The Washington herald., 1914-06-16
Corset Is, Most Important
Part of the Entire Toilet

Since the new corset Il merely close
fitting garment which follows the curves
Of the natural figure and does not at
tempt to force the figure into lines hith-
erto considered fashionable. It behoores
one TO see to 1t that the body Is well
| formed and graceful. since 1t must de-
pend upon its own merits.
The modern corset gives support to the
| abdomen, which most women need espe-
ciaIly in later life, and the ribs are free
to expand. Under such conditions there
can be no excuse for not allowing the
torso plenty of freedom since the right
kind of a corset neither hurts the ribs
nor presses into the hips by reason OF
too long or misplaced bones.
II 1t is difficult to get long breaths. or
II there Is a feeling of discomfort below
the ribs, or IL there Is a tendency to draw
ones self constantly or raise up out of
the corset, It does not fit properly or is
wrongly laced.
wearer's Fault.
In many cases a perfectly good corset
becomes ill-6tting. because ii Is not put
on correctly at the start, and since II Is
quite an art to put on a corset well with
out assistance, II Is advisable always to
have a fitting even IL the corset is not
an expensive one. both because 1t is well
" icdIh now " duJuot IL pEopCiLy W
have II fitted by an expert who Will know
whether 1t needs altering and II so.
where.
Even in these days of homeless stays,
the corset is the most important part of
the entire toilet, and il never pays to be
fitted for them when time is limited. un-
less the purchaser is quite sure of the
style, size and fit. and since the human
form changes continually, quite as def
nitely II not as perceptibly as the fash
ions, 1t is generally better to take time
in making a selection.
1t pays to get a corset of good make
and material, because Il lasts so much
longer and will stand repeated launder-
ings. patches and rebonings. Many
cleaners make q speciality of renovating
corsets, which can then be sent to the
corsetiere for repairs, but one can wash
corsets very satisfactorily at home by
soaking them over night In white soap
suds and scrubbing them well in the
morning with a stiff nail brush.
Make Rig Difference.
But to return to the torso, many
women grow a little one-sided and since
corsets are made with both sides alike.
unless the slightly deformed sides Il
arranged for in altering the corset, the
latter Is apt to chsfe. Such slight faults
as bearing the weight too much one one
hip, holding one shoulder higher than
the other and the like. make a tremen-
dous difference In cutting out a gown.
and vet these faults may be readily cor
rected once thesfbre called to ones at
tention.
The best possible exercise for develop
ing the torso is proper breathing. in which
many women are at fault.
Never get up In the morning without
drawing deep breaths at the window and
repeat the performance at every oppor-
tunity during the day, until correct
breathing becomes an unconscious habit.
Unlace the corset always before putting
II on and At II loosely around the hips,
fastening 1t in front, and drawing up
fleshy parts of the abdomen. Before
drawing In the lace, fasten the hose sup
porters snugly as they help to keep the
corset in place. The laces should be In
three parts, 30 that each section may
be drawn up and tied separately. be-
ginning with the lowest. whether the
laces be In the front or back.
shorten Benes.
II the front bones, cut into the flesh
Of the hips when sitting down. the bones
should be shortened. 1t Is they and
not the corset which 10 at fault.
Always unlace the corset again before
taking It Oh. not only to keep It tn better
shape, but also to have II ready Tor the
next time II Il to b worn.
II Is IN economy - keep two pairs