Figure 1.--The two models shown here are labeled "Garter Waists", but are actually "underwaists" according to HBC terminology (since they were sold without the supporters already attached). But the chief purpose, as shown by the advertiser's terminology, is to hold up long stockings. Note, however, that both models have waist buttons for the attachment of other clothing such as panties, short trousers, skirts, or other outer clothing.

The two models shown here are labeled "Garter Waists", but are actually "underwaists" according to HBC terminology (since they were sold without the supporters already attached). But the chief purpose, as shown by the advertiser's terminology, is to hold up long stockings. Note, however, that both models have waist buttons for the attachment of other clothing such as panties, short trousers, skirts, or other outer clothing. Wards apparently assumed that the main purchasers of these waists would be mothers whose children needed them for the support of full-length stockings. This same type of garment was occasionally referred to as a "panty waist" or "pantie waist". Note, for instance, Lane Bryan's terminology in 1935.

Good Quality Cambric

The Wards ad copy read, "Good quality Cambric. Reinforcement strips over the shoulder and down front and back equalize the garter strain. The sturdy pin tabs have metal eyelets [for the safety pins of the supporters]. Double rows of taped-on bone buttons to allow for furture "growth" Buttons back or front. Comes in White only. Shipping weight each 3 oz.; two 5 oz. State size. 2, 4, 6, 8. 31 B 2042 -- Each, 25 cents; 2, 48 cents." [HBC note: This waist is only for younger boys and girls--up to the age of 8. The double row of buttons allows for the child's growth. At 6, for instance, a boy might need to button his short pants to the top row of buttons, whereas, at 8, he might used the bottom row because he had grown an inch or so. This waist is designed to be buttoned either in front or in back. Smaller children and girls might prefer the back-buttoning method of closure whereas boys, especially boys from 6 to 8, would undoubtedly prefer to button their waists in front. We notice the same feature in the German Leibchen--back buttoning for younger boys and girls, front buttoning for older ones. Buttons were taped on, i.e. sewn to the waist with a bit of tape, so as to allow for greater flexibility and movement between the waist and the outer clothing. Taped-on buttons were preferred by mothers because they didn't come off as easily.]

Warm and Especially Cozy for Winter

The Wards ad copy read, "Warm and especially cozy for Winter. Elastic Knit Cotton. No ironing needed. Self-re-inforced strips full length of garment to relieve garter strain. Good quality bone buttons taped on to withstand pull and strain. Metal pin tubes for garters. Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. White only. State size when you order. Ship weight 4 oz.; 2, 7 oz. 31 B 2000--Each 25 cents; 2, 48 cents." [This knitted waist was standard for older children although it could be worn by younger ones as well. It buttons in front rather than in back and would be better liked by boys for that reason. It functioned not only as a support for trousers, skirts, and long stockings, but also as an additional undershirt for warmth in the winter. This style of underwaist would be less popular during the summer because of the weight involved. See the lighter weight garter waists advertised elsewhere on the same page.]

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Created: 6:14 PM 7/24/2006
Last updated: 6:15 PM 7/24/2006