Brassieres and Women's Health from 1863 to 1940

Abstract

Brassieres developed in the United States as an expression of health reform. Between 1863 and 1940, women and men secured patents for breast supporters intended to improve women's general and reproductive health, posture, or ability to participate in sport and exercise. Advertisements for breast supporters appeared in national advertising as early as 1881; brands proliferated in the early 1900s. Physicians encouraged the substitution of breast supporters for corsets, beginning in 1890. Medical opinions of brassieres fluctuated in the 1910s and 1920s, but by the end of the 1920s, cup-style brassieres answered physicians' criticisms and conformed to newer methods of pre- and post-natal breast care.

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