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History of the bra
The first separate, supporting cover for the bosom appeared in France in 1889 when a
Mme Cadulle cut out the midriff of her corset to allow more movement from the waist.
1907 : American Vogue illustrated a rigid, boned brassiere with no
division between the breasts which was worn over the corset
1913 : Mary Phelps devised the first modern bra with two hankerchiefs and
some help from her maid. The following year she sold the patent to a Mr Warner she met at
a garden party.
1918 : Corset-makers were running up bras designed to flatten rather than
enhance.
1925 : Bras first had divisions between the breasts and adjustable straps
1938 : Finally acknowledging that breasts did not come in standard sizes,
bra-makers introduced A,B, C and D cups.
1940 : Padding was first sneaked into bra cups
1950s : Strapless bras appeared and women were now able to wear an
off-the-shoulder dress and use a bra.
1959 : Warners and Du Pont produced Lycra which we continue to use since
then
1965 : No-bra Bra introduced to give support with a nothing-under effect
- good for half-hearted women’s libbers.
1973 : First no-bounce sports bra
1980s : Crop tops became fashionable.
Fascinating Facts
- Breast sizes across Europe are growing. The average size has gone
from a 34B to a 36C over the past 10 years.
- Twenty years ago a DD cup was unusual. - now G cups are not uncommon.
Changing diet and the Pill are the culprits.
- Bra-wearers are getting younger. Twenty years ago, 12 and 13 year olds
were bought teen bras, now eight and nine year olds are taking the plunge
- Today the biggest selling colour is white, while ivory and cream come a
close second. Tea rose was a hot favourite from the Twenties right through to the Fifties.
- In 1971 skin tones were bestsellers and were second favourites until
about 5 years ago.
- About 20% of sales are on fashion colours - watch out for.....
- Higher numbers of separations, divorces and remarriages have boosted the
demand for attractive lingerie.
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