The Gossard Wonderbra
I first discovered the Gossard Wonderbra when I was around 16 or 17. What a find! This miracle of illusion has to be one of the greatest inventions ever!
I decided to put this lens together as a 'Thank you!' for the Wonderbra on behalf of millions of women across the globe.
I decided to put this lens together as a 'Thank you!' for the Wonderbra on behalf of millions of women across the globe.
Why A Wonderbra?
Why Not?
Wonderbra...what a wonderful design of engineering! I first saw one in the changing rooms at school. I noticed that some of the other girls had much fancier underwear than I did and it had a wonderful effect too!!So I saved my pocket money and eventually invested in one of these marvellous bras.
There are so many variations on the Wonderbra. You can choose between, strapless, multiway, front fastening, gel, padded, foam, satin, embroidered...so many choices!
I have a vivid memory of walking along the street, thinking I was the next Twiggy, when all of a sudden I noticed an additional feature to my curves. The little piece of additional padding from my Wonderbra had made a bid for freedom and was poking out the top of my shirt. How embarrassing. From that time on, I always stitched them into that little pocket in the bra so that I never had an escapee again!!
Of course, Wonderbra also has matching panties, thongs, suspenders/Garter belts, stockings and probably lots more items that I don't know about :) They also come in just about every colour you can imagine! I love having matching underwear and I'm sure most other woman do too.
Brief Wonderbra History
From WikipediaThe Wonderbra is a type of push-up brassiere that gained worldwide prominence in the 1990s. Although the Wonderbra name was first trademarked in the U.S. in 1935, the brand was developed in Canada.
Moses (Moe) Nadler, founder and majority owner of the Canadian Lady Corset Company, licensed the trademark for the Canadian market in 1939. By the 1960s the Canadian Lady brand had become known in Canada as "Wonderbra, the company."
In 1961 the company introduced the Model 1300 plunge push-up bra. This bra became one of the best-selling Canadian styles and is virtually identical to today's Wonderbra.
In 1968, Canadian Lady changed its name to Canadian Lady-Canadelle Inc., was sold to Consolidated Foods (now Sara Lee Corporation), and later became Canadelle Inc. During the 1970s Wonderbra was repositioned as the company's fashionable and sexy brand, and became the Canadian market leader.
In 1991, the push-up Wonderbra became a sensation in the UK, although it had been sold there since 1964 under license by the Gossard division of Courtaulds Textiles. Sara Lee Corporation did not renew Gossard's license and redesigned the push-up style for the reintroduction of the Wonderbra to the U.S. market in 1994.
Since 1994, the Wonderbra has expanded from the single push-up design into a full-range lingerie fashion label in most of the world. In most countries, the brand emphasizes sex-appeal. In its native Canada, the brand however promotes the functional qualities of its products-a departure from the strategy that made Wonderbra the top-seller in the 1970s.
The photograph above right, is A Canadian WonderBra branded plunge, push-up bra - c. 1975
Original Wonderbra Design
Original "Wonder-Bra" designBefore the Second World War broke out, elastic materials were rationed and unavailable for clothing. Israel Pilot designed an improved cup with a diagonal slash, shoulder strap attachment. This innovation on existing bra design provided more comfort and freedom of movement for the wearer. He also coined the name "Wonder-Bra" in 1935.
Israel Pilot's US patent 2245413, granted in 1941, allowed for greater shoulder strap elasticity by cutting the fabric so that the weave has the greatest stretch (cutting on the "bias"). The photographs show the original patent sketches and close-ups of a bra made in the U.S. by D'Amour. The model is wearing a rare 1950s version of this original Wonder-Bra design.
The picture above right, is the Original 1941 Patent 1950 "Wonder-Bra" Diagonal Slash / Label
Source; Wikipedia
Original 1941 Patent 1950 "Wonder-Bra" Diagonal Slash / Label
1950 Wonderbra
Diagonal Slash / Label From 1950 Wonderbra
Wonderbra on Flickr
An. Wonderbra - &quo...
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Wonderbra - Alemania
Wonderbra - Francia
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Economist
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So What Size Am I?
Follow this guide to measure yourself accurately
Some good stores in the UK such as Marks & Spencers, John Lewis, Bravissimo, provide a free measuring service and will advise you which style of bra would be best for you. Maybe someone could tell me which stores in the US offer the same service so I can add them here.Bra Measuring Instructions
Use this guide to ensure you order the correct size bra
1) Take a tight measurement under the bust in inches. Ensure the tape measure is flat, and straight around the body. (See diagram (A). Write down this number for use later in the calculation.
2) If this measurement is an odd number (e.g. 29 inches), add 5 (equalling 34). If it is an even number (e.g. 30 inches), add 4 (equalling 34) this measurement is your back size.
3) To determine your cup size, take a bust measurement by taking the tape around the fullest part of the bust, ensuring it is not tight in anyway, if anything it is better to be slightly loose. (See diagram (B). Make sure the tape measure is in a straight line across the back. Write down this number underneath the number from step 1.
4) The difference between these two-recorded measurements will give you your cup size by looking at the table below.
Example:
Under bust measurement = 29
Over bust measurement = 38.
The difference between these two measurements is 9, therefore your cup size is DD.
Add 4 to the under bust measurements (29+4= 34)
your bra size should be 34DD
Diagram (A)
Diagram (B) - See Below
So What Size Am I Continued
This will help you find your cup size
If the difference between these measurements is:5 inches This is your cup size A
6 inches B
7 inches C
8 inches D
9 inches DD
10 inches E
11 inches F
12 inches FF
13 inches G
14 inches GG
15 inches H
16 inches HH
17 inches J
18 inches JJ
Wonderbra on YouTube
10-11-06 Jr. Jersey T-Shirt
Price: 23.99 
10-11-06 Dark T-Shirt
Price: 23.99
10-11-06 Women's Tracksuit
Price: 59.99
Wonderbra Light Lift Plunge Demi Gel Push-up Bra (6326)
Contour, light gel push-up bra. Shimmering microfiber. Graduated gel liquid padding for a dramatic enhancement. Amazing light gel for a natural feel. Adjustable back straps. 3 column, 1 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Captivating Gel Push-up Bra (6671)
Underwire, push-up, contour cups. Seamless, smooth fabric. Demi cups provide full support and moderate coverage. Push-up pads create dramatic cleavage. Pretty floral embroidery at side wings and center gore. Flattering and seductive plunging neckline. Stylized, stretch front straps. Back adjustable, non-stretch straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Shape of Hot Push-up Bra (10614)
Seamless, underwire bra. Smooth microfiber. Padding along sides of cups brings cleavage together. Seductive, plunging neckline. Stitch-free wings for a sleek look under clothes. Tagless for comfort. Close-set adjustable straps won't slip. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure. Wonderbra: your not-so-secret weapon has yet another phenomenal bra for you. Inspiring; creates va-va-va-volume and enviable cleavage. Slip it on and watch as this innovative design brings your curves front and center!
Wonderbra Light Lift Front-Close Demi Gel Push-up Bra (6343)
Contour, light gel, push-up bra. Shimmering microfiber. Underwire, demi cups provide comfortable support. Graduated gel liquid padding for a dramatic enhancement. Fully stretch, adjustable back straps. Non-adjustable front closure.
Wonderbra The Wonder of Gel Seamless Satin Gel Push-up Bra (2769)
Seamless, underwire, contour cups. Sleek, smooth fabric. Graduated push-up foam gel pads for a natual shape. Pretty lace detail at center gore. Adjustable back straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Strapless Wonder Deep Plunge Push-up Bra (5461)
Graduated padding for natural-looking enhancement. Seamlessly constructed of microfiber. Stretch foam lined cups for a subtly enhanced shape. Amazing deep plunge push-up shape. Sexy one-piece back stays in place. Stretch, adjustable straps are removable. Convertible to criss-cross and halter. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Lace Embrace Push-up Bra (9198)
Seamed, underwire, contour cups. Stretch microfiber. Lightly padded cups provide subtle enhancement. Push-up pads create dramatic cleavage. Floral embroidered lace overlay on cups. Pretty bow on non-stretch center gore. Adjustable back straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Forever Smooth Push-Up Underwire Bra (8569)
Seamless contour, push-up bra. Smooth, stretch fabric. Demi cups with underwire provide comfortable support. Sexy lace band. Back adjustable, stretch straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Wonderbra Uprising II Push-up Underwire Bra (10279)
Seamless, contour bra. Shimmering, stretch nylon. T-shirt bra - virtually disappears under thin fabrics. Underwire, demi cups provide comfortable support. Push-up pads for enhanced cleavage. Criss-cross detail at center gore. Tagless for comfort. Fully adjustable straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Wonderboost 3rd Degree Strapless Bra (1690)
Underwire, seamless cups, removable cookies. Fully convertible bra. Removable straps. Plunge front. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Seamless Plunge Underwire Bra (6601)
Contour, molded bra - lined, shaped, underwire cups. Seamlessly constructed of soft, stretch microfiber. Stretch foam lined cups for a natural-looking shape. Non-stretch center provides additional support. Sweet flower detail on center gore. Stretch, back adjustable straps. 4 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Wonderbra Elegant Wonder Modern Push-Up Bra (8898)
Seamless, underwire, contour cups. Stretch nylon. Demi cups provide moderate coverage and support. Graduated push-up pads for natural-looking enhancement. Non-stretch center provides additional support. Pretty appliqu; detail with scroll design on cups. Adjustable back straps. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Wonderbra Shape of Hot Lace Push-up Bra (10802)
Seamless, underwire bra. Smooth microfiber. Padding along sides of cups brings cleavage together. Foam-lined to prevent show-through. Pretty lace on side of cups, front straps and center. Seductive, plunging neckline. Stitch-free wings for a sleek look under clothes. Tagless for comfort. Rigid front straps, adjustable back straps. Converts to criss-cross. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure. Wonderbra: your not-so-secret weapon has yet another phenomenal bra for you. Inspiring & creates va-va-va-volume and enviable cleavage. Slip it on and watch as this innovative design brings your curves front and center!
Wonderbra Light Lift Convertible Gel Push-up Bra (9947)
Seamless, underwire, contour cups. Smooth microfiber. Graduated gel push-up pads for dramatic enhancement. Seductive, plunging neckline. Pretty lace wings. Adjustable straps. Partially converts to criss-cross and halter. 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure.
Bare Necessities Bra Saver #174; Accessory (4809)
Cylinder washer bag. Prevents crushing of padded and underwire bras. Designed to allow thorough washing and rinsing.
Forever New Delicate Fabric Wash - 32 oz Accessory (2936)
Promotes longer life in all fine washables. Gently cleans and brightens. Non toxic and biodegradable. Leaves no soap residue. Not tested on animals.
Fashion Forms Invisible Bra Straps, 3 Pairs Accessory (641)
Lightweight and comfortable, clear bra straps. Use when you don't want bra straps to show. Works with any bra with removable straps. Lightweight and comfortable, Invisible Bra Straps are convenient to use for those times when you don't want bra straps to steal the show. Package includes 3 pairs of clear straps with white hooks, nude hooks and black hooks.
Fashion Forms 3 Hook Soft Back Bra Extenders 6-Pack Accessory (1696)
Perfect to extend the size of your favorite bra. Includes 2 black, 2 nude and 2 white extenders. Adds inches of comfort for half ¾hard to find sizes. Available in 1, 2, 3, or 4 hook. Convenient multi-pack
Pure Style Girlfriends Bump-A-Cup Half Cup Bra Insert Accessory (9591)
Bra inserts. 100% smooth silicone. Demi cup for subtle enhancement. So light you'll forget you have them on. Insert on the side or below the breast to add size. Waterproof - perfect to wear with a bikini. Want to turn heads with a bit of cleavage? Tuck these inserts into your braor in your bikini top. They're waterproof silicone, pliable and warm to the touch. Wear them beneath or beside your breasts. Say goodbye to padded bras!
Pure Style Girlfriends Pick-Me-Up Breast Lift Tape Accessory (9589)
Breast lift tape. Hypoallergenic, surgical-grade tape. Lays flat under your clothing. Fits A - D cups. Perfect for strapless, backless and halter styles. Waterproof and sweatproof. 3 pairs in each box. Use with Secret Weapon for a flawlessly smooth look. Get up to two inches of gravity - defying lift! Simply place over your breast and pull up. Voila! The area that goes over your nipple is non-adhesive so it won't hurt when you pull off the tape. Pick Me Up Breast Lift Tape gives a new meaning to uplift.
Bare Necessities Large Lingerie Wash Bag Accessory (10132)
Mesh lingerie bag. Protects delicate undergarments in the wash. Prevents snags, tangles and tears. Easy zipper closure. Convenient size - perfect for traveling. Protect your delicates! This indispensable mesh lingerie bag is a larger size - so none of your favorite styles have to be left out!
Commando Nipple Concealer Adhesives Accessory (7660)
Headlights are for carslow beams are for you. 5 pairs of nipple concealers. Medical grade adhesive. Use with or without a bra. Perfect for everyday wear. With low beams, you are back in the drivers seat, free from the glaring side effects of blasts of cold air. By simply applying these ouch-less center, latex free adhesives, your winning smile will be the only thing stopping traffic!
To Boost Or Not To Boost?
Well? What do you think? Should women wear padded, uplifting bras to enhance their busts or should they wear something that provides a more natural shape?
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Leave your WONDERful comments here :)
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JaguarJulie wrote...
Isn't life funny the way things happen? Ah, to think back to that day when I came home from school to find grandma Julia Nagy had hung my training bra with wonderbra type insert on the clothes line down her basement. YIKES. Today, the shoe is on the other foot and I don't SEEM to need that wonderbra -- but cheers for the inventors that have helped many a woman! ;)
Posted May 13, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
You know, I can't help but think how I could have used a Wonderbra when I was just into my teens -- not so today, but sorry -- no detailed pics! ;)
Posted April 27, 2009
alteredkat wrote...
very informative...well researched...loved the funny pics...thanks btw for stopping by my "how to reuse old toothbrushes" lens...I appreciate it!
Posted January 13, 2009
dc64 wrote...
This is great. I'm one of those who needs the Wonderbra. What a difference!
Posted December 24, 2008
AndyPo wrote...
Excellent lens. I didn't know that they had been around so long. I should look into this subject some more.
Posted November 25, 2008
blujeanmomma wrote...
Wow, you've got a lot of information on the wonder bra. I prefer to use a minimizer myself but I can see why the wonder bra has been so popular over the years.
Posted November 09, 2008
aj2008 wrote...
Back for another visit and I just love the cartoon at the top. Looking forward to your new lenses.
Posted November 09, 2008
lisadh wrote...
I'm more of a fan of sports bras, but you get 5* from me for providing more history on the Wonderbra than I ever could have imagined. :-)
Posted November 01, 2008
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
Fun idea for a lens. ;) Who knew the wonderbra had roots back as far as 1935?
Posted September 25, 2008
ThomasC wrote...
For some reason i found this lens very interesting! lol May have been the images! Blessed it for you!
ThomasC
Posted September 24, 2008
Gordon_Hamilton wrote...
I can tell you have put a lot of work in to this lens. Absolutely fantastic! Only problem I have is...how do I tell my other half (discreetly!!) that she may wish to have a look at it...???
Posted September 17, 2008
EverythingMouse wrote...
Great lens!
You have been Blessed by a Squid Angel
Posted September 12, 2008
JaguarJulie wrote...
Say hi to Tony for me will ya! Ha, what a great lens -- yes, hope you sell lots of these as many can use them. FYI, I'd suggest that you edit the module 'So What Size Am I Continued' to show the inches and the cup sizes together. 5***** or cup size EEEEE
Posted September 09, 2008
poddys wrote...
Very detailed, this is a great lens. I hope it does well for you. 5*****
Posted September 01, 2008
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Great Lingerie websites
Some great online stores selling gorgeous lingerie.
- Figleaves, Lingerie, bras, briefs and swimwear
- Find the world's best lingerie at figleaves.com - lingerie, swimwear, hosiery, sleepwear and men's underwear from over 250 leading international brands
- Beautiful Lingerie From La Senza
- Offers designer ladies underwear, lingerie with a measuring guide.
- Knickerpicker, Lingerie, bras, thongs, knickers and swimwear
- Try on lingerie at knickerpicker.com the worlds first online video dressing room - lingerie, bras, swimwear, knickers, thongs, sportswear and nightwear from ...
- Bras, thongs and nightwear from Luxury French Lingerie
- A collection of fine lingerie from many designer labels such as Lejaby, Aubade, Lise Charmel, Marie Jo, Gossard and Calvin Klein. Based in the UK.
- The Official Site for Victorias Secret
- Victoria's Secret - Shop the world's most glamourous bras, sexy sleepwear, lingerie and swimwear. Women's fashion clothing and apparel, shoes, cosmetics
- Breasttalk, The one stop website for everything you need to know about lingerie, particuarly bras
- Great website containing not only sales pages but also how to measure, how to self examine, forums and so much more.
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