Sometimes you just need to blog... to blog... and overshare...
I came across this advertisement today from my copy of Butterick's "The Delineator" of August 1888:
This ad is from Canfield Goods, who apparently made things for ladies to go under their skirts... all kinds.
Item #1: This seems pretty straight forward. It is the Langtry Bustle. It is only 60 cents (by mail mind you) and it folds when you sit or lie down. I can see why the modern Victorian woman would want this. Nobody wants their skirts to fly up in the air when they sit. Lying down... I guess that would depend on the woman. But notice it comes in two colors... white or DRAB. I will take white thank you.
Item #2: The Canfield Dress Shield. It's waterproof. Okay, good. It comes in pairs. Why do I need a pair? And what is it shielding? It looks like a toilet seat cover...
Item #3: Sanitary Towels and cheaper than washing. I will agree and I understand the need. Note, they are easily destroyed by burning. WOW.
Item #4: Belt Hose Supporter - "Prevents pain in hips and back." Apparently, there was a need for this because whatever women were supporting their hose with before was causing some serious pain. Obviously, the pain couldn't be coming from wearing a bustle, dress, waterproof toilet seat shaped dress shield and sanitary towels which required burning for disposal...
Item #5: Stockinet Diaper: Fair enough. You don't want your kid peeing on you when you are carrying him and wearing all the aforementioned items (and your electric corset - but they don't sell those).
Item #6: Corset Hose Supporter: It swings! Sweet!
Sold and manufactured by the Canfield Rubber Company. Wait, what?!!!!