Hooked on History: 10 Fun & Fabulous Facts About Bras

Bras — love them, hate them, or burn them in protest — they’ve been around for centuries and have one of the quirkiest backstories in fashion. Whether you're a lingerie lover or just curious, here are 10 unexpected, fabulous, and sometimes downright bizarre facts about bras.

1. 🏺 The First Bras Were Worn in the 1400s

Archaeologists discovered linen bras in a 15th-century Austrian castle, complete with lace and structure. Turns out, support has always been in style.

2. 🇫🇷 "Brassière" Isn’t What You Think

In French, “brassière” used to mean a child’s undershirt or even military shoulder gear — not exactly what you'd expect in your lingerie drawer.

3. 💡 A Woman Invented the Modern Bra in 1914

Mary Phelps Jacob said goodbye to the whale-boned corset and DIY-ed her way into history with silk handkerchiefs and ribbons. A fashion icon in the making.

4. 🧁 Cup Sizes Didn’t Exist Until the 1930s

Before the A, B, C, D system, bras were one-size-fits-most. In 1932, a company finally realized: breasts come in different sizes!

5. 💎 There’s a $2 Million Bra

Victoria’s Secret once created a bra dripping in jewels — complete with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Sorry, hand wash only.

6. 🏆 The World's Biggest Bra Broke a Record

In 2011, London unveiled a giant pink bra the size of a football field to raise awareness for breast cancer. It literally put bras on the map.

7. 👨‍🦰 Yes, Men Wear Bras Too

From medical reasons (gynecomastia) to fashion and drag culture, "bros" or "man-bras" are real — and growing in popularity.

8. 📆 There’s a National No Bra Day

Every October 13, people go braless to raise breast cancer awareness and embrace body positivity. Freedom never felt so good.

9. 🔄 Women Wear Just a Few Favorites

The average woman owns 8+ bras, but wears just 2–3 on repeat. We all know the MVP is the comfy one that never pinches or pokes.

10. 🚀 Bras Helped Build Space Suits

NASA engineers teamed up with Playtex (yes, the bra company) to help design astronaut suits. Who better to consult than those who specialize in support and structure?


🎀 Final Thought:

The bra isn’t just underwear — it’s a cultural symbol, a feminist battleground, and a fashion statement all rolled into one. Whether it’s lace, cotton, or nothing at all, wear what makes you feel fabulous.