Dear Sir,– Some three years ago I read a most interesting article in a magazine on the cult of the elongated or stove-pipe waist. I learned that, although the fashion did not catch on to any extent in England, it was very popular for some time on the Continent and in America. My aunt, with … Continue reading Cultivating the Stove-Pipe Waist
Dear Sir,–May I be allowed a little further space in your most interesting paper to add to my letter of a week or so ago regarding tight-lacing? I was much impressed with the letter “Elsie J.” in your issue of November 12th last (which I had not before me at the time I wrote my … Continue reading Scientific Corsetting
SHOULD MEN WEAR CORSETS? Dear Sir,–I shall be very much obliged if you would publish this in your correspondence columns, and also any opinions of fellow-readers on the subject. As a male corset-wearer for some years, I have just been told that it is an injurious habit, but I am very averse to discontinue wearing … Continue reading Should Men Wear Corsets?
Dear Sir,–The correspondence on tight-lacing is very interesting, but even when tight corsets were the rule, a 14in. waist was the exception. I was in a shop doing a good class corset trade during the period 1902-6 and I remember that the best selling sizes then were 21’s and 22’s. Very few young ladies would … Continue reading Fashions in Tight-Lacing
Dear Sir,–I think it was Shakespeare who wrote of the seven ages of man. One can divide woman in her devotion to her corsets into seven ages also, Age No. 1: Babyhood–when she makes her first acquaintance with her corsets in the form of a binder. Age No. 2: Early childhood–when a buttoned bodice is … Continue reading The Seven Ages of Corset Wearers
Dear Sir,–A great lover of tight lacing myself, I have noticed lately, with great pleasure, signs which announce an nearly return to the wasp-waist. This is proved by the fact that corset manufacturers refer to the new styles as “a return to the feminine curves,” also the tucked-in jumper, worn inside the skirt, is getting … Continue reading Return to the Feminine Curves
Dear Sir,–Oh! These Jeremiahs, these wiseacres, they are like the poor, always with us. If we do this, or refrain from doing that, or advocate the other whatever it may be, pray pause. Have you considered the effect it will have on your nose, or your liver, or your toes? Do, please, be careful! Did … Continue reading Let Women Dress as They Please
Dear Sir,–Would you kindly allow me a little space in your readers´ page to ask advice? I am eighteen years of age, and am living in lodgings. Having read several letters on the results of tight-lacing, tight-garters, etc., I would like to know of other and safer methods of reducing my too plump figure. I … Continue reading Wanted: Advice on Figure Reduction
Dear Sir,–The “stem” or “Stove-pipe” waist was attained by only very few of the most enthusiastic tight-lacers when small waists were desired and fashionable, about 1905 and 1906. And because of the extreme severity, was seldom seen in public. I have a description of the corset and method of lacing, which I am sure will … Continue reading How the “Pipe-Stem” Waist was Trained
Dear Sir,–I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much we are enjoying “London Life,” particularly the correspondence pages. Each number that reaches us is eagerly scanned for letter dealing with tight-lacing, for we have two fair devotees to the cult here, who are making regular reductions in their waists, though very gradual. … Continue reading The Cult of the Corset