Show Large pictureWoman's Brassiere, 1952 (around) (Ref:L.C712.1980.1187.0)
The Tres Secrete inflatable bra, introduced to Britain from the United States by La Resista Corset Co. and made under licence by Symington.
It consists of a normal bra with a pocket lining in each cup. Plastic pads were inserted into these pockets and inflated to the desired size. This was achieved by inserting a plastic tube into the valve opening at the top of each pad and blowing in as much air as necessary (see Other Views). The plastic tube would then be withdrawn quickly and the valve sealed by pressing it between the thumb and forefinger.
The marketing of the Tres Secrete bra was a collaboration between Symington and Supportu Supplewear, a wholesale distribution company based in Wigston, Leicestershire. Originally marketed as a fashion brand, when the ideal woman had the figure of Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe, the Tres Secrete found most of its market in women who had undergone mastectomy.
Museum ref. H249
| Name: | Woman's Brassiere |
| Other Name(s): | Brassiere; Woman's Brassiere |
| Title: | Tres Secrete |
| Production person / body: | R. & W. H. Symington & Co. Ltd. (manufacturer) |
| Production Date: | 1952 (around) |
| Production place: | Europe: England; Leicestershire; Market Harborough |
| Materials: | Nylon and rayon brassiere with cotton lined cups and plastic inserts. |
| Measurements: | Bust = 32 inches / 81.28 cm; Cup size = A |
| Credit: | Donated by R. & W. H. Symington and Company Ltd. and the main board of the Courtaulds group, 1980. |
| Reference: | L.C712.1980.1187.0 |
| Availability: | Available for study by appointment |
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