Bras

Guide Note

A Bra is the short version name for a Brassiere. It is an article of women's lingerie that supports the breasts. Created to replace the corset, the undergarment is considered an extremely popular element in women's everyday wear.

Origins

The brassiere was developed in the late nineteenth century by Herminie Cadolle in France in 1905 and then patented in the U.S. by Mary Phelps Jacobs in 1914. The term brassiere came from the French meaning a harness or undershirt. It was shortened in the 1930s to Bra.

The Mythical Origin

Some believe that a man named Otto Titzling created the undergarment but it was a legend inspired by the book "Bust-Up: The Uplifting Tale of Otto Titzling and the Development of the Bra".

Measurements

Bra sizing is broken down into two parts. Part one is the band size, which is the measurement number of the chest under the bust from the back to the front. The second part is the cup size which is a letter that relates the breast size volume. Double and triple lettering exists for sizes smaller or larger than the normal A, B, C, D values.

• AA = smallest cup size
• A = small cup size
• B = medium cup size
• C = medium/large cup size
• D = large cup size
• DD = extra-large cup size
• DDD = double extra-large cup size

Types of Bras

• Training Bra
• Strapless Bra
• Wonderbra
• Demi Cup Bra
• Padded Bra
• Sports Bra
• Maternity Bra
• Nursing Bra
• Mastectomy Bra

Fast Facts

1. Female undergarment
2. Originally known as a Brassiere
3. First developed by Herminie Cadolle in 1905
4. Female's first bra is known as a Training Bra
5. Retail Range: $15 - $70