Edwardian Era Underwear

Just like all other things, the Edwardian period underwear was also held in high esteem due to the high sense of fashion possessed by the ladies of this era. The S figure was highly in demand and this led to some abnormalities with the figure.

The corsets of this era were thus geared towards achieving the perfect S shape; the dream of every woman of this era; with overflowing breasts, a thin waist and heavy hips. The corsets were designed such that this ideal figure was achieved. It tortured the flesh of these women but they insisted on having the ideal figure- the S figure.

Health Corset

During the initial period, from 1890 to 1900, the health corset was popularized by Mme. Gaches-Sarraute from Paris. The corsets of this era were designed in a way to protect the vital organs of the women. Previous corsets lay too much stress on the abdomen region. This corset pushed the abdomen up the body instead of pushing it down like the previous corsets.

S Bend
It was after this that the trend of the S shaped corset came. It continued till 1907. The ideal shape was of a kind of corset that thrust the breasts out, pushed the abdomen back in to reveal a hand size waist and threw the waist back. The craze of achieving the perfect S figure grew up with the rise of maids who were easily available to help women with Edwardian underwear.

Mono Bosom
The general impression of the bust was that it was one piece of a huge breast which hung low over their thin waists. The craze grew so much that ladies began to use various bust bodices which heavily supported their breasts. Padding was added so that the bust looked larger.

Sometimes ladies even put handkerchief inside their bodices to make their busts appear larger. The use of the bust bodice was the earliest form of bra in Europe.
1907 Onwards

After 1907, the corset became straighter and stress was given to one long slim silhouette than the S curve. The corset was worn above the waist but reached to the thighs. Elastic gusset inserts were added as a way to increase the comfort of the wearer. But gradually with the development of the long slim dresses that extended to the knees, these corsets were extended to the knees. This made sitting difficult.

In short the Edwardian underwear of tight corsetry was a symbol of the luxurious class women who did not do any work at home or outside.