From Corsets to Bra: Triumph History of Lingerie

Do you know how the very first bra was invented? Or when bras first became a staple of every woman’s wardrobe? The history of modern lingerie stretches back hundreds of years, and has more than a few surprises. To celebrate 137 years of Triumph Lingerie, we’re exploring the history of women’s lingerie through the 20th century and all the way to the bras of today.

The word lingerie came from the French meaning “of linen” – and was originally introduced into English in the mid-19th century as a euphemism for the then scandalous under-linen. Since then lingerie has encompassed many different kinds of garments made for both comfort and style. Lingerie has changed in countless ways since the 19th century. In this article, we cover the history of women’s lingerie as corsets transformed into bras, a journey that Triumph has made since its founding in 1886.

More than four hundred years of corsets

Corsets were invented in the 16th century, and were worn by women until the early 20th century. Although they were a core foundational item for 400 years, corsets changed a lot over that time. The corset began as a close-fitting bodice which could lend support to the bust, and ended as a steel contraption that circled the ribs and compressed the waist. For much of its lifespan, the corset helped women support their breasts to make movement easier, but in the 19th century corsets began to become more restrictive, often making movement difficult for the women that wore them.

Enter the brasserie

The first bra was patented by Caresse Crosby in 1914 in the USA. It started as an attempt to improve her silhouette under her tight evening gown, but she soon realised how much more freeing her makeshift brassiere was than a corset. Crosby had invented something close to the modern bra – soft, short, and designed to naturally divide the breasts. While Crosby’s brassiere business never took off, a world event was about to take place that would spell the swansong of corsets – WW1.

Women step up and dress down in WW1

In the late 1910's the history of lingerie was changed forever, as WW1 saw thousands of women leave the homes and enter factories, fields, and logistics. They needed undergarments that could keep up with the new demands of their varied jobs. Enter the bra, which made its way into almost every woman’s wardrobe by 1920.  Developments in the textile industry also meant that lace and satins were now available to many women for the first time.

Flat busts define fashion in the 1920s

During the 1920s, flat silhouettes were in, and bra designs changed to reflect this. Special bras began to appear that flattened the breasts, and were much lighter than the designs that had come before. Matching underclothes were also made for the first time for a full body look.

Support shapes the history of lingerie in the 1930s and 1940s

By the 1930s, a more feminine look that accentuated the bust was back. Multiple advancements were made in bra technology during these decades, including the first Triumph bra origins in the 1930s. Manufacturers tried to make designs that supported and separated the breasts, and new elastic yarns were developed for comfort. Sizing also improved, with the origin of the letter cup sizing system. Padded bras were created for the first time, and took off with a vengeance.

The feminine form becomes the focus in the 1950s

WW2 meant that many of the new materials used in bra manufacturing became unavailable. However in the 1950s these innovative fabrics were back, along with a return to more rigid foundation fashions. The underwire became popular in bras for the first time, and nylon came into general use, making bras much more form-fitting. The corset made a short comeback as the hourglass shape was coveted by women of the time, due to the popularity of Marilyn Monroe & Jayne Mansfield's curvy silhouettes.

Natural, casual, revealing and athletic capture the history of lingerie in the 1960s and 1970s

The first pushup bra was designed by a Canadian lingerie company. Called the Wonderbra, it lifted and pushed the bustline together. However, it wouldn’t become truly popular until decades later. In 1967, Triumph was the first to use the moulded cup technique to eliminate the need for seams for a smoother silhouette and greater comfort. Finally, in the late 1970s, the first sports bra was created – the Jogbra.

A modern approach to women’s lingerie

Through the 80s, 90s, and beyond, the bra continued to change. On one hand, the bra became more natural in shape, with elasticised bras becoming available as an alternative to underwired models. Organic cotton came into use, and body-shaping comfort became a priority for many brands. On the other hand, the popularity of Victoria’s Secret heralded the rise of lingerie as fashion, and an object of sex appeal. Now, 130 years after Triumph’s first corset, bras come in more shapes, sizes and styles than ever before, with an option to suit everyone. Browse our range to see what modern bra styles can offer you.