c. 1897-1907

Woman's Hose Supporter

This is a particularly elaborate example of an undergarment that was popular for only a few years at the turn of the last century. It was belted around the body below the waist, and the four front garters held up a woman's stockings. Wearing the device was seen as healthful because circulation was unimpeded by gartering around the leg, and a hose supporter was also said to give the figure a fashionable S-curve, since it pulled the waist down in front.