Bullet Bras

Bullet bras often conjure up images of pop performer Madonna, but these bras were actually around long before she showed one off, in the 1990s. Bullet bras are now considered a retro lingerie item.

Bullet bras first made their appearance in the 1940s, and featured a pointy, cone-like shape that created voluptuous results. The bullet bra rose to popularity when Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, and Lana Turner, began sporting one. The bra created a busty shape known as the "Sweater Girl" look, so-called because of the way that sweaters clung to the appealing shape of the bra and accentuated any woman’s assets.

The bullet bra was typically created from nylon and satin. The majority included reinforced circular stitching, some with “spokes” from the center of each cup stitched outward. Bras of that era, void of padding or underwire, were constructed to provide exceptional support that lifted breasts to new heights. The bullet bra, known also as a torpedo or cone bra, created a silhouette that was a definitive part of 40s and 50s culture.

• Many credited the bullet bra silhouette to the Cold War era, reminiscent of an airplane nose. Even the name, torpedo or bullet bra, was indicative to wartime terminology.

• Maidenform, a primary manufacturer of bullet bras, created the Chansonette, famous for its circular stitching. Maidenform’s bullet bra sold 90-million units between 1949 and 1979.

• Women oftentimes ironed their bra to ensure a smooth profile, and some even put a little extra stuffing in the points to properly fill it out.

• Madonna wore a cone bra during her “Blonde Ambition” tour in 1990. Her bra was designed by top fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Styles change, and the bullet bra soon fell out of fashion in the 1960s. Bra companies switched gears and started introducing bras with padding and underwire. Fabric choices changed, and so too did the cone shape that women had sported in the 1940s.

The late 1960s and early 1970s also saw a change in many women’s perception of undergarments. After enduring the underwires of the early 60s, the focus shifted to comfort and a more natural look. Many women opted to go au natural, or at least wear a bra that created a very natural appearance. The bullet bra soon faded from popularity.

Original bras, from the 1940s, are more difficult to come by than today’s lingerie offerings, but they are available. Investigate online auctions or stores that sell "retro" items, or browse at your closest vintage clothing store. eBay typically offers retro fashion items, including bullet bras, available for bidding.

Realize that any vintage lingerie has most likely been worn before. If you visit a vintage clothing store, you can easily look over the item and check for any discoloration or wear. Check to see that the stitching is still intact as well and that it is a gently-used item.

Online clothing is unavailable for inspection so you will need to rely on photos and product descriptions. Check closely for disclaimers. If you see anything that looks questionable, contact the seller for more information.

In addition to vintage bras, some lingerie makers brought back the bullet bra. Here is a listing of online resources that either have original items or reproductions of their 1940s counterparts.

• Bullet Bras
• Vintage Slips
• Sleek N Chic
• Secrets in Lace
• Heavenly Vintage Lingerie

• Satin Lingerie Pics
• G String Gallery
• Negligee Gallery

• Panties for Men
• Teen Girl's First Bra
• Free Lingerie Gallery
• Women's Panties
• Panty Gallery

• BraStraps.com Interview
• Water Bras
• Buy Vintage Pin-Up Lingerie
• Discount Wacoal Bras
• Open Cup Bras