The first bra to be patented occurred in 1914 by Mary Phelps-Jacobs an American. The Bra Phelps patented is certainly not the first bra ever, but it is the first one patented and that certainly counts for something.
Mary Phelps-Jacobs’ bra consisted of two silk handkerchiefs that were bound together with a baby ribbon sewn on for use as straps as well as a seam placed in the front at the center point.
Phelps’ idea didn’t strike pay dirt as she had hoped so she sold the rights to Warners for $1500. Within a few years that investment by Warners became a multi-million dollar profit.
- Home
- Kymaro Body Shaper Time Line
- 1907-Advent of the Modern Bra
- 1915- Pre Bras and Girdles
- Bras After the 1930s
- Cup Sizing Is Introduced
- 1940s Enter the Utility Bra
- 1950s
- 1960s
- Wonder Bra 1968-1990s
- 2000-Bioform Bras
- Kymaro Body Shaper – Present