MANILA, Philippines – Did you know that Former First Lady Imelda Marcos used to wear ‘bulletproof bra?’
Over the years, bra has evolved, from being merely a cloth wrapped around the chest to bras formed with cups and underwires, among others.
In celebration of the modern bra's 100th anniversary, here are some facts that would perk up your knowledge about the most loved yet reviled piece of garment.
- According to history books, the practice of wrapping around a garment to cover the women’s chest date back to ancient Greece. But it was only on November 3, 1914 that “bra” has been recognized as a term.
- New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob created a backless bra with two handkerchiefs and a pink ribbon in 1914. She was not the first one to do this but it was her design that was recognized because of her reputation. She then sold her invention to Warner Brother's Corset Company.
- "Brassiere," came from the French word "upper arm.” Vogue began talking about brassieres in 1907; in 1911, the word merited an entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.
- Cup sizes for the bras were invented by a couple in 1920.
- In the 70's, the first sports bra was invented out of jock straps.
- In 1998, a bra that releases scents when touched was released.
- As part of its 10th year anniversary campaign, Ravijour has developed a 'smart bra' that only pings open when it senses that its wearer is in love.
- The average bra size is now a 36DD and you can get bra cup sizes up to an "N."
- A woman owns an average of 9 bras.
- The most expensive bra in the world is Victoria’s Secret’s $15 million fantasy bra.
- The largest natural breast recorded in Guinness Book of World Records belongs to Annie Hawkins-Turner. She has an under breast measurement of 109.22 cm (43 in) and an around chest-over-nipple measurement of 177.8 cm (70 in). She currently wears a US size 52 I bra, the largest made.