How a metal shortage during WWI reshaped women's fashion
In short: The transition from corsets to bras wasn't just a stylistic choice; it was a wartime necessity. This video explores how industrial demands and government intervention fundamentally altered the landscape of women's undergarments.
For centuries, corsets were the standard for wealthier women in the Western world. However, the onset of World War I created a critical shortage of metal, which was a primary component in corset manufacturing.
In 1917, the U.S. War Industries Board intervened by urging American women to support the war effort. They were asked to stop buying or wearing corsets to conserve materials for the military, effectively accelerating the rise of the bra as a practical alternative.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How WWI Got Women to Start Wearing Bras
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