Look N (Maternity Girdle & Bust Flattener)

Description:

In the 1920s, women began to wear bust flatteners, like one shown here, to form their bodies to the boyish tubular silhouette that was considered ideal at the time. Corsalets, which combined the brassiere and girdle, were popular foundation garments used to flatten the abdomen and hips into a smooth, almost imperceptible curve. The girdle featured here was designed for a pregnant woman and is adjustable to accommodate the changing body. Maternity corsets of the 19th century and maternity girdles of the 1920s onward were less tightly laced but still shaped women’s bodies and minimized the appearance of pregnancy.

Attribution:

Unknown

Date:

ca. 1920s-1930s, 1920s

Collection ID:

CCTC #96.29.01, CCTC #2687

Notes:

Gift of Janice Kennedy, Gift of Madeline Blum

Exhibit Tags:

Garments