US Patent 7425170 Armature for a brassiere

An armature for a brassiere for a woman have a chest area. A breast projecting from the breast area and a transition area transitioning between the chest area and proximal, intermediate, and distal portions of the breast. The transition area defines a continuous contour. The armature includes an underwire having a distal portion configured to be positioned adjacent the distal portion of the breast, a proximal portion configured to be positioned adjacent the proximal portion of the breast, and an intermediate portion configured to be positioned adjacent the intermediate portion of the breast. The underwire has an unsprung state configured to match the contour of the transition area.