Pretty Corset Ads from The Delineator, 1905.

I’ve been working on and off on a new pattern that I started last year.  No, it’s not a corset, but I will say that the late 1890s and early 1900s are inspiring me a lot lately in view of this project.

Here’s some very pretty corset ads from the November 1905 issue of The Delineator to share with you.
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This ad is beautifully drawn, but also kind of humourous.  If only this lady knew her corset was visible to the outside world by her shadow!  I’ll gladly take her jacket and hat, too.

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I absolutely adore the line art drawings of this period.  The ones on this WB Corsets ads are so beautiful and romantic, especially with the cute little cherubs and garlands of flowers, and the beautiful gathers and bows on the lingerie.

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If you’re interested in making underwear of this period, Truly Victorian has recently come out with an S Curve corset pattern and an Edwardian Lingerie pattern.  Heather’s patterns are amazing- I’m a big fan and customer, so I can’t recommend them enough. I have purchased both patterns and they’re in my stash just waiting to be made.  Images like these make me wish I had time to start them!

4 Comments on Pretty Corset Ads from The Delineator, 1905.

  1. Eileen
    October 28, 2012 at 2:13 pm (11 years ago)

    While they are no doubt beautiful those S curve corsets look unbelievably painful to me. I’m fine wearing a standard underbust corset but the way these seem to contort the back . . . YEOWTCH. That being said, the first ad is very clever and lovely! Thanks for sharing with us.

    • Lauren
      October 28, 2012 at 2:48 pm (11 years ago)

      You’re very welcome!
      According to Heather of Truly Victorian’s pattern, a lot of the effect was actually achieved with padding. You’d pad the bust at the front and the hip and rear at the back to help achieve the silhouette. I looked into it a while back when I was researching and found a lot of references to it in period magazines and periodicals, though I’m sure there were some brave (or foolish) souls who relied on tightlacing alone.

  2. The Dreamstress
    November 6, 2012 at 1:40 am (11 years ago)

    And a lot of people simply didn’t achieve the full on silhouette – if you look at photographs of ordinary women, few get the extreme curves that you see in these drawings, just like few of us look like runway models!

    What I love about these ads is that they were so universal – I know the 2nd one at least was also published in lots of NZ newspapers. Even in 1905 the world was small!

    • Lauren
      November 15, 2012 at 11:17 am (11 years ago)

      Great advice! Looking at pictures of ordinary people, and not high society or actresses, really puts fashion history in perspective- especially in regards to silhouette. I should post some more of those soon. :)

      How funny that one was published in NZ as well!

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