Vintage girdles are foundation garments, evolving from early boned styles to lightweight elastic roll-ons (1920s-1960s), designed to smooth and shape the waist, hips, and thighs for a desired silhouette, often featuring garters for stockings, using materials like coutil, nylon, and elastic, offering structured support for a classic hourglass figure, says the Vintage Fashion Guild.

Key Characteristics of Vintage Girdles:

Purpose: To smooth, shape, control, and support the body, creating a streamlined look under clothing, especially for the popular hourglass figure post-WWII.

Evolution: Early 20th Century: Stiffer, boned versions, sometimes with open ends or lacing, made from coutil.

Mid-Century (1940s-1960s): Lighter, more comfortable nylon and elastic fabrics (like Lastex), often with attached garters (suspenders) to hold stockings.

Styles: Ranged from simple roll-ons to high-waisted, thigh-slimming, or open-bottom (pant-style) designs with varying support levels.

Materials: Coutil, elasticized fabrics, nylon, damask, and sometimes cotton for warmer weather.

Features: Side zippers, hook-and-eye closures, reinforced panels, and garter straps for stockings.