---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:27:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Anne Foote <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: [h-cost] 20 century corsets with underbelt Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I am looking for help with corsetry 1900 to 1950. I am sure that we all know that 18 and 19 century corsets or stays were made in one or two parts, usually with the busk fastening at the front and laced together at the back. In the early 20 century things got more complicated, an underbelt was added - see the following link http://museums.leics.gov.uk/collections-on-line/GetObjectAction.do?objectKey =272581 I can remember my grandmother wearing a pink (tea rose was the polite name!) corset with an underbelt, around 1960. Can anyone help with the purpose of the this underbelt? I've seen examples where they are rigidly boned, but so too was the corset, so I am not sure why the need for extra support. .....Annie ***************************************** My guess is that the underbelt is not so much for support as to help you put the corset on by yourself - ie to hold it in place while you do up the busk or laces. Much the same principle as the little inside facing button on the top of many modern pairs of trousers (ie it holds the waist closed while you do up the zip/slide fastener). Claire _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
