The Story Of How Spacesuits Evolved From Bras

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, few people would have guessed that the space suit he wore had its origins. If you ever had the questions of what are space suits made of, I can bet that you didn’t see this coming. Spacesuits were made by a company best known for making bras and girdles. 

The Playtex bra company, famous for undergarments, found itself at the heart of one of the most significant moments in human history. 

This is the fascinating story of how a lingerie company came to play a pivotal role in space exploration, designing the suits that protected the crew of Apollo 11 on their mission to the moon.

Playtex’s Introduction To NASA

In the 1960s, the U.S. space race was in full swing, and NASA had a monumental challenge—creating a spacesuit that could:

• Withstand the harsh environment of space 
• Maintain flexibility for astronauts to move, climb, bend, and turn to be able to get work done while on the moon 
• Protect astronauts from extreme temperatures (over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit) 
• Protect astronauts from cosmic radiation and the vacuum of space

The job was complex, and early attempts by traditional aerospace contractors fell short of expectations. Enter Playtex. 

Known for creating bras and girdles, Playtex had the expertise in crafting garments that provided the right mix of support and flexibility. Their engineers, used to working with soft fabrics and delicate stitching, had a unique understanding of how to shape and layer materials for maximum comfort and durability. 

Though it seemed unconventional for a lingerie company to create spacesuits for NASA, Playtex saw an opportunity to contribute to a historic mission and took on the challenge. 

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The Challenges Of Crafting The Ultimate Spacesuit

Playtext saw a bunch of challenges on its mission to create the ultimate spacesuit. The company faced competition from large, well-established defense contractors like Hamilton Standard. Initially, NASA had selected Hamilton Standard for the Apollo mission spacesuits. However, their designs were rigid and uncomfortable, which led NASA to open the floor for alternative designs.

Playtex engineers got to work, but they faced a daunting task. The spacesuit needed to withstand extreme pressure and temperature changes while remaining flexible enough to allow astronauts to move naturally. It had to be lightweight but durable, with multiple layers of fabric and materials, each performing a specific function.

The team at Playtex, led by engineer Nicholas de Monchaux, approached the problem from a unique angle. Rather than using rigid materials, they focused on a soft, flexible, multi-layered suit that mimicked the fit of their undergarments. 

The design included 21 layers of materials, including synthetics, nylon, rubber, and Teflon, sewn together with precision. The outermost layer of the suit was made of  Beta cloth using teflon-coated glass microfibers to withstand extreme temperatures. 

At the heart of the suit was an inner layer made of nylon tricot—the same fabric used in bras. This layer helped to maintain a comfortable pressure environment for the astronaut’s body, allowing them to move freely while being protected from the dangers of space.

The result? A technological marvel which Neil Armstrong wore on the Moon.

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Innovative Approach To Spacesuit Design

Playtex’s design for the spacesuit broke all the conventions of the aerospace industry. While traditional companies focused on metallic, armored designs, Playtex opted for a human-centric approach that prioritized mobility, flexibility, and comfort. 

One of the most revolutionary aspects of Playtex’s approach was how they integrated a series of flexible joints into the suit, allowing astronauts to move with greater ease. The importance of this flexibility became clear during the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong’s iconic words—“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”—were made possible, in part, because of this suit.

Fun Facts About The Apollo Spacesuits

• Every Apollo spacesuit was meticulously hand-stitched by Playtex seamstresses. The level of care that went into each suit was comparable to that of a custom-tailored suit, ensuring the astronauts’ comfort and safety.
• The cost of the spacesuit was around $100,000 at that time which is equivalent to around $900,000 today.  
• Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit remains one of the most iconic garments in history. It’s currently preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, though it has been through multiple restoration efforts to maintain its delicate fabric and construction.

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The Legacy of Playtex in Space Exploration

Playtex’s involvement in the Apollo missions changed the way the world looked at space travel—and lingerie. The company’s success in creating a spacesuit that was both functional and comfortable made them an essential part of NASA’s team. 

Their innovative approach influenced the design of future spacesuits, and the basic principles of flexibility and multi-layered fabric construction are still used in modern space suits today.

The fact that an undergarment company helped send men to the moon is a reminder that innovation can come from the most unexpected places.