You know that moment during Paris Fashion Week when a runway look makes you stop scrolling, sip your oat latte, and whisper… “Wait, are we doing this again?”
This year, that “this” is none other than the bullet bra—yes, that conical, futuristic-yet-vintage creation your grandmother probably side-eyed in old black-and-white photos. It’s the bra that defined the 1950s hourglass silhouette, strutted across Dior’s New Look, and made its way back into our collective fashion psyche thanks to designers like Prada and Miu Miu.
So, What Exactly Is a Bullet Bra?
For the uninitiated, a this is an undergarment that rose to prominence in the late 1940s and peaked in the 1950s. Its design? Picture a standard bra… but swap out those soft, rounded cups for sharply pointed, structured ones.
The result was a silhouette that projected—literally—forward, creating that distinctive “torpedo” or “cone” shape. This look wasn’t accidental; it was meant to exaggerate the waist-to-bust ratio and support the decade’s obsession with hyper-feminine curves. Think Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, and even Madonna’s Jean-Paul Gaultier moment decades later.
But Do People Still Wear Bullet Bras?
The short answer: Yes, but differently.
No one’s expecting you to pair a bullet bra with a full petticoat skirt (unless that’s your vibe, and if it is, I applaud you!). Instead, modern bullet bras have evolved. The stiff seams and padding have been softened, making them more wearable under today’s clothes—or intentionally visible under sheer blouses and structured blazers.
For instance, Prada’s Spring 2025 collection featured modernized bullet bras worn as actual tops. The effect? Vintage meets futuristic—one that had editors buzzing, influencers snapping selfies, and me quietly Googling, “Are bullet bras still on trend?”
Spoiler: They are.
Are Bullet Bras Still on Trend in 2025?
Here’s where it gets interesting: fashion is cyclical. Every few years, a forgotten style takes center stage again (remember low-rise jeans trying to happen again?). This year, it’s the bullet bra, thanks to designers reviving silhouettes that challenge what we think lingerie should be.
Why now? Probably because:
- Runways are obsessed with heritage – Prada and Miu Miu are championing archival shapes.
- Celebrity culture loves a shock factor – cue Instagram moments of stars flaunting sculptural bras on red carpets.
- The 50s nostalgia is peaking – think diners, vinyl records, and now… bullet bras.
How Do You Style a Bullet Bra Without Looking Like You Time-Traveled?
Good question. (And yes, I tried one—purely for research purposes!)
- Layer it under a sheer blouse: Keep it elegant, with high-waist trousers for a balanced silhouette.
- Go full Prada: Wear it over a crisp button-up or turtleneck. This is peak street style energy.
- Retro glam: For themed parties or photo shoots, embrace the full vintage look with swing skirts and red lips.
And yes, modern bullet bras are available (hello, affiliate links) in softer fabrics and breathable designs—check this one here or this one here.
Why Did Women Wear Bullet Bras in the First Place?
This is a question I keep hearing (and secretly love answering).
In the 1950s, the ideal silhouette was all about contrast—tiny waists, prominent bustlines. The bullet bra played into that fantasy, lifting and shaping the bust dramatically. It also represented post-war optimism: structured, confident, futuristic. Wearing one wasn’t just about looks; it was about embracing a new kind of femininity.
Are They Comfortable? (Be Honest)
Let’s be real: original 50’s bullet bras were… stiff. The seams were unapologetically pointed, and comfort wasn’t the priority. Modern bullet bras, however, are far softer, often made with spandex blends and wireless technology, making them not just stylish but wearable for hours.
If you’re curious, start with a modern bullet bra. Your shoulders and sanity will thank you.
Will You Be Wearing One?
Me? Absolutely. Why not? Fashion should be fun, playful, even a little outrageous. The bullet bra trend isn’t about looking dated—it’s about reimagining a powerful silhouette for today. So yes, I might wear one under my oversized blazer, sip an espresso in SoHo, and pretend I’m a 1950s starlet transported to 2025.
Are Bullet Bras still on trend?
as a result…
The Bullet Bra Is Back, Baby
Fashion loves a comeback, and the bullet bra is proof. Whether you embrace it fully or admire it from afar, there’s no denying its cultural clout—spanning from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna to Miu Miu.
And if you’ve been asking yourself, “What is bullet bra? Do people still wear bullet bras? Are bullet bras still on trend?”—well, consider this your answer: yes, yes, and yes.
Curious? Click here to shop my favorite modern bullet bras that won’t make you feel like you’re in a time capsule. Trust me, you might just love it.
