How to Wear Vintage Girdles

Girdles were used in the past by women who wanted to enhance their figures and curves. They were worn under dresses and skirts, and also as lingerie. They usually appear as a corset-like piece of clothing with boning down the sides, and a corset lacing up the back to pull it taut. This helps accent hips and curves while minimizing the stomach's appearance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Slide the girdle over your head with your arms raised over your head. Position it so it falls over your hips, but the top of the girdle goes over your stomach and rib cage. You want the corset lacing to be on your back.

2. Position the girdle so it is comfortable on your body. Keep your stomach pulled tightly in as comfortably as you can before you lace up the girdle, or else you will be more uncomfortable than necessary.

3. Start at the top of the corset lacing on the girdle. Have another person pull the strings on the sides, tightening from the top down. You want the corset lacing to be taut, with the fabric edges only about an inch apart.

4. Tighten the corset lacing down to the bottom edge of the girdle. Tie it securely into a bow, not a knot.

5. Slide the dress over your head than over the vintage girdle. Position the girdle until it appears smooth and even against your curves under the dress fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• If the vintage girdle feels very uncomfortable, loosen it until it feels better.