NYLON NOSTALGIA VINTAGE LINGERIE. MEMBER OF THE VINTAGE FASHION GUILD.

The true definition of a bullet bra is a slightly padded bra with exaggerated pointedness and with concentric stitching to the cups, giving an exaggerated if not unnatural conical shape to the breasts.  The craze for having an uplifting, slightly conical bust profile was like most other fashion trends - it started out subtle and was eventually taken to extremes. Bullet bra history is relatively short lived. In the late 1940s a fashion developed for wearing cone bras.  Cone bras gave a subtle, softer conical outline to the bust without the effect being too obvious.  Cone bras were usually softline and unpadded and therefore quite comfortable to wear.  By the 1950s, cone bras had been overtaken by the true bullet bra that vintage lovers are still talking about to this day.  Bullet bras (also known as 'Torpedo bras') became more and more pointy in time, but less and less comfortable to wear. As the bullet bra shape is, let's face it, unnatural, then it is not unusual to wear foam bullet bra pad inserts ('falsies') inside the cup to help keep the desired profile.  From the opulent pin-up era to the modern-day body positivity movement, the allure of the bullet bra endures, championing self-expression and confidence. Whether donned as a fashion statement or a personal style preference, its timeless appeal transcends generations, offering a blend of nostalgia and attention-grabbing empowerment. 

They are not the same, although both do give the bust a conical outline.  Cone bras are unpadded and softline, whereas the true bullet bra is usually padded and of a more rigidly conical construction and has the characteristic highly visible concentric stitching to the cup.  The true 1950's vintage bullet bra has no wiring and it is the characteristic concentric stitching that gives the bra its rigidity and shape.

An example of a cone bra is shown below in a photograph.

We don't know who exactly invented the bullet bra but it was almost certainly a man!

By the 1960's bullet bras were still being worn, although new developments in more modern lingerie fabrics meant that the unloved rigidity was slowly being replaced by more comfortable bras.  Certainly by the late 1960's to the 1970's the trend in bras had gone full circle to a far more natural, softer and more comfortable profile and this situation has carried on until the present day.

Not really.  If a fashion craze is uncomfortable to wear, looks ridiculous, and has been taken to extremes then it is ultimately doomed to failure and will be predictably short lived. Madonna tried to bring the bullet bra back to life when she wore one in pink satin along with her Jean Paul Gaultier outfit on stage during her 'Blond Ambition' tour way back in 1990 - over 30 years ago now.  Wearing what amounted to a bullet bra corset she certainly got noticed at the time and I don't suppose it did her career any harm, but did bullet bras catch on with women as a mainstream lingerie item?  Of course not.

Are Bullet Bras Comfortable?  Despite its glamorous and vintage style, some women have found the bullet bra to be comfortable enough for daily wear. The cups feature supportive ridges that provide proper coverage while comfortably cradling your breasts. Plus, bullet bras can be flexible enough to move with your body without pinching or digging in. 

For bullet bra online shopping I sell true vintage bullet bras via my shop at Nylon Nostalgia, although these 1940s styles tend not to remain in stock for very long and are snapped up very quickly by collectors.  I sometimes have vintage cone bras in stock too.  Keep an eye on my listings and catch them as and when they appear!

The resurgence of vintage bullet bras in contemporary fashion is a testament to the timeless glamorous appeal of retro lingerie. Once considered a relic of the past, these iconic undergarments have made a remarkable comeback, capturing the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and body-positive advocates alike. Embracing the unique silhouette and structured support of bullet bras, modern women are rediscovering the allure of vintage lingerie as a symbol of self-expression and empowerment.

The revival of vintage bullet bras has sparked a renewed interest in celebrating the diverse beauty of the female form. With a renewed emphasis on inclusivity and body positivity, the fashion industry has embraced the retro aesthetic of bullet bras as a statement of individuality and confidence. From runway showcases to everyday street style, the resurgence of vintage lingerie has redefined the narrative of femininity, encouraging women to embrace their curves and celebrate their bodies in all their unique splendor.

The growing popularity of vintage bullet bras reflects a cultural shift towards appreciating the timeless elegance and sensuality of retro fashion. As women seek to break free from conventional beauty standards imposed by lingerie designers and manufacturers obsessed with bland androgyny, the resurgence of bullet bras offers a captivating blend of nostalgia and modern empowerment, creating a space where individuality and self-confidence take centre stage.

The timeless allure of vintage bullet bras has left an indelible mark on contemporary lingerie design, inspiring a resurgence of retro-inspired elements in modern undergarments. From the structured silhouettes to the emphasis on enhancing natural curves, the influence of bullet bras can be observed in the reinterpretation of classic design elements within contemporary lingerie collections. As fashion designers pay homage to the retro aesthetic, the spirit of timeless sophistication and empowerment embodied by vintage bullet bras continues to resonate in modern undergarments.

Contemporary lingerie brands have embraced the iconic silhouette and structured support synonymous with bullet bras, infusing these elements into their designs to celebrate femininity and allure. The resurgence of retro-inspired lingerie collections often features conical cups, intricate seaming, and structured frameworks reminiscent of vintage bullet bras, offering a nod to the enduring elegance of mid-century undergarments. By incorporating these vintage-inspired elements, modern lingerie designs evoke a sense of nostalgia while catering to the preferences of contemporary consumers.

Moreover, the influence of vintage bullet bras extends beyond design aesthetics, permeating the ethos of contemporary lingerie with a message of body positivity and inclusivity. As fashion brands embrace the diverse beauty of the female form, the spirit of empowerment embodied by bullet bras informs the creation of undergarments that celebrate individuality and self-expression. Through the incorporation of retro-inspired elements, contemporary lingerie design pays homage to the enduring allure of vintage glamour while embracing the evolving landscape of body-positive fashion.

The vintage bullet bra, with its distinctive conical shape, rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, encapsulating the fashion and cultural landscape of the era. As women embraced their femininity and sought to emphasize their curves, the bullet bra became a quintessential undergarment, synonymous with the glamorous pin-up girl aesthetic.

Crafted with intricate seaming and structured cups, the cone bra and the bullet bra not only provided support but also created a coveted silhouette. The architectural design of the bullet bra and it's ability to enhance the natural shape of the female body made it a symbol of empowerment and confidence during a time when traditional gender norms were being challenged.

The bullet bra's historical significance extends beyond its functionality, serving as a representation of women's evolving self-expression and the defiance of societal expectations. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to embody an era of feminine allure and unapologetic style, resonating with contemporary audiences who value individuality and authenticity in their choice of lingerie.

Article written by Emma Benitez. BA (Hons) in Fashion and Dress History, incurable vintage aficionada and owner of Nylon Nostalgia.