Antique Corset Cover Camisole, c. 1920, Flapper Era, Size XS, MINT, *Free Shipping
This is a rich-looking antique corset cover or camisole made from luxurious ivory-white polished cotton. The fabric is substantial, sleek, and elegant, with a beautiful shimmer resembling satin and a velvety-soft hand.
Dating to the early 1920s, the garment is beautifully made and survives in exquisite condition. It has been cleaned by a professional textile conservator and is ready for wear or display.
The stylish, straight silhouette reflects the fashionable boyish, flat-chested figure of the period. It may have been worn over a bandeau brassiere or bust confiner, although the polished cotton is substantial enough that a small-busted woman could also have worn it without an additional bust garment.
The camisole is sized extra-small; please refer carefully to the measurements below.
Two knitted elastic insets at the hip line provide ease of movement. The horizontal lines visible across the centers of these triangular insets occur symmetrically on both sides and are part of the original construction, not flaws or damage.
The back closes with eleven original hook-and-eyes, all intact and original to the garment. The narrow shoulder straps are made from woven cotton tape.
The heavyweight polished cotton has an unusually beautiful satin-like luster. The garment was constructed using both a treadle sewing machine and hand sewing, with careful finishing throughout.
*Free U.S. Shipping by USPS Priority Mail,
beautifully packaged,
fully insured with delivery confirmation included.
International, please inquire.
Condition
This piece appears either never to have been worn or to have been worn only very lightly. It is in mint condition considering its age, without damage. The knitted elastic hip insets are also in excellent condition. There are no storage odors.
Measurements
Size: Extra Small (XS). Please refer carefully to the measurements below, as antique sizing does not correspond precisely to modern standardized sizes. Please write to me if you have any questions about sizing or any other concern!
This antique camisole or corset cover is sized to fit an extra-small (XS) figure and measures approximately:
Bust: 30 inches, or about 76 cm
Waist: 22 inches, or about 56 cm
Hip: 32 inches, or about 81 cm
Straps: 16 inches, or about 41 cm long
Length from mid-shoulder to bottom hem: 20 1/8 inches, or slightly over 51 cm
Provenance
I originally purchased this piece as part of an extensive collection from a New England collector who lived along the New Hampshire coast. She was in her late eighties and downsizing her collections. Her remarkable antique linen collection also reflected another of her passions: fine antique lingerie.
This corset cover or camisole was included in that sale and has remained in my personal collection for well over twenty years. It has been carefully kept in museum-style storage, protected in archival tissue and an archival box throughout that time.
