Here you will find a few examples of undergarments many of which are appropriate for wear with evening dress, from a variety of publications from the year 1914 (illustrations from other years will be added shortly). During this time slender hips were desirable and corsets were worn to help achieve this silhouette. Contrary to popular opinion, all ladies did not shed their corsets during the 1910's. The brassiere also came into use at this time, as the corset was now often cut low enough that it did not fully support the bust.
The following descriptions are given for those who wish to further enhance the accuracy of their period ensembles. The correct undergarments are indispensable for achieving the proper silhouette in any period. (Note: Please be aware that these are original descriptions, so the grammar and spelling may not always be correct by modern standards)
Ladies' undergarment illustrations and original period descriptions follow:
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Figure 1: Princess slip, left-hand model The charming princess slip 6702 is developed as illustrated above in nainsook,
and is trimmed with insertion and with edging in two widths. For a woman of medium
size it will require four yards and three-eighths of material thirty-six inches wide,
twelve yards and one-half of insertion, four yards and one-eighth of wide edging.
A garment of this sort, slim and graceful, is almost indispensable for wear with evening
or party gowns in the present modes. This design is easily fitted to the figure.
The Delineator, February 1914
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Figure 1: Princess slip, right-hand model A delightful design for a princess slip is 6696, developed as illustrated above in
nainsook with insertion, edging and veining. For a woman of medium size will be required three
yards of material forty-five inches wide, with five yards and one-half of insertion and four yards
and three-quarters of edging. Other materials are batiste, long-cloth and cambric, or, for dressier
purposes, crêpe de Chine, China silk, messaline, satin, net, chiffon, mull and lawn. Hand-
embroidery may be very effectively used, with or without insertion and edging.
The Delineator, February 1914
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Figure 2: Tango Knicker.
Harper's Bazar, March 1914
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Figure 3: W. B. Nuform Corsets, Advertisement.
The Designer, October 1914
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Figure 4: Bien Jolie Corsets, Advertisement. Paul Poiret writes: Translation Paris, November 18, 1913.
Harper's Bazar, March 1914
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