The word "brassiere" was gradually shortened to "bra" in the 1930s. The term brassiere is a Norman French word to describe a child's undershirt. Women are also provided with an annual financial entitlement for the purchase of brassiere undergarments. Steel-laced corsets were dropped in favour of the brassiere. Brassiere band size is measured below the breasts, not at the bust. The gown is worn over a full-length half-slip and a brassiere. The diagonal slash offered a better fitting brassiere without elastics, and became a competitive advantage. One strap of the brassiere was broken. Constructing a properly fitting brassiere is difficult. In the 1970s, Newmar received two U.S. patents for pantyhose and one for a brassiere. It is worn over a full-length half-slip and a brassiere. In the video, Madonna sported a brassiere designed by Agent Provocateur. Phillips is code named "High Pockets" for her habit of stashing items in her brassiere. Since a brassiere must be laundered frequently, easy-care fabric was in great demand. When she reaches the point of removing her brassiere, she holds back.