From Corset to Seamless, A Bra Evolution Story
As early as the 1500s, women have been recorded wearing shaping wear as part of their everyday outing apparel. The corset, which eventually evolved into a two-piece garment, is often lauded as the precursor to the modern bra. An undergarment with many possible looks and often made with wire, the bra isn’t necessarily synonymous with comfort though it is worn by most women daily. As manufacturers and brands continue to innovate, more comfortable bras continue to be made. The emergence of the seamless bra might be the most promising development yet in the bra evolution timeline. We sat down with Tiziano Sandonini, one of the board members of Santoni Shanghai to talk more about the evolution of the bra and what role seamless technology has to play in it.
It seems as though shapewear has always had a presence in female fashion. Before the widespread use of the modern bra, women used corsets made of bone, metal, or wood and lace to shape their busts and hips. Fast forward to 1917, when metal was being rationed for war tanks and munitions - the corset had suddenly gone out of style. As the corset returned to fashion in later years, it gradually evolved into two pieces and eventually, the modern bra. From lingerie to sports bras, to just an everyday T-shirt bra, the modern bra currently has many shapes and forms and is constantly evolving.
Perhaps the greatest consideration women take into account when choosing a bra is how comfortable it is. But again, modern bras tend to have wires which can dig into the chest and cause discomfort when worn over long periods of time. Wireless bras also exist but often don’t provide little to no support. Are we doomed to have to sacrifice comfort for support? Not necessarily. Enter the seamless bra. This type of bra has come about in recent years and, as the name suggests, it is made by eliminating seams. Seamless bras are a more comfortable option that still provides support and can be made with or without wires as well.
What are the benefits of a seamless bra? Seamless bras have engineered zones that form the base for the different functions required of every bra. and create a very smooth appearance under thin, tight clothes, making them nearly invisible. Additionally, this kind of bra is preferred by those with sensitive skin since having no seams means less irritation for the skin. Because of these characteristics, many women may opt for an undergarment without seams as opposed to the traditional bras that do have them.
How can seamless technology aid in the development of more comfortable, functional bras? Technology like the TL machine developed specifically for seamless bras aid with shaping the undergarment. The construction of a seamless bra using the TL machine can be done in parts. For example, one layer of the bra can be made using one material, while at the same time another layer is made with a different fabric and the pieces can be stitched together. The finished result is a carefully woven lightweight product that can be worn invisibly underneath your clothing. Without seamless technology, Mr. Sandonini notes, it is difficult to shape the bra unless you consider finishing via a post process. On top of that, production time also becomes an issue as production takes up to 2-3 times longer without using this technology.
Not only does seamless tech help to speed up the production process, but it also enables us to create ultra-lightweight garments that still have a lengthy lifetime. One benefit that bras with seams have over those that are seamless is that they are typically better for women with larger busts since the seams help provide extra support. However, with Santoni seamless and fine gauge large-diameter machinery, this becomes much less of an issue. This tech enables us to produce strong materials with the extra support that is needed built in.
Here at MEC, we always strive toward innovation which is a big part of why we love utilizing seamless technology when possible. Seamless technology can often easily be used in conjunction with innovative yarns that help promote a more efficient textile production practice.
One yarn that Mr. Sandonini feels is particularly suitable for use with seamless bras is nylon fiber. He is especially excited about Nylon Nanofibers. A cutting-edge nylon product that is made up of microfilaments that measure up to 7 microns in diameter. This allows for the production of fabrics with an incredibly soft feel and surprising silky smoothness. Because Nylon Nanofibers are made with 25% microfilaments than a traditional microfiber, it is an ultra-lightweight material. When paired with Santoni’s state-of-the-art seamless technology, it can be used to make super lightweight bras that are also extremely durable.
The filaments in the Nylon Nanofiber efficiently channel moisture away and ensure a rapid evaporation process so the material will be dry before you know it. This makes for a supremely comfortable and breathable product. These traits have applications in sportswear as Nanofibers can be used to make a seamless sports bra that not only provides comfort for the wearer but effectively wicks sweat as they work out. What more could you ask for from a sports bra?
The modern bra has taken many steps to get to where it is today. As technology continues to improve, it will undoubtedly continue to evolve into forms we may not have ever previously imagined. With the invention of seamless technology, we are currently on a path to developing the most comfortable, lightweight, and efficiently made bras.
Where do we go from here? Mr. Sandonini thinks that as seamless technology improves, we will be able to minimize the production process even further - from raw material to the finished product.
MEC aspires to continue to innovate and loves to collaborate with creative individuals with the same goal. If this sounds like you, connect with us and let’s see what we can build together!