For over a century, the bra has been more than a garment — it has been a symbol. Of fashion. Of function. Of femininity. And most importantly, of the changing ways women understand, shape, and celebrate their bodies.
At Alsay, we design with legacy in mind. So it feels only right to reflect on the long, layered story of an item that has shaped generations of women — literally and figuratively.
From Ancient Draping to Early Support
Long before the structured silhouettes we know today, women found ways to support and shape their busts using fabric wraps and bandeau-style cloths.
In ancient Greece and Rome, women used simple chest bindings for modesty and mobility. There was no “bra” yet, but the intention was already there: support that worked with a woman’s lifestyle. Enters…the Strophium.
The Victorian Corset Era: Structure Over Comfort
By the 16th century and well into the Victorian era, corsets dominated.
They cinched the waist, lifted the bust, and created dramatic silhouettes- often at the cost of comfort and breathability.
Corsets weren’t just garments. They were statements of social expectations, beauty ideals, and discipline. But as women began participating more actively in society, fashion slowly shifted toward liberation.
It
1910s–1920s: The Birth of the Modern Bra
In 1914, the first modern bra patent was filed by Mary Phelps Jacob.
Her creation- two silk handkerchiefs sewn together with ribbon: was light, flexible, and freeing compared to heavy corsetry.
By the 1920s, bras evolved to match the decade’s flapper style: small, sleek silhouettes and minimal shaping. The bra had officially entered fashion conversation.
Hello Bandeau!
1930s–1950s: Lift, Shape, and Innovation
The 1930s brought padded cups, adjustable straps, and standardized sizing.
Then came the iconic 1950s bullet bra- structured, pointed, and designed for the hourglass silhouettes of Hollywood starlets.
This was the era when lingerie moved from purely functional to fashion-forward. The engineering of bras started to mirror architecture- curves supported by careful construction.
1960s–1980s: Liberation Meets Lifestyle
As social change swept the 60s and 70s, bras became symbolic again- this time associated with women’s liberation.
Meanwhile, manufacturers responded with softer, wire-free styles. Comfort began to take center stage.
By the 1980s, sports bras emerged, meeting the needs of women embracing fitness culture. It became clear that intimate wear could adapt to a woman’s activity, not force her into a predetermined shape.
1990s–2010s: Diversity in Design
Push-up bras, foam cups, seamless technology, wireless innovation - the 90s and early 2000s introduced options.
For the first time, women could choose the silhouette they wanted to create: natural, lifted, dramatic, or minimal.
This was also the era where more attention went into inclusivity of sizes, tones, and styling, though still not enough. This era also lacked individual sizing, reinforcing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mindset that excluded many women’s needs. Those with larger chests faced spillage and poor support, while smaller-chested women often dealt with flattening fits that impacted comfort and confidence.”
Today: Comfort, Confidence & Body Agency
Modern women are rejecting discomfort as a norm.
They want bras that honor their natural shape, support their lifestyle, and feel beautiful without restriction.
Enter shapewear (The Minta and The Diahann), bralettes (The Simone), hybrid support structures (The Coco), and innovative fabrics designed to smooth without squeezing. Function and fashion finally coexist with ease.
The evolution continues, driven by women themselves.
Where Alsay Fits In
Alsay stands on the shoulders of this long history, carrying forward the lessons and leaving behind the limitations.
Your body deserves softness. Your curves deserve intention.
And your support should never feel like a compromise.
We’re not just reimagining shapewear- we’re honoring a legacy of women who demanded better.
