Corset Cover
Brassiere 1905-1913
We have pleasure in placing before our readers the reduced model of a corset cover, which will be found very useful to ladies who are constantly wearing blouses. It is cut on the principle of a bodice, and is therefore fitted to the figure; it is boned with whalebone at the front in such a way that the bones may be removed for washing purposes.
The wearing of corset covers prevents dark corsets being seen through light blouses.
Sometimes they are made from coloured muslins, but, as a general rule, white is mostly used. When cutting from the material, the front and the back parts are both put on the straight edge, so that the bias comes at the side seams.
In making-up, the seams are sown together in the ordinary way, and then top-stitched.
Bone cases are marked on the pattern. Eyelet holes are put in the front to enable it to be fastened down on to the corset. Add strings, one of which passes through the buttonhole and ties in front. The top of the back is fastened with ordinary button and hole.
For young girls who participate in gymnastic and other exercises, this will be found an excellent substitute for corsets, especially when made from a little thicker material.
This model will produce a garment suitable for a figure 40 breast, and 24 waist. There is no provision made for the seams.
This Corset cover-brassiere most probably dates to around 1913, but could be from as early as 1905, there are similar styles available in catalogs from both of those years. As the bust level of the corset dropped to a lower level, and thus was not very supportive to the bust, it became necessary for women to wear something for support.
“The more general use of the low bust corset will bring forward more strongly than ever the claims of the brassiere, both as a separate article and in combination with the knickerbocker. New designs in brassieres, boned and unboned, are appearing in fall lines. Much development is expected in these accessories.”
August 28, 1909 Dry Goods Economist, v.63 p.11 41
The long pointed bodice is an unusual feature, as most brassieres during this time span, and later, were either cut straight across the front, or had a very short point, with a tape attached to the front which had a metal clip which attached to the corset clasps to prevent it from shifting. This pattern has a similar closure system to the 1913 Spirella brassiere seen below.
A 367 Brassiere, of fine white cambric or of black lawn, trimmed with lace and ribbon; sizes 32 to 46 inch bust, in medium or long waist. 98 cents
Macy’s Fall-Winter 1905-06 Catalog (US)
Spirella brassiere. style 113 is designed to be used as a corset cover, having slight confining features. Made only in rival batiste, suitably trimmed. Has Spirella boning in front. Closes in the back with a button and tape loop. Reinforcement under arms to protect the garment at point of wear.
These garments are made long enough in front to slip under the skirt band, preventing the skirt from soiling corset; comes about to the waist line in the back. The back is adjusted by means of a button at the top and controlled at the bottom by tapes which pass around the body and tie in the front.
Spirella’s 1913 Accessories Catalog (US)