Brassiere

Manufacturer Shirley of Hollywood American
2001
Not on view
A number of technical innovations in materials took place in the 1930s and 1940s, including man-made fibers and durable elastics. These new possibilities coincided with the fashion world's impulse to shape the bust. The rapid shift from the bust suppression of the 1920s to the unencumbered and pendant bosom of the 1930s was followed by a dramatic introduction of brassieres with structured support in the following two decades. Recent revivals of the bust-enhancing brassiere have included polyester fiberfill, silicon, and air-padded constructions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Brassiere
  • Manufacturer: Shirley of Hollywood (American, founded 1948)
  • Date: 2001
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: synthetic fiber, plastic (silicone)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Shirley of Hollywood, 2001
  • Object Number: 2001.777
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.