Are Bullet Bras in Fashion?

Yes — the bullet bra is firmly back in fashion. Once beloved mainly by vintage aficionados, the 1950s bullet bra has been revived on the runways by designers like Miuccia Prada, who sent models down the catwalk at Miu Miu’s Fall 2025 Paris show wearing pointed bras under pastel knits and pencil skirts. W Magazine even declared the cone bra “a new fashion,” with Schiaparelli, Dolce & Gabbana, and Jean Paul Gaultier all reimagining the iconic silhouette. The revival has sparked a surge in demand, with Harper’s Bazaar reporting searches for “bullet bras” jumping 57% since February’s shows. Even The Telegraph highlighted our Maitresse Bullet Bra by What Katie Did as a chic and accessible way to embrace the trend, noting its glamorous satin finish and fraction-of-the-price alternative to Miu Miu’s versions. Whether worn with vintage pieces or styled as a bold fashion statement, the 1950s bullet bra is undeniably in vogue for 2025.

Who Has Worn What Katie Did’s 1950s Bullet Bra?

Our Maitresse 1950s Bullet Bra has become a true icon, gracing magazine covers, editorials, and even the silver screen. Most recently, Dua Lipa wore it for Vogue magazine, following in the footsteps of supermodel Claudia Schiffer and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who have also showcased it in Vogue editorials. Rihanna famously wore the black satin bullet bra on the cover of GQ, while Victoria Beckham has been photographed in it for both Harper’s Bazaar and Grazia. With its authentic 1950s silhouette and timeless appeal, the Maitresse Bullet Bra continues to be a favourite among stylists, celebrities, and fashion insiders looking to capture true mid-century glamour.

How Long Has What Katie Did Been Making Bullet Bras?

What Katie Did has been creating authentic 1950s-inspired bullet bras since 2003. Our Maitresse Bullet Bra was the first bullet bra we designed as part of a complete lingerie set, allowing vintage lovers to coordinate their bras, knickers, and suspender belts for a truly period-correct look. We’ve been perfecting the style ever since, and our bullet bras are still made ethically in the same trusted factory in India, where many of the original machinists continue to craft these timeless pieces by hand.

What is a bullet bra and how does it work?

A bullet bra (also known as a cone bra or conical bra) is a structured bra designed to create a pointed, forward-facing silhouette. Unlike modern bras, it uses spiral stitching and precise cup construction rather than padding to shape the bust, resulting in the iconic 1950s look.

Why is the bullet bra essential for 1950s fashion?

Authentic 1940s and 1950s clothing was designed to fit over the conical silhouette created by a bullet bra. Without it, vintage garments often don’t sit correctly. A bullet bra helps achieve the sharp, lifted “sweater girl” shape that defines mid-century style.

What makes the Maitresse Bullet Bra different from modern bras?

The Maitresse Bullet Bra is made using traditional techniques, including spiral stitching and a period-correct non-stretch band. Unlike modern bras that rely on stretch fabrics and moulded cups, it shapes the bust through construction, offering a more authentic vintage silhouette.

Why is the Maitresse Bullet Bra made in black satin instead of traditional colours?

Most original 1950s lingerie, especially in the UK, was produced in practical shades like white or beige. The Maitresse Bullet Bra reimagines this classic design in black satin, combining authentic structure with a more striking, modern aesthetic.

Are bullet bras comfortable for everyday wear?

Yes—bullet bras can make your bust appear larger. By shaping the breasts into a forward-projecting, pointed silhouette, they create more visual prominence than modern bras. In fact, if you take your measurements while wearing a bullet bra and compare them to a modern bra, you’ll often find the measurement is slightly bigger. Before breast augmentation became common, this structured shape was the original way to enhance and emphasise the bust.

Do bullet bras make your bust look bigger?

Bullet bras don’t add volume through padding, but they can make the bust appear more prominent due to their forward-projecting, conical shape. This creates a more defined and structured silhouette compared to modern bras.

What is the difference between a bullet bra and a cone bra?

There is no real difference: “bullet bra,” “cone bra,” and “conical bra” are all terms used to describe the same 1940s–1950s style. “Bullet bra” is the most commonly used modern term.

A woman with red hair poses in a black lingerie set consisting of a black bullet bra, high-waisted briefs, sheer black gloves, and seamed stockings leaning against a white brick wall next to a vintage bicycle.

Maitresse 1950s Bullet Bra L6070

$103.00 CAD

Choose your size

★ Bestseller ★ Our Maitresse Black Satin Bullet Bra; the piece that started it all; has been made in the same factory for 25 years, creating the iconic 1950s sweater girl silhouette with authentic precision.

Period-correct non-stretch band — scroll down for measurements to find your perfect fit. 👇

At a Glance:

Colour	Black
Style	Soft Cup, no underwire
Fabric composition	Satin: 100% Polyester
Country of manufacture	India

Discover helpful fitting tips for our bras by scrolling down this page, just below the images. 📏 We're a small and friendly team here at What Katie Did, and we're always happy to assist you with sizing questions. Our goal is to ensure you find your perfect fit the first time around! 💕be and a true celebration of mid-century style.

The band for our Maitresse Bullet Bra has very limited stretch.

Band Measurements (middle hook)	Band Measures	Band will stretch to (as worn)
Size 30	25" (63.5cm)	26.5" (67.5cm)
Size 32	27" (68.5cm)	28.5" (72.5cm)
Size 34	29" (73.5cm)	30.5" (77.5cm)
Size 36	31" (78.5cm)	32.5" (82.5cm)
Size 38	33" (84cm)	34.5" (87.5cm)
Size 40	35" (89cm)	36.5" (92.5cm)

Step back into the golden age of glamour with our Maitresse 1950s Bullet Bra, the most authentic way to achieve that iconic, pointed silhouette of the mid-century era. Crafted in luxurious black satin, this soft cup bra offers both structure and comfort while recreating the unmistakable conical shape loved by vintage fashion icons.

Designed for true vintage enthusiasts, our Maitresse black satin bullet bra is a faithful reproduction of the original 1950s styles, made without underwires so your natural shape fills the cup for that classic pointed profile. The same satin is used across our other ranges, making it easy to mix and match with your favourite suspender belts, girdles, and knickers for a perfectly coordinated lingerie drawer.

Lovingly made in our long-standing Indian factory—where some of the same skilled machinists have been with us since 2003—this black satin bullet bra exemplifies What Katie Did’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. It’s a design so iconic that it’s been spotted on celebrities including Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, cementing its place as a modern classic for lovers of vintage style.

Indulge in the timeless allure of the 1950s with our Maitresse Bullet Bra. A lingerie essential for anyone seeking an authentic silhouette, it’s the perfect foundation for your retro wardrobe and a true celebration of mid-century style.

Our Black Satin Bullet Bra is definitely our signature product. Beautifully crafted with a soft-cup spiral stitch, that is supportive, comfortable and 100% period-perfect.

A bullet bra for that iconic 1950s silhouette

Our Maitresse Black Satin Bullet Bra coaxes your breasts into the perfect 1950s conical shape. Sits differently to a modern bra, which pushes the breast inwards and upwards. You'll find the retro silhouette it gives, which upgrades the look of both true vintage and reproduction vintage fashion
Our Maitresse Black Satin Bullet Bra is made from non-stretch satin with just a tiny piece of elastic between the cups, and at the back by the hooks and eyes.

At What Katie Did we use traditional bra sizing methods where your band size is 3-4 inches smaller than your actual underbust measurement so it is a good idea to check the band size of your favourite fitting bra 'as worn' to check, if you are new to our brand.

While you should be the same size as a modern bra if you're an A-D cup, our bullet bras have limited stretch and you might prefer a looser fit. If you are a DD+ and shop with 'true sized' brands you probably will have to ‘sister size’ by going up a band size, and down a cup size. Find out more on our Lingerie Sizing Page.

Our black satin bullet bra is made from 100% polyester exclusive of trim and has been made in the same factory in India since 2003, where we still have some of the same machinists from the very beginning!

5 stars: 24 (75%)
4 stars: 6 (19%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 1 (3%)
1 star: 1 (3%)

My partner and I love this and the set.

The bullet bra was beautifully made

The bullet bra was lovingly packaged and beautifully made and fits perfectly. Thank you Katie and your team for your love and care that goes into every garment.

The Maitresse Bra lives up to all your bullet bra expectations!

The Maitresse Bra is beautifully constructed and lives up to all your bullet bra expectations! The video on how to fit your bullet bra was handy for a new comer to vintage lingerie. My sweater girl dreams come true. Only hitch was I need the extra padding, but the bullet pads were sold out. I didn't have to wait long for them to be restocked, and another order was placed along with another style bra. The quality of What Katie Did bras is worth the shipping costs to Canada. I would definitely recommend What Katie Did to other lingerie lovers.

Simple Glamour

So pleased: pleased to find a simple, stylish and comfortable bra. No longer 20, or 30 or even… I’ve become tired of being pushed, shoved and padded. This bra is one that works without the needs for wires or pads - the structure is amazing. Uplift in every way. Thank you. RM

Love this bra! In hindsight I wish I had sized up to a 32B or perhaps even a C so I could fit the bullet bra pads (I am normally a 30B or C in my every day bras that run much looser in the band) however I love that the bands run smaller like vintage bras, compared to most modern bras, as it can be difficult to find a band tight enough to fit me!

Perfect.

The joy it bought was unsurpassable. Great fit great look. Very happy

Lovely bra

The set I bought was really lovely but I have to say a little surprised that it doesn’t come with any nice packaging. I feel like vintage style lingerie shoved in an bubble envelope cheapens it

You have to buy the pads to make this bra work

I feel a bit ripped off because it wasn't until I got the bra I realised you need some inserts to make it sit right. They should just sell them together.

Perfect

Wow.. not only is this a very eye catching bra but it is extremely comfortable, so lightweight with no horrible padding or wires. Gives 100% support. Would highly recommended!!

Absolutely fantastic, as usual, saving for my next purchases from your new collections. I never by underwear anywhere else.

Perfect Size, Nice fitting.

Actually was looking for a white colour but adjusted with the one available. Nice product 😀. Advise if a white colour is available so that I can order.

Having a new bullet in a size that fits better is just the happiest thing ever. Since becoming a runner, everything on me shrank. This bra really makes me feel like myself again.

Beautiful underwear

This bra is an iconic undergarment- live it 😊

First one of these

Had been mulling over buying a bullet bra for a while. Bought as part of the set. Quality is as expected. Make sure you measure exactly as there is little give in the band. Very much a vintage must have.

Long time fan

This is my fourth bullet bra from WKD - I also have it in the peach and two of the nylon limited edition styles. I love this bra - it is so comfortable I once accidentally forgot to put on a sports bra to exercise and didn't notice til I was done. I don't have or use bullet pads because I like the shape I get without them - which, depending on the fabric of my top, is a little or a lot less "vavoom". It is a great sweater bra but also a wonderful day to day bra. Especially for folks like me who can't wear underwire and despise padding.

Nice fit.

Sizing?

I love thèse bullet bras. They’re very comfortable & easy to wear. But I’m confused about the sizing.
I tried a smaller size because that’s what a friend recommenddd. But it was a little too tight, and just pushed the girls together.
So I tried my regular size, and the band fit well, but the “points” didn’t fill while the boobies wet still sort of smooshed.
So should I try a bigger cup? Padding? Am I adjusting myself wrong?

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with the sizing of your bullet bra.

If you pop us an email at mailorder@whatkatiedid.com we can offer some more precise sizing advice for you.

Kind Regards,

WKD x

This thing looks like it’s from Wish. It feels more like a polyester blend than actual satin. It runs pretty small, thankfully I got the 4 inch extender, yet the cups are ginormous. I can’t even stuff them with the pads I got as well. The cups leave a ginormous “pancake” nipple which I NEVER saw mentioned anywhere, same with another bra that I got. The detailing just blows on these things; the “nipples” are flat and deflated and someone mentioned they look “fake and awful”. There is also no support whatsoever.

..

Fit is great and arrived in time

I love my bullet bra

I have the Latte Satine which is an amazing bra, but this is very lovely! It’s extremely comfortable. I sized up on the band and down in cups and fits amazing. Oh under the Jayne knit sweater gives the 1950s sultry look.