600-Year-Old Bras Found in Austria
A 15th century linen bra uncovered in an Austrian castle. (Photo: B. Nutz/University Innsbruck Archeological Institute)
How long have bras been around? Well, one answer is since 1914. That is when Mary Phelps Jacob patented what we know as the modern brassiere in the US.
But that’s not the whole story. According to the University of Innsbruck in Austria, bras date back to at least the 15th century.
Anchor Marco Werman talks to Hilary Davidson, fashion curator at the Museum of London, to find out more.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.