Wednesday, August 2, 2017

A Victorian Advertisement from the 1880s which Makes Me Happy I'm Not a Victorian Woman...

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?!!!!

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