ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of bras

Well kiddo, a bra is a special kind of underwear that helps support a woman's breasts. Bra-like garments have been around for thousands of years, but the modern bra as we know it today has a pretty interesting history.

It all started in the late 1800s, when corsets were the most popular undergarment for women. Corsets were really tight and uncomfortable and were made of stiff bones and fabric that made it really hard for women to move around. Women began to realize that corsets actually weren't very good for their health or comfort, and soon they started looking for alternatives.

In the early 1900s, the first real bras started appearing in stores. They were made of soft fabric and were designed to provide support for breasts without squeezing them like corsets did. They were called "brassieres" but that name was too long and too hard to say, so the name was shortened to "bra."

Bras continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. During World War I, women were needed to work in factories and do other jobs that required them to move around a lot. In order to stay comfortable, they started wearing bras with adjustable straps that could be tightened or loosened as needed. This was a big innovation that helped make bras even more popular.

In the 1920s, the "flapper" style became popular, and bras followed suit. Bras became much more fashionable and were designed to be seen. Women started wearing bras with fun colors and frilly lace designs, and the idea of the bra as a fashion statement was born.

During World War II, bras took on an important role once again. Women who were serving in the military needed bras that were supportive and comfortable, so they wouldn't be distracted by discomfort during battle. Bras with wire and padding were created to help give women that extra support they needed.

In the 1960s and 70s, women started burning their bras as a way to protest against the societal pressures placed on them. This was a way for women to show that they were tired of being told what to do and how to dress. But even with all the controversy surrounding the bra, it remained a popular undergarment for women throughout the rest of the century.

Today, bras come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles, from bralettes to push-up bras to sports bras. They're an important part of many women's wardrobes, and they continue to evolve to meet the changing needs and preferences of women.
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