Digital Collections

Improver, Bust

Object/Artifact

Bust improver made of a fine linen cover with stuffed pads inside, can’t be removed, however. The linen has old stitchlines - probably from an old chemise or the like. Frill across top is a fine cotton or linen ribbon (finished edge). All hand sewn except for line of machine stitching across binding along top edge. The center has two stays of baleen or splint of some kind. Thin cotton twill tape loops on either side to fit around arms. The padding seems to be horsehair. The pads are edged with twill tape. Another piece of tape is tied to one side, perhaps to better secure the contraption across the back.

G2005.185

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1860 - 1875

User Age: Adult Gender: Female

American

bust improver

bust

woman

female

linen

cotton

frill

stay

baleen

horsehair

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