(Continued...)

1931 With its breakthrough invention of a fabric that was elastic in both warp and woof, the Warner Company introduces the fitted bra cup—sizes A to D—and the elastic strap. Thus ending the days of nonadjustable straps and bras made of easily torn, unforgiving fabrics like crepe de chine, rayon, or silk. And beginning the era of pubescent school boys' irritating habit of snapping unsuspecting girls' bra straps.

---

1938 Du Pont discovers nylon. It is strong, lightweight, stands up to repeated washings, and often doesn't need ironing. Women are wild for the stuff, according to Jane Farrell-Bech and Colleen Gau in Uplift, a social history of the bra. While a good chunk of Du Pont's nylon production is diverted for wartime uses, by late 1945 it is abundant to bra manufacturers, though Uplift's authors note that retailers had to warn women to extinguish their cigarettes before shopping—one stray ash could burn holes in the newfangled brassieres.