Bras have been around for a long time — and while there’s no single person we can thank for inventing them, many people across different times and places have helped shape what bras are today. What started as simple fabric bands has grown into something much more, offering comfort, style, and support for all kinds of bodies. For many, including folks in the LGBTQIA+ community, bras are more than just underwear — they’re a way to feel confident and express who you are.
Early Breast Support
Even thousands of years ago, people were finding ways to support their chests. In ancient Minoan and Greek times, women wrapped cloth around their breasts for both comfort and cultural reasons. In Rome and Greece, women wore breast bands called “mammillares” made from fabric or leather. These were some of the first steps toward creating structured undergarments.
Middle Ages to 1800s: From Simple Layers to Shaping the Body
In medieval Europe, undergarments like linen smocks offered little support. Over time, clothes evolved. By the 1400s, chemises were common. They were basic under layers worn under dresses — not really supportive, but they kept things modest and clean.
Then came bodices, which added a bit more structure and began shaping the body. Eventually, these turned into corsets. Corsets, especially popular from the 1500s through the Victorian era, were stiff and tightly laced to create the “ideal” figure — tiny waist, lifted chest. Wealthier women wore fancy corsets made with whale bone or metal, while poorer women often had simpler versions.
Corsets shaped more than just bodies — they influenced beauty standards. But they weren’t comfortable. Doctors raised concerns about breathing problems, organ pressure, and other health risks. As a result, people started looking for more comfortable options.
The First Modern Bra
In the early 1900s, a French inventor named Herminie Cadolle cut a corset into two parts. The top part supported the breasts with shoulder straps, while the bottom shaped the waist. At first, they were sold together — but by 1905, the top half was sold on its own. That was a big step toward the modern bra.
Then in 1913, Mary Phelps Jacob had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction which resulted in using two handkerchiefs and some ribbon to make something new — something light, simple, and more comfortable. She patented her invention in 1914 and helped kick off a new era for bras.
War Changes Everything
World War I had a huge impact. With many women working in factories and other tough jobs, corsets were just not practical anymore. Also, materials like metal were being saved for the war effort. This made bras a better option — lighter, more comfortable, and easier to move in.
Fashion Meets Function
During the 1920s, bandeau bras became popular. These were flat fabric bands that helped give a more boyish look, which was trendy at the time. In the 1930s, cup sizing was introduced, making it easier to find bras that actually fit.
By the 1940s, the bullet bra came onto the scene. With its pointy shape and firm stitching, it offered more support and became iconic thanks to stars like Marilyn Monroe. Around this time, underwire bras became more available, adding even more structure.
The Wonderbra and the Push-Up Era
Later, bras became less about shaping the body and more about enhancing it. The Wonderbra, designed by Canadian Louise Poirier, gave the push-up bra a new spotlight. It created cleavage and boosted confidence — and became a big part of lingerie fashion.
The Birth of the Sports Bra
In 1977, women finally got a bra made for movement. Lisa Z. Lindahl and Polly Smith made the first sports bra by sewing together two jockstraps. They called it the JogBra, and it was an instant hit. It let women run, jump, and move without pain — and without having to double up on bras.
Modern Bras and What They Mean Today
Today, bras are all about choice. They come in all kinds of styles for every shape, activity, and need. Sports bras use sweat-wicking materials and smart designs, while others include wearable tech that tracks your heart rate or breathing. Many brands now focus on comfort, body positivity, and making sure everyone feels included. Whether you’re curvy, small-chested, trans, non-binary, or anywhere in between, there’s something out there for you. For lots of people — especially in the LGBTQIA+ community — bras are more than support. They’re a way to feel seen, confident, and true to yourself. From ancient wraps to smart, inclusive designs, bras have come a long way, and they’ll keep changing right along with us.
great read ladies..