JF Ptak Science Books Quick Post
Most of the following relate U.S. patent reports on brassieres–for shaping, reducing, electrifying, supporting, warming and preventing “breast cake”–but I’ve added a few other associated undergarment creations. It seems that there was so very much “underneath”sections to the bodies of the dressed woman during this time that there could scarcely be any room for anything on top of them. There was just so much fabric and texture and belts and straps and loops and metal and fasteners and looseners and ties and wraps that, once the onion was peeled, there was nothing left but peel, which may well have been the overall societal message draped over women during this period of time.
Garter Attachment, 1892
Simple Underwear, 1893
Armpit Armor, 1893
Brassiere & Corset and More, 1898
Brassiere, 1899