Nursing Bras

A brassiere (/'bræsɪεə(r)/, commonly referred to as a bra, /bra/) is an article of clothing that covers and elevates the breasts. more...

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As well as being an undergarment, the bra is also considered to be a foundation garment, because of its rôle in shaping the figure of the wearer. Originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and replacing the corset, the bra has become in many parts of the world the most popular form of underwear for the upper body, although camisoles and chemises are now increasingly challenging this.

The bra may fulfil a number of different functions. It can have a simple utilitarian rôle, such as supporting and restraining larger breasts during exercise (the principal purpose of the sports bra), or to provide support during everyday activities; it may also be worn as an attempt to prevent the breasts from sagging in later life. It may be worn for reasons of modesty, or to meet perceived social expectations. It can also be seen as a fashion statement, intended to present a certain image of femininity; in this rôle, it is typically designed to lift the breasts from their normal position, in order to provide a more youthful look or to enhance décolletage. To some extent these are conflicting aims. Hence most bras are an attempt by designers to produce a garment which fulfils a practical rôle, while being an attractive piece of clothing in itself.

The need for the bra, in purely practical terms, has been questioned by many; it has been suggested that it does little to prevent the effects of aging on the breasts, and some have claimed that breasts are healthier when left free to move rather than being restrained. Also, the bra has become a controversial item, charged with political and cultural meanings which overlay its practical purpose. Traditionally it is viewed as symbolic of a young girl's coming of age, one of the tokens which indicate that she has become a young woman. It can also be interpreted as a feminine icon, a means by which women assert their sexuality. On the other hand, some may see it as a symbol of the repression of women's bodies. All of these debates mean that the bra has assumed a cultural significance which far outweighs that which is normally accorded to an item of clothing.

Etymology

The French word brassière refers to a baby's vest (undershirt) or lifebelt, underbodice or harness, although it is now sometimes used for the "bra-top" without formed cups. The word brassière derives from bracière, an Old French word meaning "arm protector" and referring to military uniforms (bras in French means "arm"). This later became used for a military breast plate, and later for a type of woman's corset. The current French term for brassière is soutien-gorge, literally, "held under the neck" or "throat-support". In French, gorge (throat) was a common euphemism for the breast. This dates back to the garment developed by Cadolle in 1905.

Read more at Wikipedia.org