Date: 1965
Origin: United States
Fabric: Nylon
Brand: Rudi Gernreich for Exquisite Form
The 1950s bra design trend for a structured and rigid silhouette continued until the mid 1960s when a softer more ‘natural’ look became fashionable. This is due to the increased acceptance of going without a bra, and to the ‘no-bra’ bra introduced by avant garde designer Rudi Gernreich in 1965.
Manufactured by Exquisite Form, this very simple sheer darted bra allowed the wearer to appear to be fashionably bra free, whilst still retaining some breast support. Adverts for the ‘no-bra’ claimed that it would give ‘the natural nude look of a firm, young, bra-less bosom’. This so-called nude look – giving the appearance that the wearer is going without a bra or girdle – was a major shift in women’s underwear fashion, towards increased comfort and freedom of movement.
The bra is simply constructed, with single darted cups of sheer nylon mesh, elastic trims, adjustable shoulder straps and a hook and eye fastening at the centre back.
From the collection of The Underpinnings Museum
