Girdles, Corsets, and Underpinnings

[kamikat]

Does anybody here have a 50's fitted, full slip? I'm going to attempt to make my own pattern for one, since they're always so expensive. My question is this: since they look quite slim through the waist, do they usually have some kind of opening and if so, how is it closed? And, does the fastening add bulk under a dress? I can't imagine having the zip of my slip underneath the zip of my dress.

 

[ShooShooBaby]

Does anybody here have a 50's fitted, full slip? I'm going to attempt to make my own pattern for one, since they're always so expensive. My question is this: since they look quite slim through the waist, do they usually have some kind of opening and if so, how is it closed? And, does the fastening add bulk under a dress? I can't imagine having the zip of my slip underneath the zip of my dress.

i've had vintage slips that zip, and the zipper is on the opposite side of the body from dress-zippers so they don't get in the way.

 

[Miss 1929]

And if the slip is bias cut (even if the dress isn't) you probably won't need an opening at all, it stretches enough to go over the bumps.

 

[Mary]

oh lordy, i just shrunk my vintage cotton bullet bra, now I have one too big and one too small!

Noo! That's awful. I just came across some bras and some corsets from the 40's and 50's. What should I do about them? I need to wash them on monday.

The corsets are pink and one is maybe cotton but the other ones are in a shiny material. The bra's are almost to my bellybutton and one in some cottonlike material and the other in some shiny more plastic looking cloth.

I don't have time to post photos right now but I'll do it in the future if it helps or so.

M

 

[KittyT]

Noo! That's awful. I just came across some bras and some corsets from the 40's and 50's. What should I do about them? I need to wash them on monday.

They shouldn't shrink if you wash them in cold water and let them air dry - unless there's rayon involved.

 

[Mary]

Thank's so much KittyT! Could I do it in a washing machine? I'm so tired of washing in my tub but I guess that's what they did back them all the time.

Hmm. Or I could try to wash the ugliest one in the washing machine first and see if it's comes out ok. Thank you again then I won't experiment with higher tempratures or some "centrifugspinning" of it in the end to get out water.

M

 

[KittyT]

Thank's so much KittyT! Could I do it in a washing machine? I'm so tired of washing in my tub but I guess that's what they did back them all the time.

I would never, ever wash any vintage item - especially not vintage delicates - in a washing machine. Lingerie should always be hand-washed!

 

[Mary]

I would never, ever wash any vintage item - especially not vintage delicates - in a washing machine. Lingerie should always be hand-washed!

Thanks for your advice but I ended up not following it at all. [huh] Don't be mad I appreciate your advice.

I started washing one thing and when that came out fine I continued with the others. So it might work for some things that aren't too delicate.

M

 

[Joie DeVive]

Thanks for your advice but I ended up not following it at all. [huh] Don't be mad I appreciate your advice.

I started washing one thing and when that came out fine I continued with the others. So it might work for some things that aren't too delicate.

M

If you are going to do it, definitely use the delicate cycle, and you might want to consider using lingerie washing bags. If you've never seen them, they are mesh bags, usually with zippered closures that you can wash more delicate items in. It allows washing, but avoids snags and the bag takes more of the rough treatment than the garment. Hand-washing is still the safest way to go, but I will wash some of my (modern) hand-wash-only's on delicate in these bags. It's a real time saver.

 

[Mary]

Thanks Joie DeVive.

I've allready washed them in the handwash program but I think I'll try to find those mesh bags. I would hate if the fastening would tear the lace.

M

 

[Pola Debevoise]

would i be right in buying a waist cincher as apposed to a girdle to minimize my waist without also squishing down my derriere? i want to achieve a real hourglass shape and with my hips just 8 inches bigger than my waist i don't want to loose anything there! any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[KittyT]

would i be right in buying a waist cincher as apposed to a girdle to minimize my waist without also squishing down my derriere? i want to achieve a real hourglass shape and with my hips just 8 inches bigger than my waist i don't want to loose anything there! any advice will be much appreciated!

Yes, that would be your best bet.

 

[PS]

Is there an OBG-type of garment that doesn't have garters?

 

[KittyT]

Is there an OBG-type of garment that doesn't have garters?

Yes, there are lots of them. You need to look for a shaping slip like the ones made by Flexees, Maidenform, Spanx and other brands that are sold at most department stores.

I have never really liked them, though. The control just isn't that firm. You should also note that wearing stockings with a girdle helps to keep it in place and prevent it from riding up.

 

[Laura Chase]

I haven't been reading this thread, so I'm not sure what OBG stands for, but you can buy Rago corselettes with detachable garters and a panty bottom, so it doesn't ride up even if you don't wear stockings. I like that you can also wear them with pantyhose, I've been doing this during the winter.

I bought mine on Girdlebound., although the page seems to be down right now, it'll be up again soon, I'm sure, it was working yesterday.

They are also on Rago's own website.

Model 9057

Model 9051

 

[KittyT]

I haven't been reading this thread, so I'm not sure what OBG stands for, but you can buy Rago corselettes with detachable garters and a panty bottom, so it doesn't ride up even if you don't wear stockings. I like that you can also wear them with pantyhose, I've been doing this during the winter.

OBG stands for "open bottomed girdle"

 

[Laura Chase]

OBG stands for "open bottomed girdle"

Oh okay. I believe Rago also makes open bottomed ones with detachable garters, but like Kitty said, I also imagine them riding up.

 

[AllaboutEve]

I would never, ever wash any vintage item - especially not vintage delicates - in a washing machine. Lingerie should always be hand-washed!

I agree, lingerie new or vintage should never see the inside of a washer or drier or the outside of a radiator! That's my golden rule.

It helps to have a lot of lingerie ( not that I need an excuse to buy more !) I usually do a big lingerie wash by hand every other week then at least I'm not washing out smalls all week!

 

[KittyT]

Oh okay. I believe Rago also makes open bottomed ones with detachable garters, but like Kitty said, I also imagine them riding up.

I've never seen one of those - only the body briefers, panty girdles and waist cinchers have detachables, as far as I know.

 

[Laura Chase]

I've never seen one of those - only the body briefers, panty girdles and waist cinchers have detachables, as far as I know.

Well, anyway, if they don't, the garters should be incredibly easy to take off. But on me, if I took off the garters, it'd ride up to my waist after taking just a few steps. lol