Below are the diagrams and descriptions for Mary Jacob Phelps garment patented November 3, 1914. This item was not designed a breast supporter, rather it goes over the breasts much like a t-shirt or camisole. It was a corset cover, designed to be worn with low cut evening gowns to "cover the top of the corset and hold the wearer in proper form". It is fastened by strings which wrap around the back and tie in the front. No modern bra fastens this way. So, why is Mary Jacob Phelps credited by so many to be the inventor of the modern day bra?
