Girdles, Corsets, and Underpinnings

[LolitaHaze]

Mojito and Ohairas... Yeah... when I figured that over the girdles trick, I wanted to slap my head... such an obvious and simplistic answer to a problem! Hahahaha!

 

[MegamiOrchard]

Really sorry if this has been covered already - is there some trick to make stockings less likely to run? Now that I wear seamed stockings, it gets expensive if they only last a few wears!!

 

[LaMedicine]

Really sorry if this has been covered already - is there some trick to make stockings less likely to run? Now that I wear seamed stockings, it gets expensive if they only last a few wears!!

The trick we used in the early 60s was tranparent nail polish. Dab it around the small hole when you've pulled it.

 

[KittyT]

Really sorry if this has been covered already - is there some trick to make stockings less likely to run? Now that I wear seamed stockings, it gets expensive if they only last a few wears!!

Try checking the Seamed Stockings thread for tips. I know I have answered this question more than a few times there, as have other gals.

*Wear gloves when putting on your hosiery.

*Check the inside of your shoes for rough bits that can cause runs.

*Do not walk around without shoes while wearing hosiery.

*Keep your feet and toenails smooth to prevent snags. Putting lotion on your legs and feet before putting on your hosiery can help.

*Use a special hosiery wash to help your stockings retain their elasticity. Wash them before the first time you wear them, and after each wear.

 

[Sunny]

*Check the inside of your shoes for rough bits that can cause runs.

~snip~

*Use a special hosiery wash to help your stockings retain their elasticity. Wash them before the first time you wear them, and after each wear.

I wear seamed stockings for 4-5 days every week. Mine usually last weeks.

The only runs I've ever gotten were from rough spots inside the shoes. One spot can snag and break a single thread; once that happens, not even clear nail polish will stop it. Now I take a nail file to all the rough bits of thread and glue before I wear the shoes. I've never had a snag after doing this.

I wear mine so long that I've literally worn multiple small (1/8") holes in them, usually around the knee. I hever never had a run start from these holes, although I can't imagine why. I used to put clear nail polish on them, but I gave up because it shows more than on modern hose, and it wasn't necessary.

Definitely invest in getting sets of stockings. My favorite thing to do is to win a box of 5-7 pair on ebay; then when I finally run one, I can swap it out and keep going.

Don't tug them on like socks; wad them up in your hands, put your foot in the foot of the stocking, and smooth them up over your leg, straightening the seam as you go.

I wash mine every night with Hosiery Mate (from www.sock-dreams.com, or a department store like JCPenney or Dillard's). It's supposed to help stockings last by literally reinforcing the nylon. I don't know if it's just me, but mine sure last a long time.

 

[Smuterella]

I was just looking at Rago girdles and it looks like I'm a size large. LARGE? is a 30 inch waist large?

*Indignant*

 

[KittyT]

I was just looking at Rago girdles and it looks like I'm a size large. LARGE? is a 30 inch waist large?

No, especially not by modern standards. It may have been back in the 40s and 50s, but I'm no expert. I think Rago uses more traditional sizing instead of submitting to the size inflation that most other companies have instituted.

 

[Smuterella]

No, especially not by modern standards. It may have been back in the 40s and 50s, but I'm no expert. I think Rago uses more traditional sizing instead of submitting to the size inflation that most other companies have instituted.

phew

I feel somewhat mollified, thanks Kitty

 

[SarahLouise]

I was just looking at Rago girdles and it looks like I'm a size large. LARGE? is a 30 inch waist large?

*Indignant*

Yeah as Kitty said it probably was considered larger than the average slim figure ("miss" I think it used to be called? I can't quite remember). A 30 waist was a size 18 back then but obviously women were far smaller. I think a 32 waist and above was considered plus size but I'd have to check in my old catalogues to be sure. I have a 30 waist and even in today's modern clothing that is sometimes considered a large. In the high street shop Zara I am a XXL which is just silly! You'll love the Rago if you get one.

 

[Smuterella]

there are a few ragos and i'm not sure which to get, does any kind come recommended, and style to be discouraged?

 

[KittyT]

there are a few ragos and i'm not sure which to get, does any kind come recommended, and style to be discouraged?

It depends on what you're looking for, personal preference, and what you'll be wearing it under. I would suggest reading back through this thread, as there are literally hundreds of posts on this topic full of recommendations.

 

[Smuterella]

thanks! thats my evening reading sorted then

 

[Smuterella]

OK, I have read and am just about to puchase said girdle - one question for the experts on here, do they come up small or large, i am about a 30.5 inch waist when not sucking in or slouching so would I need a 30 or 32?

 

[KittyT]

OK, I have read and am just about to puchase said girdle - one question for the experts on here, do they come up small or large, i am about a 30.5 inch waist when not sucking in or slouching so would I need a 30 or 32?

A girdle is always going to be quite snug. Go with the closest measurement, though. If you're a 30.5 waist, go with a 30. A 32 will still probably be snug, but a 30 is likely to give you a nicer shape. The only exception here would be if your hips are more than 10" larger than your waist - then go a size up.

Of course, a lot of it is personal preference too. I am still wearing a size 30 panty girdle, even though I've lost close to 3" in my waist since I purchased said girdle, and it's still snug enough to give me a smooth figure.

 

[kamikat]

OK, I have read and am just about to puchase said girdle - one question for the experts on here, do they come up small or large, i am about a 30.5 inch waist when not sucking in or slouching so would I need a 30 or 32?

Go for the 30. They are quite stretchy and would fit. I have an old 30, from back when I was thinner, and it is just now becoming comfortable at a size 31 waist. I would think that the 32 would not suck you in as much as you might be expecting.

 

[kamikat]

When you see measurements for famous actresses, do you think it's their girdled size or natural size? For example, it's said that Jane Mansfield's measurements were 40B, 20W, 36H. Could that 20in waist be natural?

 

[Smuterella]

I doubt it, waists that size only come with training usually

surely

thanks for the advice!

 

[pigeon toe]

I doubt it, waists that size only come with training usually

surely

thanks for the advice!

I doubt it too! Even my slimmest friends only have about 22 inch waists, and hips that are only a few inches bigger.

 

[KittyT]

I doubt it too! Even my slimmest friends only have about 22 inch waists, and hips that are only a few inches bigger.

She could have been close, though. Keep in mind that most women back then were quite a bit smaller than women are today, and take a look at pics of her in bikinis.

In this photo, I doubt she's wearing a girdle under that swimsuit!

But then here's another, where she doesn't look that tiny-waisted:

 

[Smuterella]

if you suck in for a photo it can make such a difference