Imagine it’s the 1920s, a time when flapper fashion is all the rage. Women are wearing dresses that are straight and flat, hiding their natural shapes. A dressmaker named Ida Rosenthal isn’t happy with how these dresses make women look. She wants to create something that highlights a woman’s curves instead of hiding them.
Ida, along with her husband William and their business partner Enid Bissett, comes up with a new idea. They design a piece of clothing that has two cups, shoulder straps, and a band that fastens at the back. This new creation is what we now know as the bra. At first, these bras are given away with the purchase of a dress, but soon they become more popular than the dresses themselves!
Seeing the potential, Ida, William, and Enid start a business that focuses only on making bras. They name their company Maidenform. William has a brilliant idea to create a system for sizing bras that fits women of all shapes and ages. This system uses different cup sizes, which makes it easier for women to find a bra that fits them perfectly.
Fast forward to the 1960s, a time when women are seeking more freedom and change. People ask Ida Rosenthal about how the bra industry has evolved. She simply says, “After age 35, a woman needs support. Time is on my side.” This shows how important bras have become in providing comfort and support for women as they age.
Did you know that bras have been around in some form for thousands of years? Ancient civilizations had their own versions of supportive garments. However, the modern bra as we know it really took off in the 20th century thanks to innovators like Ida Rosenthal.
Today, bras come in all sorts of styles and designs, from sports bras to strapless bras, each serving a different purpose. The invention of the bra has not only changed fashion but also played a role in women’s health and comfort.
Imagine you are an inventor in the 1920s like Ida Rosenthal. Design your own version of a bra that could have been revolutionary at that time. Think about the materials you would use and the features that would make it comfortable and supportive. Draw your design and write a short paragraph explaining your choices.
Create a timeline that shows the evolution of the bra from ancient times to the present day. Include key milestones such as the invention by Ida Rosenthal and the introduction of different styles. Use images and brief descriptions to make your timeline informative and visually appealing.
In groups, role-play a meeting between Ida Rosenthal, her husband William, and their business partner Enid Bissett as they pitch their new bra design to a potential investor. Discuss the benefits of their design and how it could change women’s fashion. Each group member should take on a role and contribute to the discussion.
Research a specific innovation in bra design or technology that has occurred since the 1920s. Prepare a short presentation to share with the class, highlighting how this innovation has impacted women’s fashion and comfort. Consider aspects like materials, design changes, or technological advancements.
Participate in a class debate on the topic: “Should bras prioritize fashion over function, or vice versa?” Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a respectful debate with your classmates. Consider the historical context and how the purpose of bras has evolved over time.
In a Moment of Vision… It’s the 1920s. Flapper fashion prevails. Women conceal their figures in straight-sided gowns and restrictive bandeaus. A dressmaker named Ida Rosenthal is frustrated by the way flat chests look beneath her structured dresses, so she, her husband William, and business partner Enid Bissett develop a line of intimate apparel that accentuates curves. The design consists of two cups, shoulder straps, and a chest band that clasps in back. Initially, the bras are included with the sale of a dress, but the popularity of the undergarment soon surpasses that of the garment itself. The three establish a business selling exclusively bras and call it Maidenform. William, in a moment of vision, invents a graduated, standardized cup-sizing system that accommodates women of all ages and shapes. During the female liberation era of the 1960s, Ida Rosenthal is asked to comment on the changes in the brassiere industry. She responds simply, “After age 35, a woman needs support. Time is on my side.”
Bra – A garment worn by women to support their breasts – In the early 20th century, the invention of the bra revolutionized women’s fashion and comfort.
Fashion – The prevailing style or custom in dress, behavior, or way of living – Coco Chanel was a pioneer in fashion, creating timeless designs that changed how women dressed.
Business – An organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities – Henry Ford’s business model transformed the automobile industry by making cars affordable for the average person.
Design – The process of creating plans or drawings for something to be made or built – The design of the first Apple computer was a breakthrough in technology and entrepreneurship.
Women – Adult human females – Women like Madam C.J. Walker made significant contributions to entrepreneurship by building successful businesses against the odds.
Support – To bear all or part of the weight; to hold up – The invention of the bra provided necessary support, allowing women more freedom in their daily activities.
Innovation – The introduction of something new, such as a new idea, method, or device – Thomas Edison’s innovation in electric light changed the way people lived and worked.
Comfort – A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint – The design of modern bras focuses on providing comfort while maintaining support.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs – The history of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of individuals who changed the world with their ideas.
Entrepreneurship – The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit – Entrepreneurship played a crucial role in the industrial revolution, leading to the creation of many new industries and jobs.
