Ida Rosenthal facts for kids

Ida Rosenthal was a smart businesswoman and dressmaker. She was born in Belarus but later moved to the United States. Ida is famous for helping to create the modern bra. Her company, Maidenform, grew to become one of the most successful bra makers in the world.

Her Life and Business

Ida was born in 1886 in a town called Rakaŭ, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Her family was Jewish. When she was 18, she moved to the United States to join her fiancé, William Rosenthal. They got married in 1907.

Starting Maidenform

In 1921, Ida and a friend named Enid Bisset opened a dress shop. They noticed that their dresses fit better when customers wore a special kind of bra. This bra became so popular that they started selling it separately! In 1922, their company was officially named Maiden Form, which later became Maidenform.

By 1925, Maidenform opened its first factory in New Jersey. This factory focused only on making bras. Even during the Great Depression, a tough economic time, their company continued to grow. Maidenform bras were sold across the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

Innovations in Bras

Ida and her husband, William, were leaders in creating new bra designs. Maidenform was the first company to sell maternity bras, which are designed for pregnant women. William Rosenthal also helped create a standard for bra cup sizes, making it easier for women to find the right fit.

In 1942, Ida received a special patent for an adjustable bra fastener. This made bras even more comfortable. Maidenform also became known for its famous advertisements, like the "I dreamed... in a Maidenform Bra" campaign.

Helping During World War II

During World War II, Maidenform even helped with the war effort. They designed and made special vests for homing pigeons. These vests allowed soldiers to carry the birds with them when they parachuted behind enemy lines. The pigeons could then carry messages back.

After William passed away in 1958, Ida became the president of Maidenform. She died in 1973 from pneumonia. Her daughter, Beatrice Rosenthal Coleman, later took over the company. Today, Maidenform is part of Hanesbrands, and Ida's granddaughter, Elizabeth Coleman, helps run it.

Giving Back to the Community

Ida Rosenthal was also very involved in charity work. She supported or started many organizations, especially those helping Jewish causes. She and her husband were involved with groups like the Anti-Defamation League and the United Jewish Appeal. The United Jewish Appeal helped Jewish people in Europe during and after World War II.

In 1942, Ida and William gave a collection of Hebrew books to New York University. This collection became known as the William and Ida Rosenthal Collection. They also helped create a special fellowship at the university for students studying Jewish and Hebrew topics.

In 1943, the couple founded Camp Lewis in New Jersey for the Boy Scouts of America. They named the camp after their son, Lewis, who had passed away. This camp is still active today.