Before the bra was invented, corsets lifted breasts to artificial heights—but they pushed from below instead of lifting from above. In 1913, using two pocket handkerchiefs and some pink ribbon, socialite Mary Phelps Jacob created the “backless brassiere” and became the first patent recipient for the modern bra. From Jacob’s invention, to the bullet bra of the 40s, to modern-day pillow cup push-up plunge bras, our boobs have been cinched, flattened down, and lifted up. You can discover a lot about women in history by how much cleavage was showing, and the era’s most desirable breast shape. While it can be argued that a bra is a necessity—­­not an accessory—one of the best feelings at the end of the day is to release ourselves. One thing’s for certain: the American Woman is still waiting for her ideal brassiere!

Join Ehris and Velya for an uplifting look at the history of the bra in America!