|
|
Lingerie Facts
History of the
bra
The first separate,
supporting cover for the bosom appeared in France in 1889 when a Mme
Cadulle cut out the midriff of her corset to allow more movement
from the waist.
-
1907 : American Vogue illustrated a rigid,
boned brassiere with no division between the breasts which was
worn over the corset
-
1913 : Mary Phelps devised the first modern
bra with two hankerchiefs and some help from her maid. The
following year she sold the patent to a Mr Warner she met at a
garden party.
-
1918 : Corset-makers were running up bras
designed to flatten rather than enhance.
-
1925 : Bras first had divisions between the
breasts and adjustable straps
-
1938 : Finally acknowledging that breasts did
not come in standard sizes, bra-makers introduced A,B, C and D
cups.
-
1940 : Padding was first sneaked into bra
cups
-
1950s : Strapless bras appeared and women
were now able to wear an off-the-shoulder dress and use a bra.
-
1959 : Warners and Du Pont produced Lycra
which we continue to use since then
-
1965 : No-bra Bra introduced to give support
with a nothing-under effect - good for half-hearted women’s
libbers.
-
1973 : First
no-bounce sports bra
-
1980s : Crop tops became fashionable.
Fascinating Facts
-
Breast sizes across Europe are growing. The
average size has gone from a 34B to a 36C over the past 10
years.
-
Twenty years ago a DD cup was unusual. - now
G cups are not uncommon. Changing diet and the Pill are
the culprits.
-
Bra-wearers are getting younger. Twenty years
ago, 12 and 13 year olds were bought teen bras, now eight and
nine year olds are taking the plunge
-
Today the biggest selling colour is white,
while ivory and cream come a close second. Tea rose was a hot
favourite from the Twenties right through to the Fifties.
-
In 1971 skin tones were bestsellers and were
second favourites until about 5 years ago.
-
About 20% of sales are on fashion colours
-
Higher numbers of separations, divorces and
remarriages have boosted the demand for attractive lingerie.
|
