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  • Writer's pictureJace Shoemaker-Galloway

Tube Top Day: Boob Tube fashion craze “busts” out

When you think of the 70s, bell bottom pants, polyester shirts and Disco fever were all in style. But today’s holiday celebrates the introduction of another iconic garment that "busted" out in the 70s. October 8 is Tube Top Day!

The Tube Top

Like many other inventions, the Tube Top was also “invented” by mistake. Legend has it that a manufacturing error resulted in piles of fabric tubes. Murray Kleid, owner of women’s accessories manufacturer S & M Fringing Inc., offered them for $2 each in his store. Fashion designer Elie Tahari saw the tubes and knew they'd be popular. After reselling them for $3 and $4, Tahari sneaked them into a trade show. Without an exhibitor's pass, he set up shop in the trade show hallway and by the end of the day, he had orders for thousands of Tube Tops. And the rest, as they say, is fashion history.

The barely there, snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug, strapless garments, wrap around a woman’s upper body, covering the chest and a portion of the belly. Elastic bands at the top and the bottom hold the “Boob Tube” in place – hopefully. No bras required!

If you still happen to have one hidden in a drawer, why not put on a Tube Top in honor of Tube Top Day? October 8 is also National Pierogi Day!

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