From ribbons to just cups: the evolution of bras over the history of mankind

Beauty standards are constantly changing, and so are clothing. Women's breasts, for example, in ancient times had to be large. In the Middle Ages, on the contrary, it was small. And in modern times, simple convenience has come to the fore. In parallel with these trends, bras changed. And today I will talk about their evolution.

Bra prototypes

Even in Ancient Greece, a stratiphon was a necessary item of clothing. It was a special leather strip that covered the chest. At the same time, the accessory lifted her a little, giving her an attractive look. The Romans improved the headband: they added lacing to it. A toga was worn over such a leather bustier. However, this design had its drawbacks - the material did not allow air to pass through.

Several centuries have passed. In the early Middle Ages, leather was replaced by more comfortable fabric bands that were wrapped tightly around the bust. They not only supported the breasts, but also visually reduced them.Still, the ideal of beauty of that time implied an airy and graceful silhouette.

Gradually, in pursuit of a slim figure, a corset was invented - a rigid structure, adjustable with lacing. The upper part of it, on the contrary, raised the chest. However, it is difficult to imagine a more harmful device. It compressed and displaced internal organs, made breathing difficult, and deformed the ribs. It is not surprising that over time, women did everything to get rid of corsets.

Revolutionary breakthrough

It's funny, but the bra that is most similar to the modern one was invented several times. Henry Lesher received the first patent for a bra. This significant event took place in 1859. Soon the man realized all the shortcomings of his brainchild - after marriage, he had to spend a lot of time unfastening all kinds of hooks in order to get to the charms of his wife.

30 years later, a new version was offered to ladies by the French milliner Erminie Cadol. She did it quite simply - she cut off the top part of the corset and sewed straps to it. This idea was prompted by a customer who played tennis.

Another 30 years later, German seamstress Christina Hardt gave women her own version. She called it modestly - “a sweatshirt with straps and cups.” The USA and Great Britain also had their own inventors who gave the ladies comfortable underwear.

The twentieth century

At the beginning of the century, Mary Phelps, who was only 19 years old, created a real sensation by once again improving the bra. But she just hastily constructed her own version from silk scarves and ribbon. The reason was a dress with an open back - the girl’s underwear did not fit under it. Two years later, the inventor received a patent for her invention. A little later, Mary sold this idea to the Warner corset company.After this, elastic fabrics began to be used for the first time, and a sizing system also appeared.

Doctors actively supported this campaign, proving the harmfulness of corsets and advocating for wearing a bra. Surprisingly, the idea was even promoted by the US Military Industrial Council. And all because valuable steel was wasted on corsets.

In the twenties, the bra appeared in many new variations. For example, strapless models or combinations. Lingerie designers began to focus more on cups. They were now sewn separately and supplemented with special tabs to increase the shape. And during the war, industry sought to make things as economical and universal as possible. For this purpose, adjustable straps were invented.

The seventies were marked by sexual liberation. Lace began to be used, and a variety of colors appeared. Recognized masters of the fashion world - Gucci, Versace and others - released their own collections. From then until today, not much has changed. Old models were only refined and improved.