Few items of clothing are more entwined with the evolution of fashion and the cultural status of women than the bra. From its functional past to its fashionable present, the bra has shifted from an item that was meant to be kept under wraps to one that many women proudly show off —or even wear as tops. Of course, as fashion progresses, so does the bra.
Today’s lingerie brands offer no shortage of comfortable and innovative options—from barely-there bandeaus to backless bralettes—for bodies of all types, while designers consistently dream up new bra-inspired runway and red carpet looks . In fact, the classic garment has become so ingrained in our closets and collective consciousness, that it’s hard to imagine a time before their existence—whether you love them , loathe them, or wear them at all. It all begs the question, who invented the bra? Below, a look at the fascinating evolution and history of the bra.
The bra’s ancient beginnings The bra may seem decidedly modern, but there are records of its existence—or versions of it—going back to ancient times. Some of the first evidence of bras can even be found in wall paintings, including a Roman mosaic in the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily, dating back to the 4th century A.D.
as well as in Crete, from the 1300s, of women wearing bandeau bras. In India, the first mention of a breast-supporting chest wrap—or kuchabandha , meaning “breast band”—dates back to literature from the 7th century reign of King.