Dear Sir,–I have been very interested in reading the controversy waging in your interesting and amusing paper, on the subject of wearing corsets.
The writer of the letter signed “Natural Figure” realizes, I am sure, that nothing is more beautiful than the natural figure if it is perfect, or nearly approaching perfection.
But all lovers of beauty in form and line must regret the imperfect figures one sometimes sees made obvious by the clothes off to-day and lack of proper corseting.
Although not an advocate of extreme tight lacing, I have been a student of anatomy, and I have never come across a case where moderate lacing of a properly made corset has had detrimental results. In fact, I consider that in nearly all cases the health is improved by the wearing of a corset, if it made with due consideration to anatomy. I know two men, even, who through being delicate in their youth and lack of proper exercise, were round shouldered and narrow chested, whose health and appearance have been marvellously improved through their wives insisting that they should wear corsets. I, myself, was induced to wear a corset some two years ago, and in every way my health has improved.
There is no question of effeminacy in mine or in the other cases I know of, and the results have certainly been beneficial.
In times past, I have known several ladies who have worn tight-laced corsets, and who have known no bad results when these corsets were properly made to fit their figures, and this is essential. “Natural Figure” asks your male readers to draw a belt in round the waist tightly for an hour and then forward his candid opinion as to whether he thinks it healthy or comfortable. This is not the same thing at all, as it compresses and pushes out of place before lifting. I hope I have not imposed too greatly on your space,
Yours faithfully,
“E.C.”