To truly understand the advancements made in breast health research and bra technology, we must explore its historical evolution. We've delved into archives and scoured the internet to present The History of Bras.
1200-1101 BC
In Ancient Greece, women wore a “band” of cloth around their breasts, called an "apodesme" or "strophion”, very similar to a bandeau now-a-days.
753 - 475 BC
Similarly, Ancient Rome women also wore cloths or leather strapped around their breasts.
1401-1500
In Austria, a linen bra was found, dated back to the 15th century. This is the very first familiar example of a bralette that we know today, with cups and straps.
1601-1700
In the 17th century, corsets were stiffened with whale bones to shape the torso, which helped to lift and support the bust.
1701-1900
Around the end of the 18th century, the breasts started to be seen as two individual entities rather than one, therefore cups began to appear in corsets. This continued throughout the 19th century.
1913
In 1910 at 19 years old, Mary Phelps Jacob got tired of corsets and in a moment of a fashion crisis, sowed herself a bra made of handkerchiefs and ribbon. Friends and family were asking her to make some for them as well, and people soon started paying her money for it. In 1914, her Backless Brassiere was patented as the Caresse Crosby.
1920
“Flapper Bras” were designed to flatten the chest to fit the fashion trend of boyish figures at the time.
1925
The Kestos bra, introduced in 1925, was a significant development in the evolution of bras. It was designed by Rosaline Kiln in the UK and was one of the first bras to incorporate separated cups, providing more individualized support for each breast.
The Kestos design laid the groundwork for many features that are now standard in modern bras, such as adjustable straps, separated cups, and elastic bands.
1938
By 1938, the bra had evolved thanks to the revolutionary inventions by Mary Phelps and Rosaline Kiln. Specialist shops called Brassieres offered women's bras in many styles and fabrics.
1950
The pointy bra - or “Bullet Bra” became very popular in the 1950s, inspired by icons like Marilyn Monroe.
Gaultier has been credited for bringing this design to life, not only as a bra but as a garment which many years later continued to be worn by celebrities such as Madonna.
1970
In the 1970s, bra designs adopted a softer, more feminine look, adapted to the natural body. This bra became the default design for most modern everyday bras.
1977
Polly Smith, Linda Lindahl, and Hinda Miller created the very first general sports bra in 1977, called the Jogbra. Look familiar? The design is very similar to many sports bras of today.
1990
Victoria’s Secret launched the “Miracle Bra” promising enhanced cleavage and shape. Do they look very different from bras today?
1989-1991
In 1989 Nike introduced their first ‘sports bra’ aimed at teenage girls, called Side 1. However, they called it an “aerobics top” and they have not used the word “bra” until 1991 when they launched Side 1 Racerback.
2010
In the 2010s, with women’s athletism growing, bralettes and sports bras became very popular to wear as every-day bras due to the comfort provided.
2024
In 2024, Tigers Eye released a revolutionary sports bra with the help of breast health and bra science experts.
With innovative design features like “The Vault,” the Tigers Eye bra is the first sports bra to offer superior comfort and support for high-impact activities, earning a #1 ranking in its test group by experts.
Tested by athletes and Active Duty military members all around the world, this sports bra can handle everything you throw at it, including heavy gear and equipment, without breast pain.
