Amazing Bra Stories
Bra. A simple undergarment worn by women to provide support and coverage for the breasts. But beyond its basic function, the bra has a long and fascinating history, and has seen numerous transformations and innovations over the years. And along with these transformations come amazing bra stories that have captured the attention and imagination of people worldwide. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of these amazing bra stories that have made their mark in history.
The Invention of the Bra
The first bra, as we know it today, is said to have been invented by a New York socialite named Mary Phelps Jacob in 1913. Frustrated with the discomfort of corsets, she created a makeshift bra using two handkerchiefs and a ribbon. She patented her invention in 1914 and started her own company, selling the bras for $1 apiece. Her invention quickly became a hit, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Wonderbra
In the late 1950s, Canadian designer Louise Poirier created the revolutionary Wonderbra. The bra featured thick padding and a plunging neckline, providing women with the illusion of larger and more lifted breasts. The bra became a huge success and became a staple in many women’s wardrobes. And in the 1990s, supermodel Eva Herzigova further popularized the Wonderbra with her iconic “Hello Boys” ad campaign.
Madonna’s “Cone Bras”
In the 1990s, Madonna became known for her daring fashion choices, including her iconic “cone bras” designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. The cone-shaped bras, which were inspired by the bullet bras of the 1940s, became a symbol of female empowerment and sexual liberation. They were also known for their ability to push the boundaries and generate controversy. Madonna’s cone bras have since become iconic and have even been featured in museums.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is an annual event that has become known for its spectacular and extravagant display of lingerie, including bras. The first show was held in 1995 and featured supermodels like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Naomi Campbell. It has become a highly anticipated event, with an average of 9 million viewers tuning in to watch the show every year.
Boosting Bra Sales During World War II
During World War II, the US War Production Board banned the use of rubber for civilian products, including bras. As a result, bra manufacturers had to get creative and find alternative materials to use. This led to the invention of the elastic bra band, a significant milestone in bra technology. The boosted bra sales during the war also helped to support the growing women’s liberation movement at the time, as women realized that they could be independent and work outside of the home.
The “Hello, Boys” Cleavage Craze
In the early 2000s, a study by sociologists Viren Swami and Seishin Barrett found that men were more likely to assist women with large breasts compared to those with smaller breasts. This discovery sparked a phenomenon dubbed the “Hello, Boys” cleavage craze, where women sought to enhance their cleavage to receive more attention and assistance from men. This craze led to an increase in demand for push-up bras, padded bras, and other breast-enhancing undergarments.
Bra-burning Protest of the Miss America Pageant
In 1968, the first female Miss America, civil rights activist Leroy King, led a protest of the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. Among their demonstrations, the women threw items that they deemed oppressive, such as high heels, girdles, and bras, into a “Freedom Trash Can.” This event is often remembered as a “bra-burning” protest, although there is no evidence of any actual bras being burned. Nevertheless, this act of defiance sparked a conversation about women’s rights and the role of oppressive beauty standards in society.
The Story of the World’s Most Expensive Bra
In 2000, Victoria’s Secret introduced their Fantasy Bra, a diamond-encrusted bra that was valued at $15 million. The bra, called the “Red Hot Fantasy Bra,” was worn by supermodel Gisele Bündchen and featured over 1,300 gemstones, including a 12-carat diamond in the center. The bra received widespread media coverage and remains one of the most iconic and expensive bras in the world.
The Sports Bra Invention
In 1975, two university professors, Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith, heard their female runner friends complain about the discomfort of running with regular bras. They were inspired to create a sports bra that provided better support and comfort for high-impact activities. And so, the first sports bra, dubbed the “jockbra,” was born. The sports bra revolutionized the way women exercised and became a staple in every woman’s workout wardrobe.
The Story of the Ice Bra
In 1947, British chemist Otto Tittrington-Peters invented the first ice bra. The bra was created using a special type of refrigerated gel that could freeze inside of a bra-shaped mold, providing cooling and support for women during hot summer days. The ice bra gained popularity in the 1950s, but with the invention of air conditioning, it quickly became obsolete. However, it remains a novel and fascinating piece of bra history.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a simple undergarment to its current status as a symbol of femininity, the bra has certainly come a long way. And along the way, it has accumulated a multitude of amazing stories that will continue to captivate and inspire us for years to come.