12 things you didn't know were invented by women

Mary Phelps Jacob Inventor of the Modern Brassiere 
Imagine putting on an excruciatingly tight vest stiffened with whalebones and steel rods that poke into your torso, holding your upper body in an unnatural, agonizing position. Does this sound like some kind of medieval torture device? Not quite. In the early part of the 20th century, women’s undergarments were barbarous, awkward and very unhealthy for the wearer. Enter Mary Phelps Jacob, a young New York socialite who became exasperated with the antiquated corsets after finding it impossible to prevent the support rods from poking out from underneath the fabric of her evening gown. Determined to create a more comfortable, less cumbersome alternative, Jacob took two silk handkerchiefs and, with help from her maid, sewed them together using some pink ribbon and cord. The resulting undergarment was soft and light, and it conformed to the wearer’s anatomy far more naturally than the traditional corsets. Soon requests poured in from family, friends and even strangers, all of whom wanted to purchase the new accessory. Recognizing the immense potential of her invention, Jacob quickly patented the "Backless Brassiere" and began selling the units under the name "Caresse Crosby."