In 1913, Mary P. Jacob, known as Caresse Crosby, patented the modern bra, liberating women from the restrictive corset. This innovation initiated significant social and economic shifts, impacting the traditional corset industry which depended on steel and whalebone. The decline of corset manufacturing led to economic challenges, affecting businesses reliant on these materials. As bras gained popularity, the fashion industry saw a rapid transformation, necessitating adaptation to evolving consumer preferences.