The Wonders of the Bullet Bra
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a YouTube video titled "WEIRDEST Fashion Trends" posted a couple of months ago. #2 on the list was the bullet bra. And I have to say, I couldn't disagree more! The silhouettes that can be created are simply incomparable. Underwire bras, cone bras (which are great if you want a "less pointed effect") are all great for highlighting the bust line and minimizing the waist. The farther out the bra goes, the more "nipped in" the waist will appear!
When it comes to undergarments, I am a huge proponent of wearing vintage and reproduction pieces.
Half slips are another essential that I find useful. These really come in handy when wearing a sheer dress or skirt. They're also nice for when it is colder outside. I still like to wear a nice dress no matter what the temperature is, so having an extra layer (or two) underneath really helps. There are thicker vintage half slips that work in a pinch! The other great part about vintage half slips are the fact that they can normally be found for close to nothing! I picked this simple 1950s black nylon one up from Vintage Thrift Shop (mentioned in a previous post) for $6.
Also side note: Life recently did a spread on Marilyn Monroe, which has a lot of beautiful photographs and stories of her before her "Marilyn" transformation, as a child and during her early modeling days. I definitely recommend snagging this if you can! It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It should also be noted that Marilyn was a frequent wearer of the bullet bra and pulled it off marvelously! (There will be a picture of her shown as an example later on!)
What exactly is a bullet bra? It is a cone-shaped bra that is made up of spiral stitching, thus creating a point at the center. The bullet bra was manufactured during the late 1930s, but became all the rage during the 1950s. Celebrities such as, Diana Dors, Jane Russell, and Bettie Page were frequent wearers of it.
Speaking of Bettie Page, this bullet bra is from Bettie Page Lingerie! It is a line from the London-based brand, Playful Promises and is heavily inspired by some of the iconic looks of Bettie Page. I bought this number at a fabulous vintage reproduction shop in Lakewood, Ohio called, Retro Rosie.
I completely understand the hesitation with wearing bullet bras, especially ones with an extreme point like the one I am wearing. There is the issue of not wanting to be ogled at, trying to figure out if it's appropriate for work/school, etc. There are many reproduction companies such as, What Katie Did (a British lingerie reproduction online shop) and Dottie's Delights (founded in Chicago, another reproduction online shop) that carry much less dramatic options. Cone bras are also great for capturing a bit more of an exaggerated look than your every day bra without feeling that you've overdone it. I say, go for whatever makes you feel the most comfortable, but it is a lot of fun slipping on a bullet bra!
Going back to Marilyn, she was a frequent wearer of the bullet bra during the 1950s. She typically wore form fitting outfits for formal events to give the paparazzi and fans something to talk about! While this dress accentuates her curves, the bullet bra really helps highlight her waistline.
Joan Collins (left) and Jayne Mansfield (right) were also frequent wearers of the bullet bra during the 1950s. Jayne Mansfield is wearing the bullet bra in the way that was popular in the 1950s (and personally my favorite way to wear it)--with a nice form fitting wool t-shirt (similar to the one I wore in a previous post) or cardigan and simple pants which gives the body a nice silhouette. On the other hand, Joan Collins is wearing the bullet bra with a loose fitting jumpsuit. Despite the fact that it is a looser fit, the bra accentuates her top and is still able to give the illusion of a nipped in waist. Thus, her outfit does not look at all baggy--the magic of the bullet bra!
Bullet bras can do wonders to accentuate the body. One of the top weirdest trends of all time? I think NOT! :)
Photos of me were taken by: Henrietta Audu. All other photographs, I do not own.