Figure 1.-- This advertisment for the Buck's Feelswell Waist is dated 1895, although we don't know the source of the ad. It was probably a magazine ad. Some Buck's ads appeared in the 'Ladies Home Journal'. One of the interesting points is that the George N. Buck Company, in Mattoon, Illinois, for which the waist is named, may well have been a predecessor (or possibly competitor) of the Kerns Manufacturing Company which also manufactured hose supporters and children's garter waists in the same town.

This Bucks ad is reliably dated to 1895 although we don't know the source of the ad. It was probably a magazine, perhaps the Ladies Home Journal. The description of the waist's features is quite elaborate, almost scientific, and appeals to the buyer's concern for the child's health as well as for the practical features of a supporter for long stockings which all American children wore in 1895. The waist was sold in sizes to fit boys and girls from two to twelve and also for ladies with bust measurements from 32 to 40 inches. The illustrations show the waist from both back and front, identical for boys (right figure) and girls (left figure). Notice that long underwear is assumed in both cases and that long stockings are shown in black (the most common color for both boys and girls in 1895). The construction of the waist with shoulder straps that cross in back like suspenders, with a cross strap across the chest to keep the straps from slipping, and double-pendant supporters at the sides over the hips seems to anticipate the famous "Dr. Parker" garter waist which continued to be a household name and style up through the 1940s. The idea of making a garter waist with "health" features as in the case of the Dr. Parker waist seems to be quite old, going back at least into the late 19th century.

Advertisement

This Bucks ad is reliably dated to 1895 although we don't know the source of the ad. It was probably a magazine, perhaps the Ladies Home Journal.

Features

The description of the waist's features is quite elaborate, almost scientific, and appeals to the buyer's concern for the child's health as well as for the practical features of a supporter for long stockings which all American children wore in 1895.

Ages

The waist was sold in sizes to fit boys and girls from two to twelve and also for ladies with bust measurements from 32 to 40 inches.

Illustration

The illustrations show the waist from both back and front, identical for boys (right figure) and girls (left figure). Notice that long underwear is assumed in both cases and that long stockings are shown in black (the most common color for both boys and girls in 1895).

Construction

The construction of the waist with shoulder straps that cross in back like suspenders, with a cross strap across the chest to keep the straps from slipping, and double-pendant supporters at the sides over the hips seems to anticipate the famous "Dr. Parker" garter waist which continued to be a household name and style up through the 1940s.

Health

The idea of making a garter waist with "health" features as in the case of the Dr. Parker waist seems to be quite old, going back at least into the late 19th century.

Ad Copy: Buck’s Feels Well Waist and Hose Supporter

The Buck's ad copy read, "Buck’s Feels Well Waist and Hose Supporter has Three Points in its favor for Health and Comfort over any similar garment.
1st-- White it is suspended from the shoulders, the dead weight and constant pull is obviated by reason of the straps at the back, through which the body oscillates.
2nd—- A little Abdominal Supporter in the centre of the waist-band in front, with adjusting straps on each side, enables the waist to be made larger or smaller without changing position of the buttons on the waist-band. The waist-band is a gored belt, form-fitting, impossible to cut the flesh or bind the wearer in any way.
3rd—- The waist-band can be raised or lowered to suit the waist-line by adjusting buckles on the shoulder straps. All adjustments are in front. Any child can take the “Feels Well” off and on in a moment.

The “Keystone” Clasp is the easiest to fasten and unfasten. The strain [of garter pull] is distributed over the bottom and sides of the Clasp, so it is impossible to tear or wear holes in the hose. Made of the best materials in White, Black, Slate [gray]. Child’s, 2 to 12 years, 75 cents. Ladies’ 32 to 40 inches, bust measure, $1.00. If not found with your dealer, will be mailed upon receipt of price. Address: George N. Buck Manufacturing Co., Mattoon, Ill. Send for Illustrated Catalogue.

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Created: 4:43 PM 4/27/2012
Last updated: 4:43 PM 4/27/2012