Date: c. 1930s
Origin: United States
Fabric: Rayon
Brand: Tre-Zur
A sling style bra that offered gentle lift and shaping to the breasts, with the exposed top cup allowing the nipple to give a gently pointed bust silhouette. This lightly lifted and pointed shape was in line with the relatively form fitting fashions of the 1930s.
The bra cups are made of an outer of rayon satin and cotton lining, embellished with a narrow lace trim. Bias cut satin forms the binding and straps of the bra, with strips of elastic at the shoulder straps and bra band. It fastens with a hook and eye at the centre back. The garment shape features keyhole cutouts at the side of the bust and centre front.
The NRA Blue Eagle label dates from 1933-1935 only. It was a voluntary program covering many consumer goods and was initiated by FDR. It was declared unconstitutional in 1935. This is the ‘Blue Eagle’ Label, seen only 1933-35 in USA. The Eagle label also states alongside the logo ‘Manufactured under corset & bra code authority, B8 Reg no. 248’. The other label states the brand name ‘Tre-Zur’ and tagline ‘Styled in Hollywood’. Stamped on the bra underband is the style number 425, and the number 34 which presumably refers to a bust size measurement.
Sling style bras of this style continued to be manufactured as foundationwear into at least the 1960s. This sling shape is still seen in contemporary design, but tends to be marketed more as erotic or boudoir wear.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
