May 2010
Brassieres are called by many names- bandeau, wireless, balconette, demi , push-up, strapless, t-shirt, and the list goes on…. But believe it or not, 100 years ago there was no such thing. Women relied on corsets for support. Then along came New York City socialite (we would expect no less) Mary Phelps- Jacob. She fashioned a makeshift bra (not much more than 2 pieces of fabric and ribbon) to attend a party in a gown that required such an invention. This was 1910. In 1914 she patented it and eventually sold it to Warner’s, who are still making bras today (not the same one of course- they have progressed past the cloth and ribbon model).
Since that first patent, bras have been manufactured in every shape, size, color and fabric. We can’t help but brag a little as Natori has been in the bra business for over 20 years. Ironically, in celebration of the Bra’s big day, Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb take off their bras on Today. So take a moment to thank Mary Phelps- Jacob for her immeasurable contribution to women for centuries to come.
