Underwear

1942
Not on view
After the United States entered World War II in 1941, companies began to experiment with various materials in anticipation of rationing and shortages. This example is a prototype from Nina-Fay Foundations, which uses plastic for closures and stays instead of the usual metal. Although metal was not ultimately rationed, the company was experimenting with alternatives to metal zippers and hooks in the event that it was needed for the war effort.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Underwear
  • Manufacturer: Nina-Fay Foundations, Inc.
  • Date: 1942
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: cotton, plastic, synthetic
  • Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Nina-Fay Foundations, Inc., 1942
  • Object Number: 2009.300.2738a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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