From Corsets to Comfort: The Evolution of the Bra
The modern bra was not created overnight by one person or one company. It evolved over generations as women sought greater comfort, support, freedom of movement, and beauty.
1865 — PrimaDonnaPrimaDonna traces its heritage back to 1865, giving the brand more than 160 years of lingerie tradition. It became particularly known for creating supportive lingerie for women with fuller busts. In 1990, the Belgian lingerie company Van de Velde acquired PrimaDonna and continued developing the brand with an emphasis on exceptional fit, support, comfort, and fashion.
1886 — ANITA, GermanyANITA's story began in Dresden, Germany, in 1886. Its early history included supportive garments and corsetry, and over the generations the company expanded into bras and specialized lingerie. ANITA would also become particularly important in maternity and breast-care lingerie, including products designed for women following breast surgery.
1914 — An Important American MilestoneIn the United States, Mary Phelps Jacob received a patent for her “Backless Brassiere” in 1914. Her lighter design offered an alternative to the restrictive corsets of the period and became an important milestone in the development of the modern bra.
1919 — Van de Velde, BelgiumAchiel and Margaretha Van de Velde opened a corsetry studio in Schellebelle, Belgium, in 1919. By 1949, the company had expanded into bras and figure-shaping corsetry and developed a reputation for fit, quality, and service.
1946 — Empreinte, FranceEmpreinte was founded in France in 1946. The company became especially important in the development of beautifully constructed bras for fuller busts, combining technical support with French lingerie craftsmanship.
1948 — Simone Pérèle, FranceCorset maker Simone Pérèle established her lingerie business in Paris in 1948. Her philosophy helped advance an idea that remains important today: women should not have to choose between beauty and comfort.
1981 — Marie Jo, BelgiumVan de Velde launched Marie Jo in 1981. The brand helped bring together sophisticated European design, comfort, craftsmanship, and precise fit. Today, Marie Jo and PrimaDonna are part of the Van de Velde family of lingerie brands.
More Than a Century of Innovation
From the corsetry of the 1800s to today's lightweight fabrics, underwires, wireless bras, sports bras, spacer cups, beautiful lace, and inclusive sizing, lingerie has continually evolved.
Yet after more than a century of innovation, one thing remains just as important:
The right bra begins with the right fit.
At Tutti Bellissima, we are proud to continue this tradition through professional bra fitting and a thoughtfully selected collection of lingerie. We appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and innovation behind the brands we carry, while recognizing that no single brand or style is right for every woman.
Our purpose is to find what works for your body, your lifestyle, your comfort, and your budget.
Every body is different. Every fitting is personal. Everyone deserves to feel beautifully supported.
