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Centennial Whirlpool Bra
£59.50 GBP
★ Limited Edition ★ Inspired by the revealing lingerie worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, the Centennial Bra combines the sculpted shape of a classic Hollywood Maxwell whirlpool bra with the barely-there illusion of the ultra sheer “secret” bras used beneath her most daring gowns. Cut in a low balconette style, it is designed to sit perfectly beneath the deep square necklines Marilyn famously favoured both on and off screen.
At a Glance:
| Colour | Vintage peach |
| Style | Soft cup |
| Fabric composition | – Sheer: 100% nylon – Powermesh: 88% Polyamide, 12% Spandex |
| Country of manufacture | India |
📏 We're a small and friendly team here at What Katie Did, and we're always happy to assist you with sizing questions. Our goal is to ensure you find your perfect fit the first time around!
| Band Measurements (middle hook) | Band Measures | Band will stretch to (as worn) |
| Size 32 | 24.5" (62cm) | 31" (73.5cm) |
| Size 34 | 26.5" (67.5cm) | 33" (78.5cm) |
| Size 36 | 28.5" (73.5cm) | 35" (84cm) |
| Size 38 | 30.5" (77.5cm) | 38" (96.52cm) |
The cups are made from a single layer of custom dyed peach denier mesh, creating an exceptionally sheer look while still retaining the structure needed for a distinctly vintage silhouette. Hidden inside the lower cup is a delicate mini sling, inspired by the internal support used in original Hollywood Maxwell whirlpool bras, helping to shape and lift the bust without heavy padding or moulded foam. Concentric circle stitching further enhances the classic mid-century silhouette.
The upper edge of the cups is finished with an intricate hand pleated frill made from the same sheer peach fabric, adding a delicate softness that contrasts beautifully with the precise engineering beneath. At the back, stretch powermesh provides comfort and support while maintaining the bra’s lightweight, barely-there feel.
Like the lingerie that inspired it, the Centennial Bra is designed to create illusion: sheer, sculpted, provocative, and unmistakably mid-century in spirit.
Ethically made in our main lingerie factory in India.
M
This is the bra I have been dreaming of! Hands down the best I ever had. Fit is incredible, it’s beautiful, and comfortable. Only wish the cradle had a lace overlay. Very excited for it to be available in Black!
V
After changing the size from 38DD to 38D its perfect now.
Return / re-order process was very well organised.
High recomendaton
J
Stunning fifties style bra, very delicate with a perfect fit
A
This bra is simply beautiful! The material is comfortable against the skin, and the color is so flattering. My only concern is that the shoulder straps feel a tad short, even when fully extended. Other than that, I love having this bra in my vintage-style wardrobe and would order it in other colors if they were available.
E
The Centennial set is my new favourite. The bra is so stunning, probably my favourite of all times. I was uncertain about the narrow suspender belt since I have always liked how the wider belts smooths things out. But it works better for me than I had hoped for. Being 5'3'' i found the suspender straps a bit long for WKD stockings, but it somehow worked out anyway. And I suppose that with non stretch stockings it will be even better. I don't usually go for thongs but I was pleasantly surprised as it was nothing but comfortable for a whole evening out. I love this set, it will definitely follow me on all vintage events this summer.
Z
Love the shape, the fit, the widely spaced straps, the colour. Would like knickers/briefs to match rather than a thong. Goes beautifully under vintage it modern clothes, in any season. Very, very highly recommended!
Z
As soon as I saw the ad for this i was very excited, my favourite vintage bra is very similar.
The combination of an underwire and circle stitching give an amazing shape and the low cut and wide straps mean it can be worn with low cut dresses.
I am docking a star because I am not the biggest fan of the frill as it shows through knits and thinner fabrics hopeful my slips will smooth it out, the other part is the straps are on the loosest setting but feel very tight.
