The Bra That Transformed Women's Health: A Century of Innovation

In the early 20th century, the corset was the cornerstone of women's fashion, offering a silhouette that society deemed desirable.

 

However, this garment came with significant health drawbacks, including restricted breathing, compressed ribs, and limited diaphragm movement.

 

These issues often led to fainting spells, which were trivialized rather than treated as medical concerns.

 

In 1914, Mary Phelps Jacob, a young New York socialite, sought a solution to the discomfort caused by corsets, especially when worn under sheer evening gowns.

 

She ingeniously stitched together two silk handkerchiefs with pink ribbon and cord, creating the first modern bra.

 

This design provided support without the constriction of a corset, allowing for better lung expansion, eased rib pressure, and improved posture.

 

Recognizing its potential, Mary patented her invention the same year.

 

She later sold the patent to the Warner Brothers Corset Company for $1,500—a modest sum compared to the millions the company earned from the design in subsequent decades.

 

Mary's innovation marked a significant shift in both fashion and women's health.

 

Over time, medical experts linked restrictive garments like corsets to poor circulation, muscle atrophy, digestive pressure, and skeletal issues.

 

The bra emerged as a healthier alternative that respected women's anatomy.

 

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the bra continues to evolve, integrating technology to further enhance women's health.

 

In 2024, Bloomer Tech, a Cambridge-based startup, launched clinical trials for a smart bra designed to monitor heart health.

 

Equipped with flexible, washable sensors, this bra collects data on cardiovascular activity, hormones, and metabolism, transmitting the information to a mobile app.

 

This innovation aims to address the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of heart disease in women, the leading cause of death among this demographic.

 

From Mary Phelps Jacob's initial creation to today's tech-integrated designs, the bra has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of women.

 

These innovations not only enhance comfort and style but also play a crucial role in monitoring and improving women's health.

 

As technology advances, the potential for the bra to contribute to women's well-being continues to expand, underscoring its enduring significance in both fashion and health.