1940s vintage ivory satin long line camisole bra by Edith Lances is meant to be shown off & fully accent your curves. The front of the bra is satin, overlaid at the neckline and between the breasts by 1-inch wide scalloped floral lace sewn over the ruching.
The front also features elegant seams in lieu of stays, which form a diamond pattern or "widow's peak" of supportive fabric in the center below and between the breasts. What is really incredible is the workmanship as the unlined underside of the bra shows these are actually French seams - see pix.
This style of "camisole" bra was advertised by Edith Lances in 1948 - see pic of ad - and notice the the structure of the bra, which matches the structure of this bra. The ad states that version is make of cotton broadcloth - so it's apparent they also made an upscale, more elegant version & this is IT.
The ad says the bra is too pretty to hide & suggests women wear it under a peek-a-boo blouse (sheer chiffon blouse) to show it off.
The matching champagne ivory straps are 1/2" wide and are attached in front at the peak of the breast cups and in back to the netting with pillow tabs.
The satin front is attached to the stretchy netted back, with French seams, of course. There is elastic sewn in the bottom of the netting around the rib cage and it still has lots of stretch.
The back of the bra is made of netted fabric with is a blend of rayon, cotton and rubber (see tag). This I'm sure is for extra "breath-ability". ( The bra is a bit too large for the mannequin )The back
is secured with a double set of 9 hook & eye closures on cotton and hidden by an overlay of netting.
This bra is in excellent vintage
condition though there is a tiny "rust" spot on the hidden cotton band with hooks & eyes though this is not visible from the outside, as well as a very faint bluish tint on the left side of the satin - see pix.
The bra has not
yet laundered & will leave it to the new owner to decide how best
to care for it.
Made in the USA, ILGWU label.
FABRIC:
Front/Body: 57% Nylon/43% Cotton
Back/Elastic Netting: 52% Rayon/24% Cotton/24% Rubber