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Ancient Greece -

Greek women used a garment called the apodesmos, a band of cloth wrapped across the chest for support. This is one of the earliest known precursors to the modern bra, showing the desire for breast support has been present for thousands of years.

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Roman Empire -

Similar to Greek women, Roman women wore the strophium, a fabric band wrapped around the breasts, providing support during physical activities. 

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Medieval Europe -

In medieval Europe, women often wore breast bands or early versions of corsets. These undergarments lifted and shaped the breasts, emphasizing support while following modesty trends of the time.

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Early corsets -

The exact inventor of the corset is unknown, but it began to appear around the early 16th century in Europe. It offered structured support to shape the torso and bust, though it frequently caused discomfort.

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Later corsets -

Around the 1850s the corset became a dominant fashion item, shaping women's bodies to fit the exaggerated hourglass silhouette. This rigid garment would stay in vogue until the early 20th century, heavily influencing bra development.

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Advocating for change -

In the 19th century, the use of corsets raised health concerns about their constraint and discomfort. Health professionals like Amelia Bloomer (pictured), Dr. Mary Edwards Walker in the US, and Constance Lloyd in the UK, were voices against the corset. 

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The first modern bra -

French designer Herminie Cadolle is credited with inventing the modern bra. In 1889, she designed a revolutionary undergarment called the Corset-Gauntlet, which separated the bust from the rest of the corset.

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Comfort and support -

The Corset-Gauntlet was a precursor to the contemporary bra, offering more comfort and support. Pictured is Poupie Cadolle, Herminie's great-great-granddaughter. 

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The word "brassiere" enters the dictionary -

Bra comes from the word "brassiere," which was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1911. Originating from the French word brassière, meaning "little arm" or "arm protector," it was used in the 19th century to describe a garment that provided support and coverage for the upper body. 

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The first modern bra patent - In 1914, American Caresse Crosby patented the "Backless Brassiere," a significant development in lingerie that separated the bust from the corset structure. Pictured is the original patent application. 

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The maternity bra -

Crosby also invented the maternity bra, designed for comfort and practicality. With adjustable straps, stretchy fabrics, and easy-to-open cups, it supports pregnant and breastfeeding women, accommodating their changing needs.

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The moment of true shift - During World War I, fabric shortages led to a decline in corset use and an increase in bras as women sought more practical undergarments.

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Flapper style -

The flapper style of the 1920s promoted a more relaxed silhouette, leading to the official decline of corsets.

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The introduction of cup sizes -

In 1935, American textile company Warner's introduced its Alphabet Bra, with cup sizes from A to D. Their bras incorporated breast volume into its sizing, which continues to be the system in use today.

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Another war -

During World War II, material shortages led to bras being made from alternative fabrics like rayon and cotton. They became simpler and more practical, focusing on durability and functionality over fashion.

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Nylon bras -

After WWII, the introduction of nylon revolutionized the bra industry, making bras more affordable, lighter, and easier to care for.

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The famous bullet bra -

Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell popularized the bullet bra, with its cone-shaped design, creating the iconic silhouette of the '50s.

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Adoption of underwire bras -

Underwire bras gained popularity in the 1950s, providing added support and shaping to the bust.

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Crucial features -

In the 1920s, bras introduced hook-and-eye closures for easier wear, replacing earlier over-the-head designs. By the 1950s, adjustable straps were added, offering a customizable fit. 

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Against restrictive garments -

During the feminist movement of the late '60s and '70s, women protested against restrictive garments, such as bras, viewing them as symbols of female oppression.

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The first sports bra -

In 1977, Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Smith invented the first sports bra, revolutionizing women's athletic wear. Their creation, initially called the Jogbra, was designed to offer support and comfort during physical activities.

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Bras for medical needs -

Specially designed bras for medical needs, such as post-surgery or mastectomy bras, became available to support diverse health requirements. Post-surgery bras became popular in the '70s as breast surgeries, like mastectomies, increased.

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Underwear as outerwear -

Designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier brought bras to the forefront of fashion, with Madonna's cone bra becoming a cultural icon after her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour.

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The Wonderbra -

In 1994, the Wonderbra was relaunched, quickly becoming a symbol of the "push-up bra" trend. This design reshaped the lingerie industry, emphasizing cleavage enhancement for the first time.

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Victoria's Secret -

In 1995, Victoria's Secret launched its first runway show, turning the bra into a glamorous, high-fashion item, influencing global lingerie trends.

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Back to wireless bras -

As comfort became a priority in the 2000s, brands developed wireless bras with flexible fabric and minimal structure, offering women alternatives to underwired designs.

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Sustainable bras -

The focus on sustainability in the 21st century has led to eco-friendly bras made from organic cotton, recycled materials, and biodegradable fabrics. Brands like Pact and Organic Basics aim to reduce the environmental impact of lingerie production.

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Comfort is key -

Free from underwires and padding, the bralette became popular in the 2010s, with a focus on comfort and minimalist design. Bralettes also align with the rising body positivity movement, offering a more inclusive and comfortable option for various body types.

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Inclusive sizing -

As awareness of body diversity grew in the 2020s, many lingerie brands began offering a wider range of sizes. Companies like Rihanna's Savage X Fenty prioritized inclusivity, promoting bras that cater to different body types and skin tones.

Sources: (Vogue) (National Geographic) (NPR) 

See also: The most bizarre and dangerous fashion trends in history

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