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The "Pair of Bodies"
This garment is an example of what a wealthy woman would have worn in the seventeenth century. It is made with pink silk and linen, as well as whale baleen, acting as the structural element of this garment. This particular stays is quite interesting to study as it abnormally has sleeves, although they are detachable, being held on by ribbons. Moreover, this garment shows quite elegantly the detail to attention in the stitching.
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O10446/stays-and-busk-unknown/ -
Caricature of Tightlacing
This caricature portrays the phenomenon of tightlacing, where the woman would hold onto the bedpost while her servant, or in this case her husband, maid, and page-boy tug on the lace. It was common in the late eighteenth century for corsets to be laced tightly however, this was done by a select population and only for specific and high class events.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_2010-7081-2155 -
The Industrial Revolution: A Functional Corset
This particular corset is made by the French fashion house: Maison Léoty. This corset shows quite nicely the addition of metal clasps in order to make it easier for the wearer to dress herself. This corset gives the distinctive shape popular in the nineteenth century: large bust, tiny waist, and billowing hips. This corset would likely be worn by a higher-class woman as the silk would not be conducive to the labour of a working woman.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82433 -
Post-War Shapewear
This girdle and brassiere combination would have likely been worn by many, albeit older women post WW2 as younger women opted to wear a bra and panties. This garment was made in the USA with nylon and rayon, inventions from war rationing. It was also made for and likely bought in a department store. There is even the original packing of a cardboard box included in the collection. The tag also includes a serial number and size. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/98715
