How Sara Little Turnbull Developed The N-95 Facemask Out Of A Bra Design
A brilliant female designer helped conceptualize one of the most widely used items in the world at a time when women were typically not in such positions
In recent years, the N-95 mask has become a staple of everyday life. With the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone has worn one at some point, and seen countless others similarly equipped. The face covering has been invaluable from a health standpoint and numerous other utilities. However, it got its start from Sara Little Turnbull, who helped develop it from a new bra design she was tasked to create.
Born in 1917 to Russian immigrants in Brooklyn, she grew to a height of only 4'11”, earning her the frequent nickname of Little Sara. She apparently liked this moniker; so much so that she later incorporated it into her name and went by Sara Little Turnbull professionally.
Turnbull was a design consultant working for the 3M company in 1958 for their gift wrap and fabric division. She was tasked with working with Shapeen, a non-woven material crafted from polymers, primarily used to make decorative ribbons. She became intrigued by the way the material molded to forms and began to see numerous possibilities for its utility.
