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==History== |
==History== |
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{{see|History of brassieres}} |
{{see|History of brassieres}} |
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The precursor to the underwire bra can be traced back to at least 1893, when [[New York City|New Yorker]] Marie Tucek was granted {{Cite patent|US|494397}} for the a "breast supporter." |
The precursor to the underwire bra can be traced back to at least 1893, when [[New York City|New Yorker]] Marie Tucek was granted {{Cite patent|US|494397}} for the a "breast supporter." The breast supporter was described as a modification of the [[corset]], but was essentially a [[push-up bra]] designed to support the breasts. It consisted of two plates made of sheet metal, cardboard or other suitable material, shaped to fit under the breasts, and covered with silk, canvas, or other suitable cloth. The cloth extended above the plates to form a pocket for the breasts. The plates curved around the torso and ended near the armpits. They were held in place and adjusted to a snug fit by shoulder straps that crossed the back, forming an X-shape.<ref>{{US patent reference |
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The breast supporter was a cloth-covered, metal or cardboard [[push-up bra]] designed to support the breasts.<ref>{{US patent reference |
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| number = 494397 |
| number = 494397 |
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| y = 1893 |
| y = 1893 |
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| publisher = [[The New York Times]] |
| publisher = [[The New York Times]] |
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| quote = Professor Farrell-Beck said the antecedents for underwire in bras date to at least 1893, when Marie Tucek of New York City patented a ''breast supporter,'' a sort of early push-up bra made of either metal or cardboard and then covered with fabric.}}</ref> |
| quote = Professor Farrell-Beck said the antecedents for underwire in bras date to at least 1893, when Marie Tucek of New York City patented a ''breast supporter,'' a sort of early push-up bra made of either metal or cardboard and then covered with fabric.}}</ref> |
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The first underwire bra was developed in 1938,<ref name="Napoleon">{{cite book |
The first underwire bra was developed in 1938,<ref name="Napoleon">{{cite book |
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| last = Napoleon |
| last = Napoleon |
Revision as of 04:21, 22 April 2009
An underwire bra (also under wire bra, under-wire bra, or underwired bra) is a brassiere that has a wire built into the underside of the cup, and is intended to lift, separate, and provide additional support for the breasts.[1] The underwire is a thin, U-shaped strip of metal, often with plastic or nylon tips, that is fitted inside the cloth along the bottom and sides of the bra cup.[1] There are many different brassiere designs that incorporate an underwire, such as shelf bras and built-in bras. The underwire bra was first designed in 1938, and gained widespread popularity by the 1950s.[2] As of 2005, underwire bras were the fastest growning segment of the bra market.[3] A bra without an underwire is a referred to as a softcup bra.
There are several different health considerations to be taken into account when using an underwire bra, which can cause conditions such as mastodynia (breast pain), breast infection while lactating, and an increased risk of being struck by lightning.[4][5][6][7] Claims that breast cancer is linked to using underwire bras are not supported by scientific research.[8]
Wearing an underwire bra can cause inconvenience and extra scrutiny at security checkpoints and metal detectors in airports and prisons, often subjecting the wearer to special procedures, including removing the bra or removing the underwire, to verify that there is no weapon hidden in the undergarment.[9][10]
History
The precursor to the underwire bra can be traced back to at least 1893, when New Yorker Marie Tucek was granted US 494397 for the a "breast supporter." The breast supporter was described as a modification of the corset, but was essentially a push-up bra designed to support the breasts. It consisted of two plates made of sheet metal, cardboard or other suitable material, shaped to fit under the breasts, and covered with silk, canvas, or other suitable cloth. The cloth extended above the plates to form a pocket for the breasts. The plates curved around the torso and ended near the armpits. They were held in place and adjusted to a snug fit by shoulder straps that crossed the back, forming an X-shape.[11][12]
The first underwire bra was developed in 1938,[13] but did not gain widespread popularity until the 1950s.[2]
Underwire
An underwire bra is built with an "underwire" or "bra wire" inserted into the bottom and sides of the cup. It is placed underneath the breast in a semi-circular shape and is embedded inside a wire channel of a bra. It can be a piece of metal with nylon-cated at both ends or molded plastic.[1] The profile of the underwire has two terminal parts or head elements: one is close to centre front and the other is close to the armhole.
In 2002, New York company S & S Industries was issued US 6468130 for a new underwire design that consists of a wire with a spring-loaded plastic tip that doesn't poke through the fabric of the bra, even under the stress and wear of multiple washings.[12][14]
Health effects
Underwire bras cause a variety of health effects in women wearing them. The pressure exerted on the breast by an underwire bra can cause mastalgia and mastodynia (breast pain) in the wearer.[4] Care must be exercised when wearing an underwire bra, as the wire of a worn bra can protrude out of the fabric and scrape or cut the wearer.[15] There is controversy concerning the use of an underwire in nursing bras. Some women prefer an underwire bra for support, but experts agree that using one can be detrimental, potentially causing breast infections from clogged milk ducts.[5][16] An underwire bra that is too tight can cause unwanted fibrous tissue to build up beneath the breasts.[17] There are sources that claim that underwire bras can cause or contribute to the formation of breast cancer—for example, by inhibiting lymph gland circulation[18]—but experts affirm that there are no medical studies or other data that support a connection between usage of an underwire bra and breast cancer.[15][8] Underwire bras are a safety risk during electrical storms and lightning strikes.[6] Hundreds of women have been killed or severely burned due to lightning bolts that are attracted by the thin metal underwire, which then conducts the high-voltage electricity to the body causing burns or death.[19][20][7][21]
Security checkpoints
Underwire bras can inconvenience the wearer when sensitive metal detectors pick up the metal in the bra and sound an alarm.[21] Some correctional facilities, such as San Quentin State Prison, require women to either cut their bra and remove the underwire, or temporarily use a metal-free bra provided by the institution before being granted entry as visitors into the facility. The result is embarrassment and consternation for these unsuspecting visitors.[9] Other facilities have women first remove their underwire bra in a bathroom, pass through the metal detector bare breasted under their blouse, and return to the bathroom to put their bra back on.[22]
The problem of passing through a metal detector in an underwire bra is not limited to prisons. The same problem exists in airport security checkpoints. Underwire bras can set off the metal detectors, causing passengers to be subjected to a more stringent revision.[10] In response to this, there has been an effort to design airport-friendly underwear, including underwire bras that will not trigger a metal detector's alarm.[23]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Madaras, Lynda (2007). The "what's happening to my body?" book for girls (3rd ed.). Newmarket Press. pp. 48–50. ISBN 1557047642. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Underwire bras have a flexible wre sewn into the lower edge and sides of the cup for support. They also lift the breasts for a fuller look.
- ^ a b Kanner, Bernice (1983-12-12). "The Bra's not for Burning". New York Magazine. 16 (49). New York Media: 26-30. ISSN 0028-7369. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
In 1938, strapless and under-wire bras were invented, but neither hit it big until the 1950s, when exaggerated, pointed bras—with cups that bore more resemblance to those from paper-cup dispensers or Brünnhilde's breatplate than to the human body—were also popular.
- ^ "Lingerie - UK - September 2005 - Market Research Report". Mintel. 2005. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Sales of underwired bras have been growing at a faster rate when compared to both soft bras and sport and maternity (12% between 2003 & 2005)
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ a b Beach, Roberta K. "Breast Pain in Adolescent Girls". In Berman, Stephen (ed.). Pediatric decision making (4th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 8. ISBN 0323013988. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Breast pain (mastalgia or mastodynia) is a common complaint in adolescents. [...] Identify associated breast-feeding, trauma (including use of tight or underwire bras), or muscle strain (e.g., weightlifting or new exercise).
- ^ a b Francis, Meagan (2007). The Everything Health Guide to Postpartum Care Book. Everything Books. p. 212. ISBN 1598692755. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Underwire nursing bras create some controversy. Some moms feel that they provide the best shaping and support, but lactation experts agree that they can put pressure on your breasts, causing clogged ducts, which can lead to breast infections.
{{cite book}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Are You A Survivor?". Backpacker. 31 (217). Active Interest Media: 93. 2003. ISSN 0277-867X. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Get out of your tent and remove all metal from your body, includin gwatches, trekking poles, pack stays, rings, and underwire bras.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (help) - ^ a b "Newsweek". NewsWeek. 1999-11-08. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
"It is a tragic case, a pure act of God." London coronerDr.Paul Knapman,in a report on the deaths of two Thai women struck by lightning in Hyde Park in September, which found that the metal underwires in their bras conducted an electrical charge to their hearts
- ^ a b Dulmus, Catherine N. (2005). Handbook of preventive interventions for adults (Illustrated ed.). John Wiley and Sons. p. 218. ISBN 0471569704. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Numerous other factors have been discussed as possible risk factors for breast cancer. For example, some have suggested there may be an increased risk for women who wear underwire bras or who use antipersperants; however, there is currently no scientific evidence to support these associateions.
{{cite book}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Comfort, Megan (2008). Doing Time Together: Love and Familyin the Shadow of the Prison (Illustrated ed.). University of Chicago Press. p. 54. ISBN 0226114635. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
The regulation of garments during visitor processing even encompasses undergarments, and virtually every woman on her first visit is sent away to remove the wire from her underwire bra so that she can pass through the metal detector without triggering the alarm.
- ^ a b Forno, Richard (2003). "Homeland Insecurity". Weapons of Mass Delusion. PageFree Publishing. p. 133. ISBN 1589611055. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Even wearing an underwire bra — which sets off the detectors now — cause women passengers to be searched more closely at checkpoints.
- ^ US patent 494397, Marie Tucek, "Breast Supporter", issued 1893-01-11
- ^ a b Riordan, Teresa (2002-10-28). "Patents; In bra technology, an incremental improvement can translate into comfort". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Professor Farrell-Beck said the antecedents for underwire in bras date to at least 1893, when Marie Tucek of New York City patented a breast supporter, a sort of early push-up bra made of either metal or cardboard and then covered with fabric.
- ^ Napoleon, Anthony (2003). "Wardrobe". Awakening Beauty: An Illustrated Look at Mankind's Love and Hatred of Beauty (Illustrated ed.). Virtualbookworm Publishing. pp. 31, 130–131. ISBN 1589393783. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Warner standardized the concept of "cup" size in 1935, and the first underwire bra was developed in 1938.
- ^ US patent 6468130, Ajit Thakur, Joseph Horta, "Underwire for brassiere", issued 2002-10-22
- ^ a b Legato, Marianne J. (2005). What Women Need to Know. E-Reads. pp. 33–34. ISBN 0759254443. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
... confirms that there are absolutely no data to support the connection between the type of bra a woman wears and her risk of developing breast cancer.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Huggins, Kathleen (2005). The nursing mother's companion (5th ed.). Harvard Common Press. pp. 21, 140. ISBN 9781558323049. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
A word about underwire bras: Poorly fitted ones are associated with plugged milk ducts and breast infections.
{{cite book}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Eve: the essence of Africa's new woman. Oakland Media Services. 2004. p. 43. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
A tight under-wire bra can lead to the build-up of fibrous tissue beneath the breasts
- ^ Lee, John R. (2004). What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause (TM): The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance (Revised ed.). Grand Central Publishing. p. 43. ISBN 0446614955. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Although research has not proven that underwire bras or underarm antiperspirants cause breast cancer, common sense says that if you don't block lymph gland circulation from under your breasts with an underwire bra, it's going to be ...
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Todd, Becky (2004-09-06). "Underwire Bras Attract Lightning!". Weekly World News. 25 (52). Weekly World News: 39. ISSN 0199-574X. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Underwire bras may lift and separate, but they also attract deadly lightning bolts, warn meteorologists.
- ^ Cadwalladr, Carole (2006-02-05). "The best walking holiday". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
... pondering the story I'd just told her of the friend of a friend who died after she conducted a lightning strike through the under-wire in her bra ...
- ^ a b Alvrez, Alicia (2001). The ladies' room reader. Red Wheel. p. 37. ISBN 1573245577. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
A woman in English was struck by lightning as she walked in a rainstorm and was killed.
- ^ Sullivan, Dennis (2006). Handbook of restorative justice: a global perspective (Illustrated ed.). Routledge. p. 266. ISBN 0415353564. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
Women with an underwire bra can trigger the metal detecor, requiring them to go into the bathroom with a paper bag, remove their bra, place it in the bag, return bare breasted under often revealing blouses, suffer the stares of the correctional officers, take back the bag and redress.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Siskos, Catherine (2002). "Please be Seated". Kiplinger's Personal Finance. 50 (7). Kiplinger Washington Editors: 26. ISSN 1528-9729. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
... designers are trying to engineer an underwire bra that won't set off metal detectors.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (help)