When was the bra actually invented? And why did the underwired bra ever come into existence? Questions you’ve probably asked yourself at least once while fastening your own. The story behind this everyday piece of lingerie is surprisingly rebellious and a little glamorous too.
The very first bra: a feminist statement
The first modern bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps Jacob, a young New York socialite. She had grown tired of the stiff corsets that squeezed the breath out of women and decided to sew together two silk handkerchiefs with a ribbon. Voilà: the very first bra was born! It became a symbol of freedom and movement for women everywhere.
The rise of the underwired bra
Fast forward to the 1930s and 40s: fashion was all about creating the ‘perfect’ silhouette. Round, lifted breasts were the ideal and that’s where the underwired bra came in. In 1931, inventor Louise Poirier designed and patented a bra with underwires for Warner’s. The idea was simple: give women more shape, all in line with the beauty standards of the time.
From pointy cups to comfy bralettes
The 1950s gave us the iconic bullet bra (yes, the one Marilyn Monroe wore and Madonna later made famous). Pointy cups were the look of the decade. But by the 70s and 80s, women were rebelling. Bras were tossed into bonfires at feminist protests, sending a loud message: freedom comes first.
Today, lingerie is thankfully more about comfort, self-love, and choice. Whether you’re a bralette devotee or prefer a little extra support, the good news is: everything goes, nothing is mandatory.
Why it matters
The bra is more than just fabric and straps. It tells a story about fashion, women’s rights, and shifting beauty ideals. And if anything, its history proves one thing: comfort is here to stay. Because honestly, why squeeze into a corset when you could slip into something soft and supportive instead?
