Definition
Bra
A bra, short for brassiere, is a type of undergarment primarily used to support and cover a woman's breasts. A typical bra consists of a chest band that wraps around the torso, supporting two breast cups that are held in place by shoulder straps. Bras usually fasten in the back using a hook and eye closure, although they come in a wide range of styles and sizes, including front-fastening and backless designs.
The history of the bra dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where women wore garments to support their breasts. The first modern bra is attributed to 19-year-old Mary Phelps Jacob, who patented her design in 1914. Bras gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century, replacing the corset. Today, the majority of Western women wear bras, though a minority choose to go braless.
Bras are complex garments, with 20 to 48 individual components. They are manufactured to fit an average female form, but women's breasts vary greatly in size, shape, and position on the chest. This makes finding a properly fitted bra challenging, with around 80-85% of women estimated to wear the wrong size.
Bras are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, spandex, lace, and foam. Underwire bras, which incorporate a metal, plastic, or resin strip under each cup, are a popular style, accounting for around 70% of bras sold. Bras come in many designs, from minimizing and sports bras to push-up and plunge styles.
The bra has cultural significance as both an intimate garment and a fashion statement. Bras have been associated with ideals of female beauty and sexuality, and their use has been debated by some feminists. In recent decades, there has been a trend towards more women choosing to go braless, particularly among younger generations.
📚 Sources & Citations
- 📖 Wikipedia
- 🔗 Wikidata: Q13716