Lingerie History 

From the Bra - Lingerie

1907:
American Vogue illustrated a rigid, boned brassiere with no division between the breasts It was actually worn over the corset!

1912:
The term "brassiere" first appears in the Oxford English Dictionary.

1913:
The first modern bra is created by Mary Phelps. The following year she sold the patent to a Mr. Warner whom she had met at a garden party

1914:
After considerable interest from friends, Mary Phelps Jacob applies for a patent (under the business name "Caresse Crosby") on November 3 for her "Backless Brassiere" design, which is basically the same garment that she previously improvised. This "brassiere" was very lightweight, soft, and separated the breasts naturally. Unlike Marie Tucek's 1893 design, Jacob's garment did not have cups to support the breasts, but flattened them instead. Jacob markets the "Backless Brassiere" garment until she tires of the business and sells the patent to Warner Brothers Corset Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for $1,500. Warner's reportedly made over 15 million dollars over the next 30 years from the patent.

1917:
The U.S. War Industries Board requests women to stop buying corsets to reduce the consumption of metal. Sources say up to 28,000 tons of metal was conserved through this effort - "enough to build two battleships."

1918:
Corset-makers were running up bras designed to flatten rather than enhance. This did not last too long. You see, they were ignoring the fact that curves are much more alluring than flatness.

1920s:
By the end of the 1920s corsetry companies began to manufacture brassieres that were boned and stitched into different cup sizes.

1925:
Bras first had divisions between the breasts and adjustable straps. Thus, the modern day bra was introduced.

1928:
Ida Rosenthal, a Russian immigrant, and her husband William went into business as the Maidenform Company in the 1920's as a protest against the notorious flat-chested flapper girls of the Roaring 20's. Ida is responsible for the creation of bust size categories (cup sizes) and developed bras for every stage of life - puberty to maturity.

1930s:
Warner produces the first popular all-elastic bra, which shows off a woman's curves.

1930s:
The "sweater-girl" look, portrayed by actress Lana Turner during the 1930s, was the next fashion development, pointed rigid bras that maintained their shape. This was followed by "falsies". These were pads worn inside the bra that were designed to enhance the fullness of the bust. These evolved into the push-up bra, stiffened cups supported by underwiring.

1935:
Warner's creates the cup sizing system (A to D), which becomes the system commonly used by all manufacturers throughout the world.

1938:
Bra makers introduced A, B, C and D cups to acknowledge different sizes and shapes of women's breasts

1940:
Padding is now being used in bra cups

1941-1945:
Common fabric materials (cotton, rubber, silk and steel) are in short supply, so manufacturers turn to synthetic fabrics.

1946:
Frederick Mellinger launches Frederick’s of Hollywood. The first lingerie offered is “scandalous” black panties and bras. This is the first time and American company sold lingerie.

1946:
The first bikini swimwear is introduced in Paris.

1948:
The world’s first push-up bra is introduced

1950s:
Strapless bras appeared and women were now able to wear an off-the-shoulder dress and still use a bra.

1950s:
It was thus that during the 1950s the shape had become most exaggerated. Strapless bras also became popular at this time because of the fashion for off-the-shoulder outfits.

1959:
Warners and Du Pont produced Lycra which we have continued to use ever since.

1960s:
A return to the need for support saw the bra re-emerge after this era. Developments in manufacturing and technology since the 1960s, such as lycra, have seen the materials for bras become increasingly lightweight, durable and elastic.

1965:
The no-bra bra was introduced to give support with a nothing-under effect.

1970s:
Roy Raymond established Victoria’s Secret in San Francisco during the early 70’s. The concept was to establish a cozy, inviting atmosphere similar to that of a Victorian boudoir.

1973:
The first no-bounce sports bra was introduced.

1980s:
Frederick's of Hollywood and Victoria's Secret become national icons.

1981:
America is introduced to the thong panty. Inspired by European swimsuits, Frederick’s of Hollywood debuts this wardrobe stable.

1982:
Limited Brands acquired Roy’s Victoria’s Secret, consisting of three stores and a catalog business,, among some controversy. Many incorrectly believe that Victoria's Secret was of British heritage, an image which some say was perpetuated by its parent company.

1989:
Frederick’s of Hollywood introduces the first silicone breast enhancers.  A global trend, and enhancers are now seen and worn worldwide.

1990s:
The Internet is filled with sites that feature lingerie stores and user-friendly steps to order some of the most risqué lingerie available.

1998:
Introduction of the H2O bra creates overwhelming demand.

2001:
Frederick’s celebrates the 20th anniversary of the thong. Panty lines are banished forever.