The historical and archaeological evidence regarding whether warrior maidens, or female warriors, wore bras or similar undergarments is limited and varies depending on the culture and time period in question. Here's an overview of what is known about the attire of female warriors and undergarments in historical contexts:beth

Ancient Civilizations

1. Ancient Greece and Rome:

   • Strophion: In ancient Greece, women sometimes wore a band of cloth called a strophion wrapped around the chest. This could have been used by female athletes or warriors for support.
   • Mammillare: In ancient Rome, a similar garment called a mammillare was worn. It was a strip of cloth bound around the breasts, likely used for support and modesty.

2. Viking Era:

   • Evidence: There is limited direct evidence of female warriors, but sagas and historical accounts suggest that some women participated in combat. Typical Viking attire for women did not include bras as we know them today, but they might have used tightly bound cloth for support.

Medieval and Renaissance Periods

1. Joan of Arc:

   • Armor: Joan of Arc, a famous female warrior from the 15th century, wore traditional male armour. Underneath, she likely wore a padded garment called a gambeson for protection and comfort, but not a bra.

2. Female Samurai (Onna-Bugeisha):

   • Attire: Female samurai in Japan wore similar armour to their male counterparts, which included a kimono-like garment called a kosode and armour. Traditional Japanese clothing did not include bras, but women might have used sarashi, a long strip of cloth wrapped around the chest.

Modern Considerations and Misconceptions

1. Modern Interpretations:

   • Fantasy and Media: Modern portrayals of warrior maidens in films, video games, and literature often show them wearing bras or bra-like garments for support and modesty. These representations are typically influenced by contemporary fashion and practicality rather than historical accuracy.

2. Practicality:

   • Combat Needs: Historically, practical considerations for combat, such as mobility, protection, and comfort, would have influenced the clothing and undergarments of female warriors. Binding the chest with cloth would have provided some support and minimized movement, which could have been beneficial in combat situations.

Conclusion

While there is no clear evidence that warrior maidens from ancient or medieval times wore bras as we know them today, they likely used various forms of chest bindings for support and practicality. These bindings would have varied based on the culture, time period, and specific needs of the wearer. Modern depictions often blend historical inspiration with contemporary design, creating anachronistic but visually appealing representations of female warriors.