Most of the major designers of the era have
tried to lay claim to designing the first bra. Porte probably had the strongest
claim. What
is certain is that all the designers promoted a simple breast retaining garment
as better for the newer simple straight dress styles.
In the costume history of bras these early bras were similar to camisoles
tops of the 1980s and 1990s. Initially at the turn of the 20th
century even the word camisole was used too, but replaced by 'Bust Bodice' by
1905.
In her bra history book 'Bras', Rosemary Hawthorne tells of her collection
of brassieres and of one that is stamped ' Brassiere. Model 441, British Made
', then of another 2-3 years older marked ’LA CYBELE' (No 18 British
Made)'. By 1915 the magazine 'The Lady' recorded pretty bust bodices or
brassieres as essential wear. Rosemary Hawthorne's bra history book is
very informative and she often describes genuine examples of bras, corsets and
girdles she has collected or has had donated to her.
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