This site uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising.
By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of cookies described in our Cookies Policy.
You may change your settings at any time but this may impact on the functionality of the site.
To learn more see our Cookies Policy.
IT’S THE HISTORY of underwear, rewired: archaeologists have discovered what’s believed to be the oldest bra in the world.
Previously, the bra was thought to date back to only around 100 years ago, when women largely abandoned the tight corset. But experts at the University of Innsbruck have now discovered this example – which is around 600 years old.
PHOTOS: This is what sexy underwear looked like 600 years ago
Four linen bras dating from the Middle Ages were discovered in 2008, but have only now been authenticated and carbon dated. One specimen in particular “looks exactly like a (modern) brassiere,” says Hilary Davidson, fashion curator for the London Museum. “These are amazing finds.”
And the lingerie was not only functional. The bras were intricately decorated with lace and other ornamentation, the university’s statement said, suggesting they were also meant to please a suitor.
Also found at Lemberg Castle in Tyrol was a linen undergarment that looks very much like a pair of panties. But Nutz said it is men’s underwear — women did not wear anything under their flowing skirts back then.
“Underpants were considered a symbol of male dominance and power,” she said.
Saturday 16 November, 2024
Saturday 16 November, 2024
Download our app
PHOTOS: This is what sexy underwear looked like 600 years ago
IT’S THE HISTORY of underwear, rewired: archaeologists have discovered what’s believed to be the oldest bra in the world.
Previously, the bra was thought to date back to only around 100 years ago, when women largely abandoned the tight corset. But experts at the University of Innsbruck have now discovered this example – which is around 600 years old.
Underwear, medieval-style
Underwear, medieval-style
Four linen bras dating from the Middle Ages were discovered in 2008, but have only now been authenticated and carbon dated. One specimen in particular “looks exactly like a (modern) brassiere,” says Hilary Davidson, fashion curator for the London Museum. “These are amazing finds.”
And the lingerie was not only functional. The bras were intricately decorated with lace and other ornamentation, the university’s statement said, suggesting they were also meant to please a suitor.
Also found at Lemberg Castle in Tyrol was a linen undergarment that looks very much like a pair of panties. But Nutz said it is men’s underwear — women did not wear anything under their flowing skirts back then.
“Underpants were considered a symbol of male dominance and power,” she said.
Read: Tight jeans causing testicular problems>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Bra bra-ntique medieval bra oldest bra underpants Underwear