Antique 1920s Bandeau Bra Black Silk & Cotton Brassiere XL

This is a 1910s or 1920s bandeau bra or binding brassiere made of black silk and cotton by Gossard of Canada.  This is an early brassiere, made before bras had cups, its main purpose meant to flatten breasts.  These type of brassieres were introduced in the United States in 1905 and became popular around 1920 when the thin flapper, known as garçonne (boyish girl) look became popular.  It wasn’t until the mid-20s that bra cups were introduced.  This 1920s bandeau bra does up with twelve hooks and eyes at the back.  It has shoulder straps and a hook hanging from the centre front that would attach to a corset. The label reads “Gossard 2421 44 Cotton and Silk Made in Canada”.

In the 1920s a boyish flat bust line was considered more desirable and the majority of women could only achieve this effect by binding their breasts with a bandeau bra . Although the size indicated appears to be 44, I assume that this 1920s bandeau bra measures less because it was supposed to compress the breasts. Please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Bust: 40”-41” taken in the centre of the bra 

Bottom of bra: 37” 

Overall length:  19 1/2” measured flat from the top of the straps to the bottom of the bra

Condition: This 1920s bandeau bra is in excellent condition with no noted wear, staining or other defect.

This is a hard to find flapper era 1920s bandeau bra - great if it fits!