Before push-up bras, camisoles and corsets there were “breastbags” but until recently not one of the medieval garments have even been recovered.
This month, archaeologists have found what they believe to be the world’s oldest bra hidden under the floorboards Austria’s Lengberg Castle.
Radiocarbon analysis shows the undergarment — made of linen decorated with lace — is around 600 years old, making it 500 years older than the previous earliest recorded brassiere.
Medieval literature contains numerous references to the aptly-named “breastbags” but archaeologists had previously been unable to find remains of the actual garment.
Seventeen linen shirts, a complete pair of men’s underwear and three other lacy bras were also discovered under the floorboards.
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