This ivory or off-white lace and satin, “backless” Hollywood-Maxwell size 34B 1950s bra has the 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 sheer lace cups have an underwire and a curved section of rayon satin backed with thin padding at their undersides only. The shoulder straps are adjustable elastic. The extra low back of the bra is held in place with the extra elastic strap that wraps around the waist. The sides and center front panel of the bra are shiny rayon satin, with no stretch. Both sets of straps come together at the back, where the bra fastens with a single hook. This cream lace and satin 1960s low-back bra is in very good condition, with some yellowing to the thin padding inside the cups. This will be less visible when worn/in person than it is against my bright white mannequin. Hollywood-Maxwell merged with another lingerie company called Vassarette in 1958, so this pretty lace bra pre-dates that event.
Size: approx. 34 B
Bust: 36” across cups when fully stretched (32” unstretched)
Cups: 6.5” diameter
Waist strap: 24” flat/unstretched, up to 30”
Label: Hollywood-Maxwell Petal Pusher Backless Whirlpool
