Over time, fashion and industry have defined how women dress to emphasis or reemphasize their curves. In the 1950’s, curves in the shape of an hourglass was the desired silhouette. The same is true today. Like some women today who get boob jobs, women in the 1950’s went to great lengths to achieve larger breasts. This ad from 1951 shows a bra ad with a clever idea. If you want larger breasts, why not use air? Enter the inflatable bra. Just adjust, inflate, and seal.
Its perfection without detection
The bra was called the The Tres Secrete (very secret) Bra. It came from the La Resista Corset Co who paid for this ad in the November 1951 edition of Mademoiselle. After reading the ad copy, I wondered. Were inflatable bras a thing the early 50’s, or was this a one-off? A quick Google search provided some interesting results.
Inflatable Bras on YouTube
I found this delightful video from YouTuber Miss MonMon. She talks about a 1952 Tres Secrete bra. She also demonstrates how it inflates. Yes. She is using a straw to blow air into the cup.
Speaking of delightful, here is another fun YouTube video from a woman who tells the story of when she wore an inflatable bra while traveling to South America on a plane in the 1950’s. Hint. It didn’t go well. Enjoy!
More about the Tres Secrete Inflatable Bra
I have not been able to find anything similar from other manufacturers. What I did find was this post on designyoutrust.com. It provides photos of women modeling the bra and the salesforce selling it. Here’s a screenshot.
Inflatable bras in 2024?
Do inflatable bras exist today? You bet ya. Here’s an inflatable bra shown on Amazon. It says it is currently unavailable. Does that mean that they are no longer made, or does it mean that it is so popular that they sold out? I’m guessing it is the former. Whatever the case, it is interesting to look at the pictures of the inner-workings.
source: https://www.amazon.com/KECENWEL-Inflatable-Comfortable-Invisible-Thickened/dp/B09NDFX8H9
Conclusion
Fashion from the 1950’s and fashion from the 2020’s are not at all the same. That’s obvious. However, I do find it interesting to compare the two decades when it comes to shapewear, silhouette, and new methods to change the shape of one’s body. From surgeries to shapewear, some will choose pain over comfort to achieve their desired shape.
Mid-Century Page 
Pingback: 1956 – Shapewear Innovations – Mid-Century Page