The modern bra, as we know it today, was invented in the early 20th century. The exact date and inventor of the bra are subjects of some debate, as different versions of breast support garments have been used throughout history. One significant milestone in bra history is the patenting of the brassiere full name of bra by Mary Phelps Jacob in 1914. She designed a garment made of silk handkerchiefs and ribbons, which provided an alternative to the restrictive corsets commonly worn at the time.