The modern bra is generally credited to Mary Phelps Jacob (later known as Caresse Crosby), an American socialite who patented her “backless brassiere” in 1914 after first making it from two handkerchiefs and some ribbon in 1913. Earlier bra‑like garments and prototypes existed, including split-corset designs by French designer Herminie Cadolle in the late 19th century, but Jacob’s patent is usually cited as the first truly modern bra that replaced the traditional corset for many women.