Mary Phelps Jacob invented the modern brassiere in 1913.
In our 2015 gallery on fashions and styles, I pointed out some of the timeline highlights related to clothing, fashion and styles in history. Here are a few more:
This is me at age 6 wearing my "gosomewhere" shirt. I called it that because when Mom told me to put it on, we were going to 'go somewhere' interesting. Makes perfect sense. * According to inventors.com, Thomas Hancock patented elastic way back in 1820. Hancock also invented the 'masticator,' a machine that shredded rubber into fine pieces that could be reused for other purposes ... like elastic.
* Albert Parkhouse patented his wire coat hanger in 1903 after first fashioning the item himself for use by his fellow employees at the Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company in Jackson, Mich.
* Mary Phelps Jacob invented of the modern brassiere in 1913. As a substitute for corsets that featured whalebone and support rods, she took two silk handkerchiefs and, with help from her maid, sewed them together using some pink ribbon and cord.
* Polyester was invented in 1941 in part to provide an alternative to natural fabrics, which were rationed during World War II.
MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey
* According to harpersbazaar.com, the miniskirt, actually first referred to as a "minidress," made its debut at Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 30, 1965.
Here's a gallery of some of the fashions and styles we New Jerseyans have worn through the last 152 years (yes, we have a photo from 1864.) Make sure you have captions enabled to read all about these classic photos.
Can't get enough? Here's a link to our 2015 fashion gallery.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.