It’s almost ritualistic how us women prepare for everyday of our lives by buckling our girls up in these ill-fitting and often uncomfortable contraptions called bras. While this isn’t without exception, styling an outfit always starts with what will be worn underneath. From stockings to corsets, we’re not only ditching these drapings, but adapting this attire to our modern modes.
BCE: Bras, Corsets, Etc. Through History
The modern bra we either love or loathe has origins tracing back all the way to 4th century Rome and India, according to History.com, where we see depictions of a bandeau-style bra. The passing centuries brought changes not only in fashion, but in desirable body types as well. This led to a wide variety of “bras” throughout cultures and history that helped women fit these beauty standards.
Fast forward through the centuries until we arrive at the 1500s where corsets had us in a chokehold, almost quite literally. Although we saw this style of “support” into the early 1900s, according to Vogue, in 1910 we see the first “modern bra” credited to 19-year-old Mary Phelps Jacob. Needing something to style underneath a sheer gown for a ball, Jacobs used two handkerchiefs to create what could be called a prototype.
Lingerie & Layering
After Jacob’s fashion innovation, bras began to develop in different designs rapidly. From the iconic “bullet bras” of the 1950s to today’s petite pasties, there are countless variations, ranking from ridiculous to serendipitous. Every fashionista needs a variety of support to style stunning ensembles for all occasions.
This stylization of the undergarment has taken many forms over recent history. A few years ago, the staple “bar fit” for undergrads was jeans and a corset top. While these corsets created a killer look all on their own, they were still stiff and uncomfortable just as their century old ancestor was. This is only one example of how comfort often isn’t considered when it comes to women’s fashion.
However, the very idea of wearing a corset as a top wouldn’t have been realized without pop icon Madonna. She was one of the first celebrities to normalize and popularize the styling of undergarments as outer-garments. Her fashion statements were made by styling things like lingerie slip dresses with rosaries or simply putting on a bra as a top. This was entirely radical for the time, but helped bring about more modern fashions.
The Future & Freeing the Nip
Nowadays, celebrities and civilians alike are boycotting the classic bra for more stylish or comfortable alternatives. Evidence of this tossing aside of underpinnings comes from the “Free the Nipple” movement that was popular during 2014-2016 when celebrities like Miley Cirus and Rihanna were backing it. Although you don’t see as many hashtags advocating for this fashion movement, it’s already taken root in our culture.
While bras aren’t becoming historical garments like corsets, it’s clear that there’s an undergarment uprising occurring in the culture. Brands like Skims are on the rise due to how they craft their clothes to be flattering without any under structures keeping things together. Whether it’s soft shapewear or beautiful bralettes — undergarments are coming out to play.
Around campus, girls feel comfortable in classes without the support of any under-wiring. Their exposed shoulders are revealing the fact that while there’s no bra underneath, there doesn’t need to be.
Let us know your favorite kind of underwear (or lack thereof) by tagging us @VALLEYmag on X!
