# Spirella Corsets (1913)

The Spirella Company Inc. Meadville, Pa., U. S. A.
| The Spirella Company of Great Britain, Limited Letchworth (Garden City) England | The Spirella Company of Canada, Limited Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada |
| The Spirella Company of Germany, Limited Düsseldorf — Obercassel ||
COPYRlGHT, 1913, BY THE SPIRELLA COMPANY INC.
SPIRELLA CORSETS
Popularity
¶ It is less than ten years since the first Spirella corset was made. ln this short period a wonderful business has been built up. Five factories, in the United States, Canada, England and Germany, employ two thousand workers. Nine thousand women corsetieres in addition represent the company in these countries. Best of all, two and one-half million satisfied customers have become enthusiastic admirers of Spirella. There are reasons for this wonderful success. As briefly as possible we will tell you the unusual features of Spirella corsets that have made it possible.
Spirella Styles
¶ In Paris, London and New York, the world's greatest centers of fashion, Spirella representatives watch the constantly changing styles to develop points that will contribute to the merit of Spirella corsets. Our designers, too, visit these centers for the same purpose. Thus a constant watch is maintained, not only for novel features in corset construction, but for new styles in gowns for morning, afternoon and evening wear, that Spirella corsets may furnish the best foundation for good dressing. New Spirella styles are being created continually, so that any gown may be worn over the Spirella corset with perfect comfort and supreme style. Our Continental styles come from Paris, Berlin and Vienna, while London furnishes ideas of English styles. These are adapted to the needs of American women so that the Spirella corset provides that necessary foundation for an exact fit which causes its wearer to feel her clothes become her and show her figure to the best possible advantage. No woman can know the highest possibilities of beauty in her figure until she has worn a Spirella corset.
Fitted to Your Measure
¶ Your Spirella corset will be fitted to your individual measurements. Waist size is only one of them. Eleven measurements in all are taken. It is not enough to know your waist measure, and that you are slender, medium or well. developed. Only with these eleven measurements can be told which one of the different models for the various types of figures is the particular one best suited to the requirements of your individual figure.
Correct Dress Requires a Corset Correctly Fitted
¶ In Paris, where style in dress reaches its greatest perfection, the corset is of first importance. No smartly dressed Parisian lady would wear a corset other than one fitted to her individual measurements. One leading Parisian modiste will not design a gown without first designing and fitting the corset upon which the gown is to be worn. One of the world's authorities on fashion has said:
"The secret of being well dressed lies in your figure and your figure is made or ruined by your corset." "Don't order your gown until you have bought the right corset."
Proper Adjustment
¶ No matter how carefully a model has been selected for your figure, nor how accurately the measurements have been taken, ​the most perfect corset will lose its natural lines of beauty when pulled and distorted by being wrongly put on. The Spirella corset is sent you with complete instructions for putting it on properly. Thus you secure the best fit, the greatest comfort, the longest wear and complete satisfaction.
The Wonderful Spirella Boning
¶ Consider how simple the patented Spirella boning is—merely a piece of finely tempered wire bent in a special shape. However, the manner in which it is bent gives wonderful qualities to the wire. It is exceedingly springy and perfectly flexible. It bends backwards, forwards and sideways. It may even be tied into a knot. Yet each time it returns to its original position and shape when released. This is why when you take your Spirella corset off it has the same fine lines it had the day it was first put on. It keeps its shape as long as the most durable material lasts—and in Spirella corsets the very best material of its grade is used. It does not take a permanent bend at the waist line. It will not rust with perspiration, nor will proper laundering harm it, therefore it may be kept as fresh and clean as other under garments. If a Spirella stay rusts or breaks in one year of corset wear, we will give you a new corset exactly like your old one, absolutely free of charge.
Comfort a Surprise
¶ It is this flexibility that makes Spirella corsets a revelation in comfort to those who wear them. It gives unrestricted freedom of movement. The tasks of the household are performed with ease and comfort. Bending over to sweep, to dust, to make the beds, or to care for the wants of the children is done as easily as though you had no corset on. The pleasures of outdoor life, tennis, golfing, canoeing, horseback riding may be indulged freely, as Spirella corsets give almost uncorseted freedom of movement. Spirella is the one corset that combines comfort with style.
Support Without Restraint
¶ Corset boning is not the main factor in supporting the flesh. It is the cloth that holds the flesh in place. The honing acts mainly to keep the cloth stretched and free from wrinkles. This will be welcome news to many women who have cased themselves in heavy, steel jackets under the mistaken idea that only thus could they give themselves a good figure. To these, the lightness of Spirella boning will give a wonderful relief. In its extreme flexibility it yields with every movement of the body without pressure that hurts. It is cool because of its open, ventilative construction. Yet with all its comfort, it furnishes adequate support to the garment for any figure. It makes the corset keep its shape, and thus with a gentle persuading power moulds the figure of the wearer into proper lines.
Recommended by Physicians
¶ It is seldom that physicians recommend a corset, but such is the distinction enjoyed by Spirella. They endorse it because it does not compress the abdominal organs injuriously; does not hinder digestion, or interfere with proper breathing, and does not hold the body incased in a jacket of stiff steel, which dwarfs the muscles of the sides and back. Instead of pressing down on the abdomen it acts as a comfortable support. They recognize that the flexibility of the wonderful Spirella boning allows freedom of action to muscles, and consequently helps development.
Style 22
¶ Styles 22 and 23 are intended for slender, willowy figures such as figures 1 and 2 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Made only in Sterling or Coutil suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Light weight. No tape at waist line. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Style 23 is one inch shorter below the waist and one inch longer above than style 22, which is illustrated. In style 22, the bust measure is 12 inches greater than the waist measure; in style 23 only 11 inches greater. ln both styles the hip measure is 11 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 18 to 26. If larger or smaller sizes are desired, a small extra charge will he made.
Style 321
¶ Styles 320 and 321 are intended for slender, willowy figures such as figures 1 and 2 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Style 320 is adapted to the flat bony figure of these types, and style 321 to the round figure of the same general type. Particularly suitable for the youthful undeveloped figure. A bust confiner should be worn with style 321 as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure for which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Medium length. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella, so placed as to avoid pressure over hip bone. Draw-tape in bust. Style 320 is longer above the waist than style 321 which is illustrated. In both styles the bust measure is 11 inches greater than the waist measure. In style 320 the hip measure is 11 inches greater than the waist measure; in style 321 only 10 inches greater.
¶ Regular sizes 18 to 26. If larger or smaller sizes are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 360
¶ Styles 360 and 361 are intended for medium to well developed round figures with equal bust and hip measurements, such as figure 5 and variations of figures 3, 4, 6 and 7 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Style 361 is adapted to the shorter waisted type of these figures, since it has a lower bust than style 360, which is illustrated. A bust confiner should be worn with style 361 as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure for which it is adapted. Properly adjusted, either style takes care of and supports well-developed abdomen. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Medium length. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. In both styles the hip and bust measures are each 13 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. If larger or smaller sizes are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 764
¶ Styles 763 and 764 are intended for medium figures of good proportions, such as figures 4, 5 and 7 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Good correctives for deep back curve and back flesh below waist line, but not designed to care for excessive development on front of limbs. A bust confiner should be worn with style 764, as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figures to which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with six hose supporters.
¶ Light weight. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Style 764, which is illustrated, is much shorter above the waist line and longer below than style 763. In style 763 the bust measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure; in style 764 only 12 inches greater. ln both styles the hip measure is 10 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. Sizes smaller than 20 are not made. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 241
¶ Style 241 is intended for medium to stout figures with soft flesh and small bust and hip development, such as figures 5 and 7 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Has perfect abdominal control. Long Skirt, nearly straight around the bottom, with closed front and decided flare, controls and reduces upper limb flesh with perfect comfort in sitting position. A bust confiner should be worn with this style as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure for which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Medium length. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. The right supporter fastens to front of left hose and left supporter to front of right hose, closing the skirt in sitting position and protecting bottom of front clasp. In style 241 the bust measure is 12 inches greater than the waist measure and the hip measure 10 inches greater.
¶ Regular sizes 24 to 36. Sizes smaller than 24 are not practical. lf sizes larger than 36 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 136
¶ Styles 136 and 137 are intended for medium to stout irregular developed figures, with slightly greater hip than bust development, such as figures 4, 6 and 8 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Flatten prominent abdomen and reduce fullness in back, under arm and hips. Bust confiners should be worn with both styles as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure to which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Good length, not extreme. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Reinforced abdomen and bottom of front clasp prevents corset from abdominal stretching and gives added support at this point; also strengthens material at bottom of front clasp. Nips under and supports full abdomen and groin. Style 137 is much lower above the waist than style 136, which is illustrated. ln both styles the bust measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure and the hip measure is 14 inches greater.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. Sizes smaller than 20 are not made. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 434
¶ Style 434 is intended for round, well developed to large, fleshy figures, with abundant flesh under the arm, full back and bust, and large hips such as figures 4, 5 and 7 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset." [See pages 20 to 24.] Equalizes proportions, gives ample breathing space and confines the hips. Should be supplemented with a bust confiner as the bust of the corset; is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure to which it is adapted. Made in a variety ot materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with six hose supporters.
¶ Straight-cut. Boned on the seams with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Elastic lacing at lower back allows for expansion in sitting position. The bust measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure, and the hip measure 11 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. Sizes smaller than 20 are not practical. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 191
¶ Styles 191 and 192 are intended for full, corpulent, irregular figures with prominent abdomen, such as figures 6 and 8 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset" (see pages 20 to 24.), which are unable to wear a front-laced corset, yet require compression and support. Will permanently reduce protruding abdomen. A bust confiner should be worn with style 192 as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure to which it is adapted. Made only in Sterling or Coutil, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Medium and low bust; good length groin. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Groin lacing on each side, from a point a little below the waist to the bottom of the garment, permits adjustment and thus gradually reduces abdominal prominence. Heavy spoon clasp grips in under and aids in supporting excessive corpulency. Style 192 is one inch shorter above the waist than style 191, which is illustrated. In style 191 the bust measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure; in style 192 only 12 inches greater. In both styles the hip measure is 13 niches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 22 to 30. Sizes smaller than 22 are not made. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 98
¶ Styles 98 and 99 are intended for slender, willowy, and medium developed figures, such as figures 1 and 2 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset" (see pages 20 to 24), which desire a front-laced corset. Also adapted to the smaller medium figure represented by figure 5, in which the back curve is not too pronounced. Style 99 should be supplemented by a bust confiner, as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure to which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with four hose supporters.
¶ Front-laced. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella, so distributed as not to conflict with the body bones. Flat stay each side of center back. Draw-tape in bust. Style 98 has medium high bust, supporting and thereby accentuating small development. Style 99 is much shorter above the waist than style 98, which is illustrated. In both styles bust and hip measures are each 12 inches greater than waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 18 to 26. Sizes smaller than 18 are not made. If sizes larger than 26 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 794
¶ Styles 793 and 794 are intended for slender, medium and even well developed figures of good proportions, such as figure 5 in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset" (see pages 20 to 24) which need perfect abdominal control, either to secure good poise or to control corpulency. Ample breathing space, with hip and back lines as flat as is consistent with the front-laced model. A bust confiner should be worn with style 794 as the bust of the corset is too low to control the usual bust development of the figure to which it is adapted. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Should be worn with six hose supporters.
¶ Straight-cut. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella, with one flat stay each side of center back. Medium and low bust, with long hips and back. Rubber gore at lower back permits of expansion in sitting position and holds corset closely to the figure while standing. Draw-tape in bust. Style 793 is longer above the waist than style 794, which is illustrated. In both styles, the bust measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure, and the hip measure 11 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. Sizes smaller than 20 are not made. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
Style 593
¶ Styles 593, 594 and 590 are intended for medium to full developed, well proportioned figures, such as figures 3, 5 and 8, in the instructions "How to Select the Proper Corset" (see pages 20 to 24), which desire a front-laced corset. Good correctives for irregular figures in which the back curve is not too pronounced. Will reduce the hips. Made in a variety of materials, suitably trimmed. Styles 593 and 594 should be worn with six hose supporters; style 595 with four.
¶ Front-laced. Medium height above waist; good length below. Boned with the guaranteed Spirella. Draw-tape in bust. Styles 594 and 595 are one inch shorter above waist than style 593. Style 595 is three inches shorter below the waist than styles 593 and 594, making the cloth extension nearly straight around the bottom, instead of being cut out in front as in style 593, which is illustrated. ln style 593 the bust measure is 15 inches greater than the waist measure; in styles 594 and 595 only 14 inches greater. In all three styles the hip measure is 13 inches greater than the waist measure.
¶ Regular sizes 20 to 30. Sizes smaller than 20 are not made. If sizes larger than 30 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
MATERNITY FEATURE
¶ The Spirella maternity feature offers a particular service hitherto unavailable. Figures needing this service have as many individual variations as those which do not. Since this feature can be placed on any style, any individual variation is taken care of. The maternity feature is added by opening the corset from top to bottom on both sides of front clasp and inserting lacings. It is better adapted to the back-laced corset than the front-laced. Necessary changes in the groin length and abdominal curve are always added with this feature to provide the necessary support. It is here illustrated on style 360.
SPIRELLA BUST EXTENDER Style 52
¶ Style 52, Spirella bust extender, is designed for slender and medium figures with bust and chest development small in proportion to waist size and shoulder breadth. Dispenses with padding, leaving chest free and unconstricted, with no pressure on breasts. Curved to present perfect outline.
¶ Made of light, strong, white batiste, daintily trimmed. Stiffened with the guaranteed Spirella sufficiently strong to withstand pressure of clothing. Adjustable at the waist by means of surplice and tapes which tie in front, a special tape loop obviating passing the tapes around the waist. Adjusts around the top of the garment by a draw tape in the lace. Can be easily laundered.
¶ Regular sizes 32 to 46. Should be ordered same size as shirt waist worn, or one size smaller, depending on development. Avoid selecting too large an extender. If sizes smaller than 32 or larger than 46 are desired, a small extra charge will be made.
SPIRELLA BUST CONFINER Style 80
¶ Styles 80 and 81, Spirella bust confiners, are designed for the full figure with low bust, whose bust measure is from 12 to 16 inches greater than waist measure. Intended to be worn with low bust corsets.
¶ Made of light, strong, white batiste daintily trimmed. Fasten in front with buttons. Lower front is adjusted by surplice tabs and tapes which tie about the waist. Draw-tape in bust. Style 81 is one inch longer all around the bottom than style 80, which is illustrated.
¶ Standard sizes 36 to 50, If sizes smaller than 36 or larger than 50 are desired, a small extra charge will he made.
HOW TO MEASURE
¶ This is not difficult if you will read and follow these instructions carefully. Read them all over once so as to get a general idea. Then read directions on each measurement again just before you take it, consulting at the same time the diagrams "A" and "E" below.
¶ It would be well to have some one of your family take the measurements under your direction. See that your corset is properly put on and laced correctly. [See instructions for proper adjustment on leaflet.] In no other way can accurate measurements be taken, and upon these the fit of the corset depends.
¶ All measurements should be taken over the corset with outer garments removed. Take measurements standing, and again sitting, to make sure that the boning in the corset will not be too long. Prove all measurements by taking them twice. Length of corset in front must not be confused with length of front clasp—the cloth always extends a little above and below the clasp, making the length of the corset greater than the length of the clasp. Give exact number of inches to each measurement. The more accurate you are, the better fit we can give you.
​¶ Measurements alone do not determine the model to be placed on your figure. They tell only half the story. The general contour of the figure (see illustration of types on pages 20 to 24), the fullness, or lack of fullness, in particular parts of the figure, also determine the model to be used. Fill in answers to all the questions asked under "Description of Figure" on the measurement blank. Each one is important in securing a good fit.
Measurements
¶ Measurements must be taken, first around the figure; and second, above and below the waist line at different points; as indicated by letters on the diagrams "A" and "E".
¶ To establish waist line: when corset is properly laced and adjusted, place a string around the waist, usually at point of least circumference, though judgment must be used. Draw tightly and tie. This string must be left on the waist line until all the other measurements have been taken, as it is the foundation point for all the up and down measurements.
¶ (1). Waist, indicated by line 9-6-3 on diagram "A" is the distance in inches around the figure at the waist line.
¶ (2). Bust, indicated on diagram "A" by line l-1-1 and on diagram "E" by line 14-17-ll, is the distance in inches around the figure with tape drawn smoothly, not tightly, and passing just over point of shoulder blades at back, and over fullest part of bust.
¶ (3). Hip, indicated by line M-M and line N-N on both diagrams is the distance in inches with tape drawn tightly around hips, 6½ inches below waist line for medium length corsets, and both 6½ and 9 inches below for corsets of extreme length.
¶ The measurements above and below waist line are taken as follows:
¶ (4). Front clasp above waist, indicated by line 3-2 on diagram "A", is the distance in inches desired from the waist line to upper end of front clasp—not the top of the corset. On all corsets the cloth extends about one-half inch above the clasp to finish it properly and through which to run the draw tape.
¶ (5). Center bust, indicated by line 6-1 on diagram "A", is the distance in inches desired from the waist line to the center of the bust.
¶ (6). Under arm, indicated by line 9-l on diagram "A" and line 15-14 on diagram "E", is the distance in inches desired from the waist line to the top of corset directly under the arm.
​¶ (7). Back above waist, indicated by dotted line 12-17 on diagram "E" is distance in inches desired from waist line to top of corset, measured from waist line up over shoulder blade, about 1½ inches from center of the back.
¶ (8). Back below waist, indicated by line 12-13 on diagram "E" is distance in inches desired from waist line to bottom of corset in the back.
¶ (9). Length over hip, indicated by line 9-10 on diagram "A" and line 15-16 on diagram "E", is distance in inches desired from waist line to lowest point on limb which corset is to reach.
¶ (10). Groin measure, indicated by line 6-7 on diagram "A", is distance in inches desired from waist line to bottom of corset at the groin. This measurement should be verified by taking it in a sitting position.
¶ (11). Front clasp below waist, indicated by line 3-4 on diagram "A", is the distance in inches desired from the waist line to the lower end of front clasp, not the bottom of the corset.
¶ The cloth extension on corset below front clasp, indicated by line 4-5 on diagram "A", varies in length, according to style of corset, from one and one-half to six inches.
¶ These measurements should be carefully taken, and each accurately set down on the measurement blank in the spaces indicated for them. Before sending them to us, verify every measurement to see that it is correct.
HOW TO SELECT THE PROPER CORSET
¶ Study carefully the following illustrations of types of figures and decide which type your figure most nearly resembles. Then turn to the descriptions of the corsets that are adapted to that type. The descriptions given will guide you in selecting the style that will be best adapted to your figure—to correct any irregularities and bring out your best lines.
¶ An expert corsetiere on our staff always goes over your measurements carefully and gives you the benefit of her expert service, either in confirming your selection, or in suggesting another style. It is the policy of the company not to send out a style selected by a customer if the given measurements show that it is not adapted to her figure. It is on this service that the remarkable success of Spirella corsets has been partially built up. Not only do we deem a satisfied customer our best advertisement, but for the sake of our own satisfaction, we desire not to send out a corset we are reasonably certain will not fit, nor give satisfaction. If you will follow carefully the directions and suggestions given above, you will have no difficulty in selecting the proper style for your figure.
| | Type 1 ¶ Slender, willowy, long waisted. Properly corseted by styles 22, 23, 320, 321, 98 and 99. |
| Type 2 ¶ Slender, bad poise. Properly corseted by styles 98, 99, 593, 594, 595, 793 and 794. | |
| | Type 3 ¶ Square angular. Properly corseted by styles 241, 360, 361, 593, 594, 595, 793 and 794. |
| Type 4 ¶ Cut-in-waist over hips. Corrected by styles 360, 361, 434, 763 and 764. [A front-laced corset should never be worn by this figure.] | |
| | Type 5 ¶ Mature figure, good proportions. May wear any of following styles: 360, 361, 763, 764, 241, 593, 594, 595, 793 and 794. |
| Type 6 ¶ Stout, large hips, small bust. Properly corseted by styles 360, 361, 136, 137, 191, 192 and 434. [A front-laced corset is not advised for this figure.] | |
| | Type 7 ¶ Large bust, smaller hips, well proportioned, fleshy figure. Properly corseted by styles 32, 33, 241, 360, 361 and 434. [A front-laced corset is not advised for this figure.] |
| Type 8 ¶ Very fleshy abdominally, bad poise. Corrected by styles 136, 137, 191, 192, 32, 33, 593, 594, 595, 793 and 794. [A front-laced corset is to be preferred for this figure.] | |
¶ A front-laced corset should not be selected if there is excessive flesh in the back. The rule is front-laced for excessive front flesh, and back-laced for excessive back flesh. The well proportioned figure, without excessive flesh front or back, may wear either front-laced or back-laced models, as she chooses.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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