Bra, its history, making, design, and much more…
A bra is undoubtedly the most versatile and most hated garment in womankind. It has been there for centuries and will be there for a long time. You might have wondered, "When did Bra come into our lives?" Well, it is not a new concept in the modern world. Let us know all the answers to our love-hate relationship with the most happening cloth piece.
History of a bra
14th Century
The history goes back to the early fourth century AD. A mosaic of women athletes wearing a bra alike was housed. Archaeologists found four linen-based proto-brassiere traced back to the late 14th century.
Renaissance
Later, corsets became a famous name during the renaissance till the 20th century in the fashion industry. Women loved corsets because of holding the strength to give the desired shape (inverted cone). Also, at some point, they were worn by men. After corsets, many dresses and gowns lived their lives to enhance our girls’ looks. An hourglass figure was celebrated during the 19th century.
Brassiere in 1914
Mary Phelps Jacobs patented a garment she invented while going for a dance in 1914. Many did not know this piece of clothing ought to be an iconic invention. It was 3rd November 1914 when brassiere got patented. However, it was not the first time a woman was introduced to the concept of supporting her breasts. In ancient times, women wore bands of clothes to cover their girlfriends.
Cups, adjustable bras, and sizing scale
In the 1930s, brassieres popularly became bras, and cup sizes were introduced to us by S.H. camp and company. The A, B, C, and D sizing scale is still widely used to select our perfect bras. Bras also got hook closures, adjustable straps, and padded cups during the period.
Bandeaus and their downfall
Breast supporters and shapers had their loved ones, but bandeaus became a household name in the United States. The late 19th century and early 20th century witnessed a change in the perception of breasts. Women started to deemphasize busts and their size. It was not far away when breasts again became the highlight of their appearance. The credit goes to the new look of Christina Dior, which celebrated an hourglass silhouette.
Push-up and padded bras
In 1947 & 1948, padded and push-up bras came to life designed by Mr. Frederick Mellinger, respectively. The fashion industry was swamped by the appearance of breasts holding into pushed-up bras. In the 1950s, bullet bras were out in the world, and they got their fame through celebrity figures like Marlyn Monroe, Patti Page, and Lana Turner.
Seamless - modern or age-old concept?
In 1965, “no bra bra” came into existence through designer Rudi Gernreich. Isn’t it hard to follow that seamless is not a modern concept? The bra was made of nylon to provide a bare and natural feel. During the 20th century, bras witnessed a lot of innovations, and manufacturers are still innovating.
Support to the fitness regime
After a few years, in 1977, when fitness took center stage, women were seen wearing sports bras for the needed support. In 2007, the first memory foam padded bra was introduced, manufactured using a high technology that sticks to your shape and reacts to temperature as you move.
Manufacturing, a common story…
Individual elements are cut - the cup, bottom, straps, center, side, and back panels. Now all these are sewed together through machinery. Finally, hooks and eyes are ironed or heat processed into the back panel. The label of the bra is stitched at last.
Fun Fact: Did you know that a bra has 30 to 35 different parts; it has not changed since then. But the defining approach has evolved. Manufacturers & brands are moving towards conscious clothing by integrating more natural fibers.
The design process is still consistent
The design and manufacturing of bras are complex processes that require a lot of planning, research, and testing. Before a designer even starts creating a new bra, they decide on physical appearance and structure. Designers decide on the entire collection or features, cuts, sizes, costs, quality, and many other factors.
In today’s age, once we design, prototypes and patterns are designed and picked out. The bra is cut out usually out of cardboard with computerized technology. Later they assemble all parts to see if any modifications are needed before manufacturing. Finally, manufacturers test each part of the garment for a proper fit.
What has changed?
We invented Bras for support; however, there are umpteen opinions over whether we should wear bras, whether it is okay if we don't wear them at night, whether we can skip them entirely, etc. Manufacturers are savvy for seamless & natural products. Consumers are now picking comfort, environment-friendly, and health-conscious products.
A revolutionary idea for a seamless no-hook bra for the Gen Z era
You can scroll through Amazons the world to find the perfect pair of a bra. Yet they dig, slip, or do not pass the vibe check. Manufacturers and brands have started making conscious efforts for women. However, natural fabrics do not provide surreal comfort, or not makes you feel sexy and confident, or not hug you at the right places.
Intimate Queen has revolutionized design for the first time in India. The seamless no-hook ceramide beauty bra has taken comfort to the next level. We have infused ceramides that are essential to hold our skin cells together to keep our skin barrier intact and healthy. A healthy skin barrier helps seal in moisture and seal out harmful elements. Ceramide replenishment can efficiently minimize moisture loss, leaving the skin smooth and sensitive.
We have come a long way from the 14th century to now. We at Intimate Queen certainly feel that, especially with the advanced technology and natural fabrics. We would like to hear your thoughts on your favorite bra and what all things you need from one.