Blog about the history of the bra

Need a history lesson? Pavo's got you! In this blog post, we'll take you through the history of the bra (without underwire).

The bra as we know it today has a long and fascinating history dating back to antiquity. From simple bandages to refined lingerie, the bra has evolved enormously over the centuries. While the modern bralette , like that of Pavo Couture , is beloved today for its comfortable and stylish design, the bra's journey began thousands of years ago with very different intentions. Let's delve into the evolution of this iconic garment together!

The history of the bra dates back to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Women often wore a type of breast support, a strophium, to support their breasts during sports activities. These supports didn't have much in common with today's bras, but the idea of ​​supporting the breasts originated there. Comfort and aesthetics weren't yet important; functionality was paramount.

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.

In the late Middle Ages and especially during the Renaissance, the corset became an iconic garment that shaped the female body. The corset's function was not only to support the breasts but also to force the entire upper body into a desired shape. The waist was narrowed, the bust was lifted, and the body acquired 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 Lize White bodysuit from Pavo Couture is based on this classic corset, but with a modern twist! This beautiful bodysuit 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 true breakthrough of the bra as we know it today occurred in the late 19th century. Until then, the corset still dominated fashion, but women were increasingly resisting 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 following years, several patents were filed for new designs. Mary Phelps Jacob is often credited with being the first official inventor of the modern bra, having received 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.

After World War I, the bra evolved rapidly. In the 1920s, it became popular to flatten the breasts to emphasize the androgynous silhouette of the time. This changed in the 1930s and 1940s, when the emphasis shifted back to the feminine form and bras took on a more pointed shape.

The 1950s were the golden age of the iconic pointed bra, also known as "bullet bra." This type of bra was popularized by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, creating a striking, sharp silhouette that symbolized femininity and sensuality at the time.

Over the years, the bra transformed 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. Yet, it remained an indispensable wardrobe staple for many women, but now with more variety and freedom of choice than ever before.

In recent decades, bralettes have gained a prominent place in the world of lingerie. Where bras were often stiff and structured in the past, bralettes offer a softer, more comfortable, non-wired alternative . The bralette's popularity reflects changing fashion and attitudes toward 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 refinement with its beautiful blue lace and matching thong. The soft, supportive fabrics ensure you feel comfortable all day long while looking stylish. It shows how far we've come since the days of the rigid corset.

As we look ahead to the future of lingerie, it's clear that the focus remains on comfort, durability, and style. The evolution of the bra, from simple bralettes in antiquity to the elegant bralettes and bodysuits of today, demonstrates how lingerie has always adapted to the changing needs and tastes of women. Today, we have the luxury of choosing between a variety of styles, from classic bras to modern bralettes and bodysuits.