The world of bras is a rich tapestry woven with diverse offerings from numerous brands and countries, some of which may be unfamiliar. In our quest to provide readers with an extensive array of possibilities, we invite you to join us on the Lingerie World Tour—a series of posts dedicated to exploring various lingerie brands and their countries of origin. As we embark on this journey, it seems only fitting to commence with a spotlight on our home country, the United States. Join us in unraveling the intricate threads of lingerie diversity as we delve into the distinctive offerings that the US brings to the global bra market.
A pivotal moment occurred on November 3, 1914, when Caresse Crosby was granted the first patent for the brassiere by the US Patent Office. This development marked a departure from the era of uncomfortable and restrictive corsets. Crosby’s innovative design aimed to liberate women from the confinements of traditional undergarments by introducing a simpler yet effective method of separating and supporting the breasts. As the 1920s unfolded, a radical shift in women’s undergarments materialized, discarding the emphasis on the hourglass figure in favor of lighter fabric pieces designed to cover rather than constrict. This evolution laid the foundation for the comfortable and liberating bra designs that we see today.
1. Victoria’s Secret
First up, the iconic Victoria’s Secret, founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond. The first store opened in Palo Alto, California, bringing Raymond’s vision for a place where men can comfortably buy lingerie for their partner to fruition. This American lingerie giant has not only shaped the lingerie market globally, but also become synonymous with glamour and allure. Famous for its yearly fashion show featuring brand models referred to as Victoria’s Secret Angels, viewers tuned in to see confident women walking the runway donning new styles and intricate angel wing art pieces. In 2002, Victoria’s Secret successfully diversified its portfolio with the introduction of the sub-brand Pink, strategically marketed towards a younger audience seeking a blend of comfort and style. From essential everyday bras to satin, lace, and gem embellished lingerie sets, Victoria’s Secret has continued to remain at the forefront of fashion trends.
2. Savage X Fenty
Launched in 2018 by Rihanna, Savage X Fenty has quickly become a trailblazer in the intimate apparel industry. Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the brand offers an expansive size range from XS to 3X, challenging traditional beauty norms and making a significant impact on the industry. In 2022, Savage X Fenty expanded their digital shopping experience to “IRL” by opening their first brick-and-mortar location in Las Vegas, Nevada. This transition represented not only a bold step into the tangible retail landscape but also a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and immersive shopping experience. Savage X Fenty’s diverse range of styles caters to a broad spectrum of tastes, offering everything from lace ensembles to sporty, athleisure-inspired designs.
3. Aerie
Aerie, a subsidiary of American Eagle Outfitters, emerged in 2006 as a loungewear, sleepwear, and intimates based company. The sub-brand features affordable options whether you’re looking for cozy athleisure, basic staples, or comfortable lace designs. Aerie has committed to a no retouching policy. Creating and showcasing real products on real people. As their campaign says “We want all people to feel good about their real selves!”
4. Calvin Klein
Established in 1968, Calvin Klein transcends its minimalist roots with a range of stylish and comfortable bras and underwear. The brand’s dedication to contemporary design and quality materials has made Calvin Klein a staple for those seeking a fusion of fashion and comfort in their lingerie choices. Their matching bra and underwear sets took the internet by storm with the minimalist color palette, classic comfortable silhouette, and logo printed waist band.
5. Lane Bryant
Founded in 1904, Lane Bryant has been a pioneer in catering to plus-size women. The store offers a diverse and stylish range of bras, emphasizing both style and comfort. The Cacique Initmates line features bras, panties, lingerie, swim, and loungewear; while their Livi Active line provides supportive athleisure pieces. Lane Bryant’s bras are a perfect option for those with a fuller figure as they are made with comfort in mind. The designs feature a wider strap to ensure it doesn’t dig into your shoulders throughout the day. They’ve also taken into consideration options for all bra preferences whether wire free and unlined, lightly lined, or padded.
6. Lively
Launched in 2016, Lively is known for its modern and comfortable bras and bralettes. With a size-inclusive range that includes a line for D-G cups and a fusion of sexy meets comfort, Lively has become a go-to choice for individuals seeking chic and supportive lingerie that adapts to their dynamic lifestyles. You can shop by category: no-wire, push-up, strapless, t-shirt, unlined, bralettes, and busty on their website wearlively.com.
7. Skims
Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2018, Skims has become a prominent name in the lingerie industry. Distinguished by its commitment to inclusivity, Skims provides a size range from XXS to 4X, crafting bras with soft and stretchy fabrics that seamlessly combine comfort, support, and style. The designs are unique in creating the perfect base for your outfit with skin toned color options and figure hugging fabrics that enhance your natural silhouette.
8. ThirdLove
Launched in 2013, ThirdLove boasts their creation of “5-star styles for every body”. The store has an extensive range of designs; whether you’re shopping for active, lounge, a go-to bra, or sexy lingerie. Third Love’s innovating fitting technology is the perfect option for unique bra solutions such as bra strap options, smoothing, minimizing, support, and different closures.
9. Pepper
Founded in 2017, Pepper focuses on providing bras designed specifically for small-chested individuals. Pepper bras are uniquely crafted to enhance and celebrate the natural shape of smaller busts with flattering designs for AA-B cups. The designs took the internet by storm with the unique way they sculpt and lift your natural shape.
10. Adore Me
Established in 2010, Adore Me offers a unique and personalized shopping experience through its monthly subscription service. Catering to sizes from an XS-4X, Adore Me has garnered a loyal customer base by combining trend-forward designs with the convenience of a subscription model. Fashion meets affordability with their consistent drops of new designs. The Elite Box style quiz does the shopping for you in less than 10 questions created to learn your budget, size, desired fit, color palette, and design preferences. You receive 5-7 items per box and have a week to decide what you want to keep, you won’t be charged for the items you return with the prepaid label.
Stay tuned for more lingerie discoveries as we embark on this world tour, and who knows, we might be back with a part two for the US with countless more brands waiting to be explored.