Women are only just learning why bras close at the back rather than the front
Women have been wearing bra-like garments since the Greco-Roman period - but it wasn't until around 1,500 years later that the clasp was invented. American writer, adventurer, and inventor Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, patented the clasp used on bras today in 1871 - intending it to be used to tighten shirts at the waist and used as a replacement for suspenders, which he hated with immense passion.
But while the clasp never caught on for its intended purpose, it became a standard item for bras and is still used today. However, it got one Quora user wondering: "Why do bras have a hook in the back? Wouldn't it be easy if it was in the front?" According to Venusian Glow, there are several reasons as to why the bra fastens in the back - with one being it's easier to sew the garment.
A statement reads: "There isn't enough space in the front for a 3x3 hook closure; so most bras that close in the front have just a simple hook and eye, and the whole construction looks rather unstable and incapable of supporting bigger breast sizes. Also, such closures completely lack any kind of way to make the band tighter, and this really decreases the lifespan of a bra."
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But that's not the only thing that was taken into consideration when designing the classic T-shirt bra, as designers contemplated the comfort of the woman wearing it day in, and day out. The statement adds: "While the simple hook closure fits between the breasts of women who have wide-spaced breasts, it feels uncomfortable for women with closely-spaced breasts. Sternums are often sensitive especially if there is not much padding in the area, and many women would not find a closure there uncomfortable."
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However, some women argue having a front clasp would not only make it easier to put the bra on but would also "give an amazing cleavage". Despite it being more common to find a bra with a back clasp, many brands do provide front-closure options, including Spanx, Calvin Klein, Wacoal, Eva Bien, Montelle, and La Perla.
Commenting on this revelation, one Quora user said: "Bras traditionally have hooks in the back for a few reasons. One reason is that having the closure in the back provides a smoother and more seamless look in the front, as there are no clasps or hooks disrupting the appearance.
"Additionally, having the closure in the back allows for a more customizable fit, as the band can be adjusted to fit snugly around the body. However, there are front-closure bras available for those who find them more convenient or comfortable.
Another added: "There are bras with front clasp as well. But honestly front or back clasp, it makes no difference to me now. From years of practice, I can very easy clasp bras, possibly because my spatial awareness is very good when it comes to this task."
A third user said: "While it would be more convenient, a front clasp bra would irritate your breasts, and there won’t be as many hook settings as a back clasp bra. The centre gore of a back clasp bra is also usually stronger than one from a front clasp bra."
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