This garment is an authentic mid-century corselette (a combination bra and girdle) likely dating from the late 1930s to the 1940s.
Silhouette Details
- The Body: Smooth, peach-colored satin fabric reinforced with structured vertical panels.
- The Bust: Soft lace cups with decorative geometric top-stitching, bridging the gap between early unstructured 1920s styles and the heavily bullet-shaped bras of the 1950s.
- The Bottom: Built-in elastic garter straps with metal and rubber grips to hold up stockings.
Construction Highlights
- Side Zipper & Hook Closure: The heavy metal zipper closure on the side was a major innovation of the late 1930s. It allowed women to easily step into the shapewear, while a row of hidden internal hooks and eyes kept the tension flat.
- Elastic Side Panels: The woven elastic inserts on the lower sides provided comfort and hip flexibility, a feature that became standard as women took on more active daily roles during the WWII era.