Underwire for brassiere

A brassiere having a first cup, comprising:

• a first underwire for use in the first cup of the brassiere, comprising:
• a generally arcuate base member having a first side, a second side opposed from the first side, and a length including a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion opposed from the first end portion;
• a first support member having a length shorter than the length of the base member, the first support member disposed on and fixedly attached to the first side of the base member along the central portion of the base member and spaced from the first and second end portions;
• and
• a second support member having a length shorter than the length of the base member, the second support member disposed on and fixedly attached to the second side of the base member along the central portion of the base member and spaced from the first and second end portions;
• wherein the first support member and the second support member are fixedly attached to the base member by a plurality of riveted joints;
• and
• wherein the first and second end portions of the base member have a greater flexibility than a flexibility of the central portion of the base member having the first support member and the second support member fixedly attached thereto.