If you've ever wondered how your bra came to be, well, you're in the right place. The humble bra has a rather juicy backstory, filled with fashion, social changes, and, of course, female empowerment.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, as we trace the roots of the bra:

The Bra’s Early Days

In the beginning—like thousands of years ago in ancient Greece and Rome—women rocked a band of wool or linen across their chests for support. They called it a 'strophium' or 'mamillare'. It symbolized the start of a quest for comfort and support in women's attire, a quest that has continued throughout history and even today.

Fashion Shifts

Fast-forward to the Middle Ages, and bras were practically non-existent. Fashion back then was all about showcasing a flat chest - quite the contrast from today's trends, right?

However, the Renaissance in the 16th-century brought the corset, a garment that cinched the waist and lifted the bust. As restrictive (and health-ruining) as they were, corsets dominated women's wardrobes for centuries because of the coveted hourglass effect they gave. 

The 19th Century: A Prelude To The Modern Bra

Now let's jump to 1859, when a certain Henry S. Lesher of Brooklyn was granted the first U.S. patent for a 'breast pad and perspiration shield'. This creation was a significant step away from corsets and towards more tailored bust support. Not quite the stylish bra we know today, but it definitely got the ball rolling.

The real game-changer, though, was when a French woman named Herminie Cadolle had a eureka moment and cut a corset into two in 1889. The top part, called the 'corselet gorge', was essentially the world's first bra. Who knew right?

Breaking the Mold: The Pioneering Era of Modern Bras

But if we’re talking about the very first ‘contemporary’ bra, we have to tip our hats to Mary Phelps Jacob, a socialite from New York. In 1913, she was fed up with the uncomfortable corsets, so she stitched two handkerchiefs together and used ribbons as straps. It was comfortable, revolutionary, and caught on like wildfire among her friends. This was the birth of the modern bra.

The Evolution Continues: The 20th Century and Beyond

As you might have guessed, the 20th century brought a whirlwind of changes to bra design. The roaring '20s brought forth flapper styles which demanded more androgynous figures, leading to the creation of the bandeau bra. 

But come the '30s and '40s, Hollywood's influence could be felt in the lingerie world. Women sought the alluring, curvaceous figures of the silver screen divas, leading to the popularity of the underwire bra. The enhanced lift and definition provided by these bras set the stage for the upcoming decades.

The '50s and '60s saw bras becoming bolder, reflecting the vibrant pop culture of the era. Enter the bullet bra, also known as the "chic torpedo" or "cone" bra. With its distinctive pointed shape, it was all about making a fashion statement.

Then, the '70s and '80s brought about more awareness for comfort and natural forms. Softer, more flexible materials were introduced. The sports bra also made its debut, responding to the need for support and comfort during increasing participation of women in athletics.

The '90s to the present have seen a burst of variety and options. From seamless t-shirt bras to lace-adorned balconettes, sultry push-ups to comfortable bralettes, the bra has truly come a long way. Each design embodies a fusion of style, function, and personal preference.

The Bra: More Than An Undergarment

Nowadays, brands like us are all about bras that are comfortable, expressive, and designed to celebrate every woman's unique shape.

So, next time you put on your bra, remember: it's not just a piece of clothing. It's a piece of history, a symbol of how far we've come, and a testament to women's empowerment. How amazing is that?