Unhooked History of the Bra
September 21, 2007
Millions of women reach for one every day, but how much do they really know about their most intimate apparel? Throughout history, undergarments have shaped women’s bodies to reflect the social expectations of the time. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the bra. From boiling cauldrons to silk looms to metal factories, this special traces the evolution of one of woman’s most provocative pieces of clothing.
Delicate fabric, exquisite details and curve-hugging cups make the bra an ultimate symbol of femininity, but behind the fragile exterior lies tough design, grueling construction and complicated science. Some of the facts and figures revealed in the special include the following:
• Caterpillar spit, dirt, crude oil and molten metal are several of the ingredients in a bra.
• There are over 40 components of a bra.
• Over 4 million new bras are created on average every day.
• Each woman owns an average of six and a half bras.
• In the last 15 years, the average bust size has increased from 34B to 36C.
• The modern system of bra sizing was invented in 1928.
• How many ounces in a cup? An A cup — approximately 8 fluid ounces; B cup — 13 ounces; C cup — 21 ounces; and D cup — 27 ounces.
• Women’s breasts can range from 10 ounces to 20 pounds, and a 1.6-ounce bra has to support all shapes and sizes in between.
• Consumers spend around $16 billion a year on bras.
Science meets fashion on Friday, September 28, 2007, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, when NGC travels around the world to reveal the secrets, history and complex construction behind one of the most highly engineered garments in the Secret History of the Bra.
Comments (24)
someday men will wear a bra but it should be different from the women's one
Posted by just a joke | September 28, 2007 11:44 AM
someday men will wear a bra but it should be different from the women's one
Posted by just a joke | September 28, 2007 11:44 AM
omggg that is so funny lmao if u no what that is !
Posted by blahhh | September 28, 2007 3:08 PM
That was a good piece of information......Thank you
Posted by shashi | September 29, 2007 11:37 AM
that show was outstanding. aside from learning about how bras are made, i learned alot abt global trade.
beautifully filmed and well done
Posted by karen | September 29, 2007 6:24 PM
I really enjoyed the documentary, and I have a new found respect for the industry.
How would I be able to buy this documentary in DVD??
Posted by Winnie | September 29, 2007 6:29 PM
I do have a couple of your bra's. But I noticed that the older I get and I am a size 38C that I need more elastic connecting under the cups so it is more comfortable.
Posted by Pat | September 30, 2007 12:21 AM
this documentary was very interesting. i was so inspired by the loads of info that i have decided to choose it as the topic for my senior project
Posted by Mesa | October 15, 2007 4:37 PM
Where do you buy these bra's?
Posted by Kelly | October 22, 2007 9:21 AM
When is it going to be shown again on NGTV?
Posted by Ellen | November 4, 2007 8:03 PM
When is this going to be shown again?
Posted by Gina Smith | November 7, 2007 12:59 PM
To Gina and Ellen: Apologize for the delay in response, but it looks like this show isn't scheduled to air again until Friday, February 29th, 2008 at 9pm Eastern.
Posted by Jeff Darnell | November 9, 2007 6:18 AM
What was that super stiff sports bra called?
Posted by Sarah | January 15, 2008 10:17 PM
What was the name of the sports bra shown to be most effective?
Posted by Kristin | January 21, 2008 5:36 PM
Please let me know the name and address of the store in New York City that you featured on your "History of the Bra" in December 2007 Thank you.
Posted by sandra kaltenborn | February 10, 2008 7:29 PM
Is this show available on DVD?
Posted by Freya Rubin | March 1, 2008 11:42 AM
im doin a repost on how the invention of the bra has came about and how many different types there are, it would be great for some information!
Posted by Sammi Jo | March 3, 2008 1:10 PM
What was the store in New York where they did the bra fittings?
Posted by Kim Mock | March 8, 2008 8:56 AM
I don't know if this is the one that was featured on the show or not, but this is what I've found, and plan on buying for my wife. It's a bit pricey, but I've heard it's worth every dime! http://www.ladiesonlysports.com/enwhenyouare.html?engine=adwords!8908&keyword=enell%3A+sports+bra&match_type=&gclid=CMmzpYncgZICFRE0FQodmQoA-w
Posted by mark | March 10, 2008 12:40 AM
Sorry that got cut off. Hopefully this will work.
Posted by mark | March 10, 2008 12:45 AM
Well, I guess it didn't. Anyway, just google 'Enell Sports Bra' and you'll find it.
Posted by mark | March 10, 2008 12:46 AM
The name of the store feature in the show was the TOWN SHOP in NYC 2273 Broadway between 81 and 82nd street. 212 787-2762
M-F 10-7 Sat 9-6 Sun 11-5
Posted by Jeanine | March 18, 2008 11:13 AM
Will this show be available on DVD?
Thank you.
Posted by SSmith | March 20, 2008 9:53 PM
Will this show be available on DVD?
Thank you.
Posted by SSmith | March 20, 2008 9:53 PM