'Liberty bodice'

As discussed in the main article, liberty bodices were almost standard dress for girls, and often boys as well, in the first half of the 20th century. Although their popularity declined rapidly after the war, they were still quite widely worn until about the 1960s, but I thought they had disappeared completely soon after that. However in August 2005, the Woods online web site* featured this strange garment, which they listed as a ‘ Liberty Bodice’. It appeared in the ‘Traditional Underwear’ shop. The description read:

Long Length Fleecy Lined Liberty Bodice

Order No: LIB960801

Front button fastening. Four adjustable suspenders.

Material: 100% Cotton

Length: 25" (for the taller person - 5" 2" and above)

Colour: White

ONLY size 32" remaining
WHILE STOCKS LAST

 

I was under the impression that liberty bodices were strictly a young person's garment, but something I read elsewhere on the Web suggested that this type of garment was worn by elderly women. It doesn't appear to be intended to offer any support, and the only reason I can think of for wearing it would be to hold up support stockings. Does anyone else know any better?

 

* In late 2007 this garment had disappeared from the Woods website.

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