AS SEEN THROUGH “Woman's Eyes

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XXV, 18 June 1898, Page 782

AS SEEN THROUGH “Woman 's Eyes

STAYS FOR GIRLS. This is essentially the ‘ tailor-made ’ age for women. A few years ago ‘ floppiness ’ was all the mode, and women and girls walked abroad in (apparently) badly-made dressing-gowns, and draperies of a similar untidy and slovenly nature. Fortunately, for neatness and smartness of appearance, this very objectionable style of dress (?) did not last long ; for—and I am only articulating the sentiments of every other woman —we soon found out that the sterner sex ridicule rather than admire a fashion which gives the wearer a helplessly bedraggled and untidy appearance. But there is a line to be drawn between the two extremes, and the difficulty is to dress our growing girls suitably to their age. To me it is a sad sight to see a child of thirteen or fourteen trying to develop a waist by wearing corsets, the make and shape of whi h are only intended for their elders. Some girls are older ‘ built’ (if I may use the term) than others ; but it is the duty of every mother to see that her daughter wears what are generally called children’s stays as long as she can do so in comfort. As the name implies, the garment is intended to be worn as a support, without undue pressure on any part of the body, so that all the internal organs may have ample room for the work which is thrown upon them. Where it can be afforded I would suggest that the first pair of corsets be made to measure; no two girls are exactly alike in size and form, and the cheap, ready-made article, although very prettily embroidered, may, if worn by a growing girl, cause some internal derangement, the effects of which may result in serious trouble in the future.