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Mary Phelps JacobOne of the inventors of the modern bra
Date of Birth: 20.04.1891
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Birth and Early Life
- Birth of the Bra
- Commercializing the Bra
- Personal Life and Relationships
- Legacy and Impact
- Later Years and Death
Birth and Early Life
Mary Phelps Jacob, known fondly as Polly, was born in 1891 in New Rochelle, New York. Coming from a comfortable family, Mary enjoyed a privileged upbringing, attending private schools and pursuing her passions for horseback riding and dancing.
Birth of the Bra
In 1913, weary of her uncomfortable whalebone corset, Mary improvised a more comfortable garment using two silk handkerchiefs, ribbon, and cord. This makeshift brassiere proved to be a revelation, inspiring her to share her invention with friends.
Commercializing the Bra
Realizing the potential of her creation, Mary filed for a patent in September 1914. As women eagerly embraced the freedom and comfort provided by the bra, her invention quickly gained popularity. Mary named her brassieres "Caresse Crosby" after her second husband, Harry Crosby.
Personal Life and Relationships
Mary's first marriage to Richard Peabody was unhappy, and she later divorced him. Her subsequent marriage to Harry Crosby, a bohemian poet, was marked by both passion and turmoil. After their divorce, Mary had relationships with other men, including football player Selbert Young.
Legacy and Impact
Mary Phelps Jacob's brassiere revolutionized women's undergarments, liberating them from the constraints of corsets. Her invention went on to become a global phenomenon, transforming the way women dressed and felt.
Later Years and Death
After selling her patent, Mary lived in Italy and pursued writing and politics. She published her autobiography, "The Passionate Years," and made unsuccessful attempts to enter politics. Mary Phelps Jacob passed away in 1970 at the age of 79 due to heart failure.
