Learn Where Brassier Got It's Start and Why It's So Popular Even Today

History of Bra

The history of bra is extensive. Almost since dawn of time women have worn bra's either to enhance or minimize their figure. Bust-lines have been increased and decreased, rounded and stretched and even spread out throughout time following society's trends and fashions.

Bra's have been worn by women world over since 2000 BC, when first corset, created of leather was worn to support and outline breasts. The ancient Greeks wore a type of bra that pushed breasts upwards but left breast itself naked.

During 13th century, practice of minimizing breasts became very popular. Women often wore short bodices that flattened rather than enhanced a woman's bodice. This changed however during 15th century when a women's chest became focal point of her garments... it was popular for upper portion of breast to be pushed above garments worn by a woman in order to give appearance of full cleavage and a rounded bodice.

Trends in Modern Bra Wear

Bras are in. Today bras can be fashioned to meet any persons unique style and comfort preferences. In recent years plus and full size bras have become norm, as more and more women turn to plastic surgery to enhance their bust line. In some cities it isn't uncommon to see women who might be categorized as DD's, EE's and even FF's thanks to modern technology.

Fortunately, there is a bra available to fit almost any woman anywhere. There are even bras that are fashioned as "outer wear". Celebrities are among more common members of society to tout such bold and daring styles.

For bold but slightly less daring, sheer and see through bras are a great option. Bras, whether made with or without under wires, are made from silk, cotton, Lycra, spandex and even flannel.

Style has as much to do with what's available and "hot" as what a woman finds comfortable and supportive.

The first formal "bras" were patented in US in mid 1800s, as tortuous corsets began to fall out of style with more comfort seeking women.

Different Bra Types

Many different bra types have been created since early days of it's existence. No longer do women have to struggle to fit their upper body and chest into contraptions made of whalebone and steel (the common materials used to fashion early corsets). Rather, today's traditional bras are made of a variety of luxurious fabrics, meant to support, uplift, enhance and show off a woman's breasts (though you can still find some that minimize, which for many women is a bonus).

From time of your first period until your 40’s, your ovaries produce estrogen in response to monthly follicle maturation. Both estrogen and progesterone are responsible for monthly menstrual cycle and both are produced using male hormones. During her reproductive years, a woman’s ovaries produce more estrogen than testosterone. As menopause nears, estrogen level declines while male hormone levels stay about same. Lacking former levels of estrogen to counteract them, hair growth on face and oily skin may begin to crop up during years right before menopause in some women.

As Age Reach 40, Changes Happen

A woman is born with approximately one half million eggs. Over time, that number decreases as some are reabsorbed back into ovarian lining. As a woman ages get older, number of eggs available for release also diminishes. As a result, from about age 40, a woman’s period will begin to change.