brassiere

clothing

Also known as: bra

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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A brassiere, commonly known as a bra, is an undergarment designed to cover and support the breasts. The term "brassiere" was first used in 1880, while "bra" became common in 1933. Historically, similar garments like corsets were worn to shape the body and support the bosom, with evidence dating back to the Minoan civilization. Corsets evolved over centuries, using materials like boning, wood, and whalebone to create desired silhouettes, from a V-shape to an hourglass figure. By the 20th century, the brassiere and girdle gradually replaced the corset for everyday wear, though corsets remain in use for bridal fashion and costume wear.123

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corset
…as everyday wear by the brassiere and girdle, but it remained in use in bridal fashions and costume wear into the 21st century. Corsets and corset-style tops without structural supports retained an amount of popularity as outerwear, especially in alternative fashion, and were sometimes featured in the works of respected…
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…as everyday wear by the brassiere and girdle, but it remained in use in bridal fashions and costume wear into the 21st century. Corsets and corset-style tops without structural supports retained an amount of popularity as outerwear, especially in alternative fashion, and were sometimes featured in the works of respected…
Read More

Paul Poiret
…of the corset with the brassiere, and for the introduction of the hobble skirt, a vertical tight-bottomed style that confined women to mincing steps. “I freed the bust,” boasted Poiret, “and I shackled the legs.”
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…of the corset with the brassiere, and for the introduction of the hobble skirt, a vertical tight-bottomed style that confined women to mincing steps. “I freed the bust,” boasted Poiret, “and I shackled the legs.”
Read More