Set of 1950's Miriam Gates Bust Pad Bras
The first patent for a bra, in the United States, was patented on November 3, 1917. When looking at the patent diagram the bra looks like two triangle pieces of fabric with cross straps. As all who wear bras know they've evolved into so much more since 1917.
These two bras by the brand Miriam Gates look very unusual (even in today's standards) at first glance: two round circles with frilly late around the outer rim. Two elastic bands are all that's holding them in place. At the time, these were a new way of wearing a bra.
According to the patent approved for this style on March 21. 1950, the purpose of this bra was to make it appear as if you're not wearing one. Similar to what we think of as a "strapless" bra, but the patent states:
One of the objects of this invention is to provide a brassiere of this type in which the bust pads are securely held in place with the maximum comfort to the wearer. Another object is to provide brassieres in which the bust pads are supported in such a manner as to best simulate natural breasts.
United States Patent Office, Patent Num. 2,501,325, Miriam Gates
Miriam Gates marketed this style (shown in the advertisement below) as a way to wear a bra, make it appear that you're not wearing a bra, but still get the shape of the padding.
While these bras are hard to come by and went out of fashion when other brands came out with more functional takes on this style, there is one modern, vintage inspired brand who did their own take on this style (seen below).
circa 1950s, United States
AP.11.6.49