-old linen brassiere worn during the Middle Ages. This is one of four bra styles found in an Austrian castle:

who invented the bra

History Extra Image via Beatrix Nutz

More than a few breast supporting creations were patented during the late 1800s, long before Mary Phelps Jacob had her "ah-ha" bra moment. An entire corset wearing generation was looking for more than freedom of movement.

Women were and continued to be the architects of many breast lifting inventions. Today's sports bra wouldn't exist if women hadn't come up with the first prototype by sewing together two jock straps. Over half of all the bra patents are held by women, according to the authors of Uplift: The Bra in America. Google the names of Marie Tucek, Herminie Cadolle, Ida Rosenthal, and Hinda Miller to learn how the bra has evolved over time. Women today work in all aspects of the industry; from designing to starting up new lingerie brands.

who invented the bra

Marie Tucek 1893 Breast Supporter
via Google Patent Search
 
who invented bras
 
French Linen Bust Supporter circa 1905via Museum of Fit
Image via Museum of Fit

who invented the bra

Cadolle Corselet 1933via Museum of Fit
Image via Museum of Fit
 
Jogbra-co-invented-by-Hinda-Miller
 
First "Jogbra" circa 1977
 Image via Sporting Chance Initiative
 

I'll be putting on my bra with a little more pride today. It's one way to thank the inspiring and tenacious women---from all over the world---who continue to make history through innovative and creative lingerie design and leadership.

 
YZFD_ElectrifyUW_49N_ScapeBlack
 
Berlei Electrify Underwire Mesh Bra 
Modelled by Serena Williams
via Berlei
 
 cadolle-josephine-flocked-demi-1_1024x1024
 
Cadolle Flocked Velvet Balconnette Set
via Jane's Vanity
 
 
 
_11005327
 
Nubian Skin Push-Up Bra
via Nordstrom
 
 8987000_fpx
 
Fortnight Longline Bralette & Panty
via Bloomingdales
 
 
mint-lace-boudoir-bra-and-derriere-brief-set
 
Mint Lace Boudoir Bra & Brief
via Fleur of England 
 
1169_foxylacehipster_bi
 
Curvy Couture Foxy Lace Bra & Brief
via Bare Necessities
 
 
37712445_001_b1
 
Else Lingerie Cassis Longline Bra & Thong
via Anthropologie
 
Tease-Me-Set_Front
 
Mimi Holliday Tease Me Plunge Bra
via True&Co

Did you know who invented bras? What do you think of its history? If you could re-invent one thing about the bra, what would it be?

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