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Keeping tuned into the newest styles/trends is a challenge. A few we love and can't get enough of, others we just don't
like, and a few we'll never understand. Currently, a highly debated fashion practice for women is bra straps. Is it most
appropriate to let them show? I'm bound to take many by surprise by replying, "Yes, it's absolutely OK to let them
show!" Now, before I get too many traditionalists upset, allow me to enlighten. Ladies, the straps are kind of important!
Wasn't it Newton who said things tend to fall downward?
No really, I started wanting to know about the history of the bra, referred to as brassieres until the middle 1900's.
Curiously, its evolution is inextricably intertwined with the social history and status of women, having much to do with
the refinement of fashion and views of the body.
Prior to the 1500's many ancient civilizations left breasts exposed. It was during the Renaissance era that corsets
obtained great popularity, lasting through the 1800's. An emphasis on unrealistic waist sizes and perky breasts emerged.
So much that higher class women gave their babies to nurse maids, as breastfeeding was considered "stressful to the
female figure".
Inevitably, the first development of the bra arrived when health professionals grew disturbed with the cruelly
constraining affects of the corset. In addition, the feminists clothing reform movement helped free women, insisting we
needed comfort and support as we took an active role in society.
Bare with me as I'm getting to the point, this really does have everything to do with bra straps! Herminie Cadolle of
France invented the first modern bra. Her description to the patent office read, "Designed to sustain the bosom and
supported by shoulders." Approaches for the new "brassiere" stressed advantages of bras over corsets, portraying the
new garments with "shoulder supports." I believe today we call these bra straps!
Well, clothing kept trending. Though the bra and its straps were dearly embraced, fashion loves skin. Styles have
become more revealing, and so were born the strapless bra. Shoulder revealing trends include strapless, spaghetti
straps, off the shoulder, one shoulder, cold shoulder, tube tops, tank tops, the list goes on. There's one thing on which
men and women reach agreement, ladies shoulders are attractive! So fashion giveth us bra straps, and then taketh
away.
Here's a question. How many women in truth find a strapless bra that truly offers lift and shape, or even stays in place? I
guess in order to flirt with a bare shoulder; women must suffer the effects of gravity, repeatedly and publicly adjusting
ourselves. Most women I've asked buy strapless bras a size smaller. , purchase say a 32 when they really wear a 34.
Although uncomfortable, wha hoping is it will hold in place. Isn't this starting to sound like the corset, are we moving
backwards?
The shelf bra was a kind invention, but it too offers little lift and shape. And have you noticed the last year or so you can
hardly find them? They seem to have lost popularity around the time straps starting popping up (and out) everywhere,
which I believe is the second evolution of the bra. The former was when women were freed from corsetry. Now, over
100 years later, women are finally permitted to expose the essential function that is the bra strap.
As relieving as the grant to flash both shoulder and bra strap may be it presents another issue. Where can we find bras
with exciting straps? There is a place and all you need is a convertible bra (or convert your existing bra).The idea is
simple. Women get needed support while preserving fashion sense. Olympia Dukakas said it best in Steele Magnolias,
"The only thing separating us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."
2. I hope I've made some a little more comfortable with the great bra strap question. My wish is to give my fellow females
the solution they've needed to keep up with fashion, and the presentation they desire to keep their dignity. The
splendor and class of elegant bra straps is just another "perk."
I believe that exposure with grace allows for wonderful fashion sense for all ages. Check out www.tajiiplus.com
for the beautiful bra strap range. There is something for every style.
Author Resource Box: Maxine York
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