The history of the modern brassiere and underwear traces back to a pair of handkerchiefs with ribbons and the underthings, considered ‘bloomers’, necessary for athletic ventures. Women had worn similar undergarments many years before these inventions, although the successful marketing and patents began to take hold with manufacturers, designers, and advertising.
Camisoles and drawers were also in the market which had a virtuous following by ladies which wanted to ‘free’ themselves from the one-piece. At this time, fashion played a backseat to durability, comfort, and function. Then, comfort opportunities saw a rise with new fabrics and dancing trends towards the mid-nineteen twenties.
As the bloomers became shorter and our feminine underthings were well underway towards art and fashion, this brief history remains important to the vast expression in the many unlimited designs we have present-day.
