Edwardian street style

I was really amazed at the tiny waists. It doesn't look like much from the front, I think because the shirts had so much blousoning, but from the back, wow, the waists are really tiny.

Here's another post with more pics on the same site:
http://rbkclocalstudies.wordpr.....s-fashion-

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I do wonder how much those small waists have to do with corsets. Women's love of fashion back then could actually cause permanent physical damage to their bodies.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/fem.....odies.html

11 years ago

Veteran

Oh thanks for those links! Such fun to look at & I loved the commentary.

I suspect the tiny waists are because they wore corsets from a young age, so the body developed differently under their influence. Even in the 40s/50s, when girdles were still widespread, most of the Hollywood actresses have more of a 'cinched waist' than you'd see now, I suspect from wearing a girdle daily since puberty. (And of course wearing one in the films & photos!)

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Yes, I'm sure that the waists were so tiny because of the corsets. I found it really amazing to see the difference on a real human being in action on the street vs. someone posing in their Sunday best for a family picture.

I think you're right, E, about the girdles being a substitute for the corset for later times and thus creating the same kind of cinched effect. Glad you enjoyed the photos!

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Thistle, the article on the x-rays and corsets is really interesting! Kind of scary.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

So interesting! The photography is so casual for that time period, so different from the un-posed pictures I've seen - usually from out here in the wild wild west. The writer calls the clothing casual also. I have to think about that.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I found the casual nature of the photos very interesting too, Rachylou! Everyone of course looks so dressed up and formal to us, but this was everyday dressing for them.

11 years ago