Did You Know That World War Help Popularize the Bra? 🍁
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On November 11th, as we pause to remember those who sacrificed so much for our freedom, it’s also worth reflecting on the surprising ways that world wars changed everyday life—yes, even things like bras, corsets, and sliced bread. During World War I, every ounce of metal counted, and corsets, which required steel stays, were still popular. In 1917, the U.S. War Industries Board urged women to give up their corsets to save steel for the war effort. Women answered the call, freeing up about 28,000 tons of metal, enough to build two battleships! With corsets on their way out, bras stepped in as a modern, lightweight alternative that offered support without restrictive metal stays. Suddenly, women could move and breathe freely, an essential change as many began working in factories and offices.
In Canada, this shift also affected the courageous "Bluebirds," military nurses who served on the front lines in blue uniforms, caring for wounded soldiers in extreme conditions. The new bra, far more practical than the corset, gave these women the freedom and comfort they needed to carry out demanding, often dangerous roles. The Bluebirds and other wartime women became symbols of a new era, proving that women were not only capable but ready to embrace responsibility and resilience.
Meanwhile, the years following World War I saw another convenience come to the forefront: pre-sliced bread. By the late 1920s, this kitchen marvel saved time for busy women everywhere, promising simplicity and ease in the kitchen. But in 1943, during World War II, the U.S. government temporarily banned pre-sliced bread to conserve resources like wax paper and steel. The backlash was swift—once people had experienced the ease of sliced bread, they couldn’t go back to hacking at a loaf! Much like the bra, which had become an essential after replacing the corset, once women had a taste of support and convenience, there was no going back.
Both world wars forever changed women’s lives. Bras replaced the restrictive corset, supporting women as they took on essential new roles in the workforce. Sliced bread brought ease to their routines, freeing up time for them to tackle fresh challenges. These small changes marked an era of new freedoms and independence, showing that even the smallest shifts in our daily lives can have a lasting impact.
This Remembrance Day, as we wear our poppies and observe a moment of silence, let’s honor those sacrifices that allowed us to stand tall, speak up, and embrace these freedoms—even in the smallest comforts we now take for granted. 🕊️
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Brigitte Lessard
