Girdle

A girdle is a foundation garment that shapes the waist, hips, and thighs. Popular from the 1920s-1960s, girdles often included garter straps for holding up stockings.

History

• Replaced corsets in 1920s
• Essential 1940s-60s garment
• Declined with pantyhose (1960s)
• Now vintage/specialty item

Types

• Panty girdle - brief style
• Open-bottom - no crotch panel
• Long-leg - extends to thigh
• High-waist - tummy control

Features

• Firm control panels
• Built-in garter straps
• Hook/zip closures
• Power mesh construction

Girdle + Stockings

Before pantyhose, women wore girdles with attached garters to hold up stockings. This combination was standard daywear, not lingerie.

Modern Equivalents

• Spanx and shapewear
• Control briefs
• High-waisted shapers
• Vintage reproductions