Museum Ref: A48
Summary Dated 1900-1905
Button front children’s corset constructed in a single layer of dove grey sateen coutil. Double back lacing supported with flat steel bones on the outer edges of the eyelets. Seams are covered with single casings of coutil encasing the boning to the exterior of the garment. The top and lower edges are bound and the top edge features a lace trim. The button to the lower sides of the corset would have held up other lingerie items such as drawers, stockings or petticoats.
Most children wore stay bands until around the age of 8 years, when girls would go to specifically designed corsets. The Double laced back panel and adjustable over the shoulder straps allows for some growth and development of the body. Almost all corsets for children would feature adjustable elements. Although the corset appeared heavily boned, there was no attempt to define or create a waist reduction for the wearer. The emphasis was on supporting the body.
SEARS CATALOGUE: Dr Ball’s Perfect Fitting Misses Corset, an ideal for growing girls
C1890 Corset Advert Ferris Bros. Good Sense Corset Waists
1892 Corset Ad Ferris Bros. Good Sense Corset Waists
1897 Corset Ad Ferris Bros. Good Sense Corset Waist
References
Olian, J (2003) Children’s Fashions 1900-1950 As Pictured in Sears Catalogues. Mineola, N.Y. Dover Publications