For some women, wearing a cinch belt would create a similar shape, while eliminating at least some of the rigid undergarments used to create the silhouette.īy 1952, the “slim-line” or “stringbean silhouette” was becoming fashionable. The silhouette created by the cinch belt is a nod to Dior’s New Look, which dictated a defined waist and hourglass figure. This was accomplished through adjustable self-fabric ties or by pairing her dresses with belts such as the one seen here. McCardell’s designs often included an adjustable belt that allowed the wearer some ability to individualize her garment. If you’re thinking of the minimal, lacy garter belts seen today, remember that a 1950s garter belt was a more extensive garment, worn to provide both a shapely waist and secure fasteners for stockings.Īssociated with the designer Claire McCardell, this type of elasticized belt reached the height of its popularity in 1952. Both types of “garters” share the purpose of creating a defined, feminine waistline. We are able to give it such a precise date because it was featured in an April 1952 Vogue editorial called “Vogue’s Eye View of the Waist Garter.” In this case, “waist garter” refers to decorative belts worn on the outside of garments, rather than the form-enforcing undergarment. ![]() Though it looks very much like something that could be purchased today, this elasticized red cinch belt dates to 1952. If you happened to see this cinch belt out and about, what would be your guess as to its age? Given that it is part of the FIDM Museum collection, we probably didn’t pick it up at H&M over the weekend.
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