-Does your vintage dress look a little rumpled and puffs out where it’s not supposed to (particularly on the torso)?
-Having trouble getting that boxy 1920s look?
-Does the fabric pucker or droop around the bust?
-Getting some rolls and muffin tops where you don’t want them?
If you’re not wearing the proper foundation, that just might be your problem! As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, the first step to a great (not to mention authentic) vintage look is the foundation.
And the 1960s. Undergarments start going under some massive changes with the addition of Lycra and flexible underwire. Some bras at the time were actually coated with a layer of foam latex rubber. They held their shape well and could stand up on their own. They make for a very unique look let me tell you. As the 60s progress cups begin to soften out. The shape becomes rounder. The extremely pointed bullet bra falls out of fashion and the Girdles of the last twenty years start to disappear. They are replaced by power elastic foundation garments. Some of this is a result of the times. Bra burning comes through during the 60s and though not many women participate, the idea causes some big changes. By the end of the 1960s and early 1970s our modern undergarment shape has been mostly formed. The concept that clothing should fit the woman and not that the woman should fit in the clothing seems to be the general idea. Viva la liberte!
A round of applause and a huge thank you 🙂 This is something that is skipped over FAR too much with vintage sewing!
Nice compilation!
I have to say, though, that "Bra burning comes through during the 60s…" is a myth.
"….and though not many women participate, the idea causes some big changes."
Thus the complete thought.
Thanks for the info–nice to know those tiny 50's waists were completely artificial!!
From what I understand there were no actual bra burning at feminist protests during the time. What actually occurred during those protests was mostly dumping bras, nylons and shapers into trash cans. I was using the term more as an easily recognized description for the "second wave" feminist movement that occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. Thank you though, and it's a good thing to point out. Women weren't standing in the street ripping off their bras and setting them on fire. It is also my general understanding that some women did burn their bras, but certainly not at large public rallies.
I forgot to note in the post, but if anyone doesn't want to sew their own brasseres and would like a link to some great online vintage styled lingerie shops I've got a few. Feel free to send me an email or comment over at my blog and I'll send you some great links.
Fantastic post… thanks for sharing. Sometimes I forget the 'look' is achieved from the foundation up. Monique xx
Very interesting and informative!
Garnet
Great post! I found it fascinating! Thanks!
You really did your research! Thanks for posting such an informative and interesting look at how people used to create their shape and fit into their clothes!