This size 34C black lace and taffeta, plunge front, long-line over-wire 1950s strapless bra by Hollywood Maxwell has their patented spiral “Whirlpool” cup stitching that will give you that classic mid-century bust shape under your favorite vintage clothing! “Hollywood-Maxwell founder Joseph R Bowen patented a cup stabilization technique he called ‘Whirlpool stitching’ in 1935. This much imitated innovation used concentric rings of stitches to produce a rounded shape in the 1930s and a more pointed cup in the 40s and 50s.” (Hollywood-Maxwell history quoted from https://underpinningsmuseum.com/ ). The seamed sheer nylon lace and black nylon taffeta cups have a curved over-wire design (no underwire) that extends down to the plunging front center opening. A small section of padding is hidden behind the satin bow trim, to keep the ends of the wire from causing discomfort. The taffeta front of the bra is seamed, and the side seams hide flexible boning (below the rigid over-wire) to help keep the strapless bra in place when worn. The entire back of the bra plus the small center front section are elasticized stretch fabric, to ensure a perfect fit. The double row of hooks and eyes fastening the back have soft black cotton flannel lining backing them on the inside, for added comfort. Hollywood-Maxwell merged with another lingerie company called Vassarette in 1958, so this beautiful 1950s black strapless long-line bra pre-dates that event. It is in near excellent condition, it’s only sign of age some lightening to the black fabric backing of the seaming, inside. The original price of the bra (printed on the tag inside) was $18.95, which is well over $200 in today’s money. It is a high quality, well-made and well-designed item that has stood the test of time!
Size: approx. 34 C
Bust: approx. 37-38” across cups, when laid flat and stretched reasonably
Cups: 5.5” diameter
Ribcage: 25” flat, up to 28” with reasonable stretch
Waist: 24” flat, up to 28” with reasonable stretch
Underarm to hem length: 7.5”
Label: Hollywood Maxwell Strapless Whirlpool
