Corsetry 101: Definitions

Definitions: Sundry Garments

This section covers a variety of garments which don't fit comfortably into any of the other sections.

Hipslips

These garments are a cross between a slip and an OBG. They have a crotch piece to try to keep them down, but have no suspenders. They were introduced in the late eighties, but never seem to have become particularly popular, probably because they tend to ride up. They are available in versions corresponding to full slips, with bra cups, and half slips.

The Bodyshaper Skirt on the left is a straight tube with the top folded back down to provide additional slimming over the waist. It has no bones and no crotch piece.

Waist whittlers

Effectively these are short elasticised corsets. They usually have a hook and eye closure at the back. The examples I have seen use relatively lightweight elastic, and are not remotely comparative with a proper corset. Recently a variety of hybrid garments which combine a shaper panty with a waist whittler have been introduced.

Unfortunately the old idea that foundation garments should be attractive seems to have been forgotten, and many of these garments are outstandingly ugly.

Shoulder braces

In the Victorian era great emphasis was placed on deportment, and parents went to incredible lengths to ensure that their daughters met the requirements of the day. One of these was that they should stand upright, with a straight back and with their head up and their shoulders back. It was not uncommon for young ladies to spend substantial periods with boards tied to their backs to force them to walk with the correct posture. Traces of this attitude persisted for much of last century, and the major stock catalogues showed a variety of improbable garments under the title of shoulder braces. I have never met anyone who wore -- or, more correctly, admitted to having worn -- these, and I have no idea how many were sold.

The garment on the top left claims Stand straighter, feel better and features a Thermax back panel to provide therapeutic thermal support by retaining comforting heat next to your body.

Back support body briefer JC Penney 1993

The garment above right helps hold shoulders straight while supporting back. Crisscross in the back helps pull shoulders back. Reinforced with light boning for extra support. Front hooks.

The garment lower left is a quite attractive firm control briefer. Of all these garments, it is the only one which looks as if it might really do the job claimed.

The garment lower right Supports a tired back while gently correcting back and shoulder slouch. Slims waist and tummy. Controls derriere without visible girdle bulge. Wear it with your own bra.

On the face of it, it would seem unlikely that the very thin shoulder straps would be able to do anything to counter shoulder slouch. However one reader suggested that they work because the shoulder straps cut in, and are very uncomfortable, if you slouch forward.

Posture belts

In the same section as the shoulder braces the catalogues usually have unisex posture belts. These perform much the same function as waist whittlers, but are sold as unisex garments, and usually have a much more utilitarian appearance. They are simply a strip of elastic, sometimes with bones to prevent them rolling over, with either a Velcro fastener or several rows of hooks and eyes.

Surgical corsets

Elastic garments in various forms are widely used in surgery today, and some of the most impressive garments on the market fall into this category. Patients are expected to wear support stockings after most types of surgery, burns victims wear elastic garments for long periods to promote smooth healing of the new skin, and various forms of girdle are worn after many forms of plastic surgery to improve the final appearance.

Surgical garments often have multiple zips to make them easier to put on and remove, and can be purchased to provide support to practically any part of the body.

A number of firms produce made-to-measure garments for specific purposes.

Swimwear

Many mature women are more concerned about their figures when they are on the beach than anywhere else, and may wear firm control swimsuits although they don't wear a control garment at any other time. These one-piece bathers claim to incorporate a 'full corselette'. They are probably as firm as most of today's bodysuits.

More swimsuits

The Art of Corsetry   Ed: Bunyip Bluegum