Brassiere History

During recorded history, women have used a variety of garments and devices to cover, restrain, or elevate their breasts. Brassiere or bikini-like garments are depicted on some female athletes in the 1400s BC during the Minoan civilization era. Similar functionality was achieved by both outerwear and underwear.

From the 1500s onwards, the undergarments of wealthier [...]

Brassiere Etymology

The French word brassière refers to a baby’s vest (undershirt) or lifebelt, underbodice or harness. The word brassière derives from bracière, an Old French word meaning “arm protector” and referring to military uniforms (bras in French means “arm”). This later became used for a military breast plate, and later for a type of woman’s corset. [...]

Brassiere

As well as an undergarment, the bra is considered a foundation garment because of its role in shaping the wearer’s figure. It was originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace the corset, and has now become, in many parts of the world, the standard method for supporting a woman’s breasts.

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