Three women create sports bra by sewing two jockstraps together

In the late 1970s, Lisa Lindahl’s discomfort while jogging in a conventional bra inspired her and designers Polly Smith and Hinda Miller to create a supportive alternative. After experimenting with prototypes, Smith fashioned a workable design by sewing together two jockstraps. Lindahl and Miller patented the invention and founded Jogbra Inc. in 1979, as women’s participation in sports was growing after Title IX. The sports bra became a lasting piece of athletic apparel, and the company was later acquired by Playtex.