Women’s attire throughout history has hidden more secrets than you might think! From the mysterious power of hand fans to the concealed pockets that housed anything from love letters to sewing supplies, history’s apparel has a story to tell. This essay reveals the startling reality about corset comfort and the practical use of crinolines.
1. Birthing girdles offered protection and comfort during childbirth.
2. Women wore hidden pockets.
Long before bags became famous, women discreetly hid their belongings in pockets worn beneath their garments. These textile compartments were fastened around the waist and accessible via secret slits in the outer skirts. Women could carry anything from money to sewing equipment to love letters, all safely tucked beneath their thick garments.
3. Women used fans to send secret messages.
A simple hand fan can be a powerful communication tool. The manner a woman held, opened, closed, or flapped her fan might convey delicate (and occasionally scandalous) messages across a packed ballroom. Specific actions have agreed-upon meanings, such as holding a fan near the heart to express affection or fanning gently to indicate that the woman is married.
4. Crinolines made life cooler, not just bigger.
Crinolines are famed for generating huge, bell-shaped skirts, but they also had a useful purpose. Before crinolines, women wore numerous heavy petticoats to add volume, which made dressing extremely hot and burdensome. The crinoline, composed of lightweight hoops, elevated the skirts away from the body, allowing air to circulate and keeping it much cooler, especially in the summer months.
5. Victorian swimwear was made of wool.
Traditionally, women’s swimsuits were full-length garments made of wool or flannel. These clothes were frequently coupled with stockings, shoes, and caps to provide full body coverage, including the arms and legs. These swimsuits, designed to safeguard a woman’s modesty, reflected the era’s social norms, which held that showing any portion of the body, including arms and ankles, was wrong and scandalous.
6. Some medieval dresses had detachable sleeves.
Sleeves can be swapped out based on the weather, the occasion, or simply to refresh the appearance of an outfit. It also appears that a woman could simply change the sleeves if they became worn or dirty, rather than purchasing a completely new garment.
7. Corsets were designed for support, not torture.
Corsets were frequently used for practical purposes rather than torture, contrary to common belief. Most women wore them for moderate shaping and back support, similar to how we wear bras now. Tightlacing for extremely small waists did exist, but it was uncommon and needed a lengthy period of training. A correctly fitted corset was pleasant, allowing women to work, breathe, and even participate in athletic activities without passing out every few steps.
We’re reminded that smart design, whether in clothing or technology, has always been the key to making life more joyful.
