My first encounter with a bust bodice was on Bernadette Banner's Youtube channel (she recreated a beautiful one from the Symington collection).
Since then, I have seen a few different styles in various museum collections, but never one "in the wild" until now!
This one resembles a corset cover in many ways. In fact, the Met Museum has a nearly identical piece they describe as a boned corset cover.
What makes this different than your typical corset cover is its interesting structure due to the horizontal and vertical boning across the front. This creates a smoothe “bust” shape, sometimes known as the Edwardian "monobosom."
This added structure helped fill out the lightweight, unstructured shirtwaists of the era. In my research, I came across a slightly different undergarment of the same name, which was patented in 1889 for a similar purpose, for wearing beneath loose fitting jersey or "Garibaldi Bodices."
The straps are open at the top, and they do not have any clasps, so I’m not sure if they were meant to be pinned or if hooks and eyes were to be added. I do not think the straps were meant to be tied.
There is a string tie at the back, however, which means the waist is adjustable. It is made of a light cotton with lace trim. There are no labels or tags present.
It is in excellent condition with a few minor discolorations.
Since then, I have seen a few different styles in various museum collections, but never one "in the wild" until now!
This one resembles a corset cover in many ways. In fact, the Met Museum has a nearly identical piece they describe as a boned corset cover.
What makes this different than your typical corset cover is its interesting structure due to the horizontal and vertical boning across the front. This creates a smoothe “bust” shape, sometimes known as the Edwardian "monobosom."
This added structure helped fill out the lightweight, unstructured shirtwaists of the era. In my research, I came across a slightly different undergarment of the same name, which was patented in 1889 for a similar purpose, for wearing beneath loose fitting jersey or "Garibaldi Bodices."
The straps are open at the top, and they do not have any clasps, so I’m not sure if they were meant to be pinned or if hooks and eyes were to be added. I do not think the straps were meant to be tied.
There is a string tie at the back, however, which means the waist is adjustable. It is made of a light cotton with lace trim. There are no labels or tags present.
It is in excellent condition with a few minor discolorations.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.