Figure 1.-- Wards in 1936-37 offered five garter waists, one of which were the Dr. Prker waists. The Hickory waists were made by a company with that name. We are not sure who made the Dr. Parker waists. The illustration provides a back view of each waist in turn to enlighten us about the specifics of the construction including the additional buttons.

Ward's here offered five different styles of garter waists in the 1936-37 Fall-Winter catalog. They are a good illustration of the types of garter waists children wore in the 1930s. The waists here included Hickory and Dr. Parker waists--both popular styles. The major purpose of these waists was to hold up long stockings which were still commonly worn at the time. These waists were also considered to be beneficial for posture. These were worn by both boys and girls. Boys wore them with short pants and sometimes also with knickers. Note that the name "Dr. Parker" is used here. We first notice this name being applied to a particular style of garter waist about 1910. The style persisted but was often designated by other names such as "Kern's Daisy Garter Waist". Sears sold te Kern's Daisy Garter Waist in 1939-40.

Individul Styles

Wrds offered five different garter waists. Four were illustrated here. The fifth or "Inexpensive Waist" was mentioned, but not illustrated.

Hickory Brand Garter Waist

The Ward's ad copy read, " Mercerized Sateen. Adjustable Garters. 47 cents each. Famous Hickory name means fine quality! ... that's why you are assured plenty of long, hard wear.! Well-tailored Garters Waists that fit the shoulders comfortably, no strain or pull. Buttons on sides, back and front. Comes in White only. Age-Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 years. State age-size. Ship. wt., each 3 oz. 16 C 4598--Each, 47 cents.

Dr. Parker's Garter Waist

The Ward's ad copy read, "39 c. Each Hangs comfortably; no strain! Durable cotton waistband; cotton webbing shoulder straps. Adjustable elastic garters. White. Age-Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 years. State age-size. Ship. Wt. 4 oz. 16 C 4507--Each 39 cents.

Inepensive waist

Wards offered an inexpensive unbranded waist not illustrated. The ward's ad copy read, "Inexpensive Waist, similar to above; same sizes. State age-size. White. Ship. wt. 4 oz. 16 C 4545 Each 23 cents.

Hickory Shoulder Hose Supporter

The Ward's ad copy read, "35 c. Each Elastic Garters No Strain or Pull Famous Hickory Brand! Adjustable top, of firm cotton webbing; cross straps hold shoulder straps in place. Colors: Black or White. State color. Ship. wt., each 3 oz. 16 C 4563--Child's Size. About 23 inches long. Each 35 c. 16 C 4564--Misses Size: About 30 in. long. Each 35 cents." [HBC Note: This style is available for young women as well as for children. It is the only waist available in black.]

Sturdy Cambric Waist

The Ward's ad cooy read, "33 c. Each Elastic Garters Taped buttons Fully sized for comfortable fit! Made of long-wearing Cambric with taped bone buttons that are strongly attached to stand the strain of garter pull. Adjustable garters. White. Age-Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 years. State age-size. Ship. wt. each 4 oz. 16 C 4532--Each 33c." [HBC Note: Unlike most garter waists, this one has the supporters attached by buttons at the sides. Most other models have the supporters sewn on or fastened to the waistband by means of safety pins.]

General Note

These four garter waists are arranged in the descending order of their price. The most expensive model, the Hickory Brand Garter Waist, seems to have detachable supporters. This ad, unlike most of the other garter waist ads in the Sears and Wards catalogs, has girl models predominating. Notice that the supporters on these waists are relatively short, presumably because the stockings being worn by boys and girls in the 1930s were extra long to accommodate the short pants and skirts then in fashion.

Reader Comment

A Swiss reader tells us, "This contribution is very interesting. This is probably the best picture I have seen, of the type (Cambric) waists I used to wear. The Cambric-waist is just about the way my waist were. The only difference was that my waists had four tabs sown on. Two in front and two on the side. I guess the other stocking-supports shown in this picture were a Canadian and US garment, that did not exist in Europe."

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Created: 10:24 PM 6/21/2006
Last updated: 9:41 PM 6/22/2006