Undergarments of the regency era

Ladies of the regency were able to escape to constriction of corsets that their mothers and later daughters and granddaughters had to bare; the boned corset. The Georgian and Victorian silhouette called for an unnaturally small waist and straight backs, the regency captivated the natural femal form.

They drew inspiration from classical Greek and roman silhouettes, so they allowed for column dresses with minimal flouncing. Waists were raised to just under the bust and skirt hung freely without hoop skirts or multiple layers of petticoats.

The new style called for a new support garment. Which was the short corset, which was an inspiration for Modern day undergarments. They only laced up at the back in a zigzag fashion using one string, and stiffened at the front with an optional wooded or bone busk, which created a straight posture and separated the bust for a 'heaving' effect.

Pre regency corsets restricted the body from the hips to the bust line, and were held with straps over the shoulders.

In the regency, petticoats were slimmed down to one, and only if necessary. Women walked freely of any other under garments, only a shift and short corset. These corsets were mostly supportive, similar to todays bras, non constricting and not dangerous. Some women wouldnt even wear corsets.

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