Stuff You Should Know

Selects: How Bras Work

October 3, 2026·53 min·6-min readconversationalculture
Podzilla Summary (6 min)
TLDR
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant of Stuff You Should Know dive into the surprisingly complex, often absurd history of the bra — a garment invented almost exclusively by men despite being worn by women for over a century. From ancient mosaics to Victorian brothel-like lingerie stores, they un

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Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Mary Phelps JacobsLuman Elder ChapmanHermione CadolleDorothy GalliganCarol Hanisch

Books

Uplift: The Bra in America

Companies

Warner Brothers Corset CompanyMaidenform

Topics

American HistoryFashionHistory Of SciencePop Culture

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