Blog about the history of the bra
Need a history lesson? Pavo's got you! In this blog, we'll take you through the history of the bra.
The bra, as we know it today, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. From simple bandages to refined lingerie, the bra has evolved tremendously over the centuries. While the modern bralette , such as the one from Pavo Couture , is loved today for its comfortable and stylish design, the bra's journey began thousands of years ago with very different intentions. Let's dive together into the evolution of this iconic garment!
The Beginning: Antiquity
The history of the bra goes back to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Women often wore a kind of breast band, the strophium, which supported the breasts during sports activities. These bandages did not have much in common with today's bras, but the idea of supporting the breasts originated here. Comfort and aesthetics did not play a role; it was mainly about functionality.
In the centuries that followed, women’s silhouettes changed several times, but the urge to shape and support the female form remained. Garments varied from tightly binding the breasts to accentuating feminine curves, depending on the fashion and cultural norms of the time.
The Middle Ages to the Renaissance: The Corset
In the late Middle Ages and especially in the Renaissance period, the corset became an iconic garment that shaped the female body. The corset not only had the task of supporting the breasts, but also of forcing the entire upper body into a desired shape. The waist was made narrower, the chest was lifted and the body was given a V-shaped silhouette. Although the corset was often seen as a symbol of elegance, it was notorious for its discomfort and tight fit.
Our Body Lize White by Pavo Couture is based on this classic corset, but with a modern twist! This beautiful body combines the refined, structured lines of a corset with the comfort of contemporary fabrics, making it a sensual and stylish option without the constricting feeling of yesteryear.
The First Bras: A Revolution in the 19th Century
The real breakthrough of the bra as we know it today came in the late 19th century. Up until then, the corset had dominated fashion, but women were increasingly beginning to rebel against its discomfort. It wasn’t long before designers began experimenting with alternatives that supported the breasts without constricting the entire upper body.
In 1889, French feminist Herminie Cadolle designed the first form of a bra. She cut away the lower part of the corset, leaving only the upper part to support the breasts. This "bra" was an early version of what we now know as the modern bra.
In the years that followed, several patents were filed for new designs. Mary Phelps Jacob is often credited as the first official inventor of the modern bra, when she was granted a patent in 1914 for a bra made from two handkerchiefs and ribbon. This simple design quickly became popular, especially during World War I, when women needed more freedom of movement for work.
The 20th Century: From Functional to Fashion Item
After the First World War, the bra developed rapidly. In the 1920s, it became popular to press the breasts as flat as possible to emphasize the androgynous silhouette of the time. This changed in the 1930s and 1940s, when the emphasis was again on the feminine shape and bras took on a more pointed effect.
The 1950s were the golden age of the iconic pointed bra, also known as "bullet bra" . This type of bra was popularized by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, and it created a striking, sharp silhouette that symbolized femininity and sensuality at the time.
Over the years, the bra changed from a functional garment to a fashion accessory. In the 1960s and 1970s, during the feminist movement, the bra was sometimes even rejected as a symbol of oppression. However, it remained an indispensable part of the wardrobe for many women, but now with more variety and freedom of choice than ever before.
The Rise of the Bralette: Comfort and Style
Over the past few decades, bralettes have gained a prominent place in the world of lingerie. Where bras used to be stiff and structured, bralettes offer a softer, more comfortable, non-wired alternative . The bralette's popularity reflects changing fashions and attitudes towards lingerie: comfort and self-expression are now just as important as support.
A perfect example of this modern approach is the Rosy Blue Bralette from Pavo Couture. This bralette not only offers comfort , but also exudes elegance and sophistication with its beautiful blue lace and matching thong. The soft, supportive fabrics ensure that you feel comfortable all day long, while still looking stylish. It shows how far we have come since the days of the rigid corset.
As we look ahead to the future of lingerie, it is clear that the focus remains on comfort, durability and style. The evolution of the bra, from simple bralettes in ancient times to the elegant bralettes and bodies of today, shows how lingerie has always adapted to the changing needs and tastes of women. Today, we have the luxury of choosing between different styles, from classic bras to modern bralettes and bodies
