Undergarments

More Information: Known as a side-dart chemise, this style slip was touted as “a wise choice for the large-hip woman,” giving the illusion of slenderness in the cut of the garment. With the era’s emphasis on a youthful “slim silhouette,” it was unfashionable to appear plump, usually associated with matronly or elderly women from the decades prior. Small tricks in the cut, lines, patterns, and embellishments on a dress helped create this optical illusion to conform to fashion standards of the era.

Easily and inexpensively sewn at home, pattern companies included directions for this style of undergarment in step-by-step guides on sewing, altering, and mending clothing. The utilitarian cotton combined with the striking embroidered blue trim illustrates the versatility of the garment: either worn as intended under a sheer dress, providing shape and support to the garment, or worn as a skirt under a tunic blouse, a style popular in 1922-1923. The stem-stitch embroidery transforms an otherwise necessary but plain garment into one of distinction within a wardrobe. With this piece in particular, the care taken in mending the right strap illustrates the economic necessity of not purchasing a new garment, indicating the consumerist and materialistic mentality had not yet resonated with the owner of this garment.