Sir,–The various correspondence published from time to time in your journal has often been disputed, especially in regard to the different phases of fashion which women have been slaves to in bygone days, nevertheless, your recent Fashion Number should have set all doubtful minds at rest.
It is pleasing to note that in this particular number referred to you deal very exhaustively with this question. I have in front of me an old journal published in the year 1896, and in it an article on the (then) fashions which is most interesting.
The writer even goes to the extent of advocating tight-lacing for women, and there are several illustrations of various types of corsets which were recommended for various types of figures.
It is inconceivable to me how women lived in those days, enveloped in stays which squeezed and pinched them in until they looked as though they would break in two.
In this journal one type of corset is particularly noticeable. It had both front and back lacing and enormous spoon busks. This was described as “most suitable for training young girls” and an excellent “discipline corset.”
Another type which called for comment was referred to as the “duchess.” This corset had no front opening at all, but was all made in one piece with a thick steel running up the centre. One can well picture the business of getting in and out of this kind of stay.
This was actually recommended for girls and women who desired to cultivate a very high heel on their footwear as it “kept the figure stiffly erect,” so the journal states.
I am fairly well on in years, but I cannot remember ever seeing or knowing of any lady who went to that extent in the matter of her stays, although I can remember some female relations of mine complaining one day that they had been pulled in too tightly and that their corsets were very trying and irksome.
These girls rode horses, and I know for a fact that they wore special steel corsets for the purpose and that their habits were made to fit a certain waist measurement. One can imagine the discomfort they must have endured.
No! I do not think our women-folk will return to hideous long skirts, and pinched in waists.
Yours very truly,
J. FOSTER.
Hong Kong.