Chapter I: The Meaning And Purpose Of Foundation Garments
The word FOUNDATION means support, and if yours lacks that and doesn't "fit" in its proportions and sizes, there is no purpose in wearing it. When foundations do not fit, they can do more harm than most women realize and they certainly offer no support. They must always move with the body whatever the body's position, yet need never be adjusted once put on correctly.
Originally, foundations were created to enhance the beauty of outer apparel, but in that era they were very rigid. Today, foundations are very flexible; they not only beautify the wearer's clothes, but offer support as well. Women no longer scrub floors or clothes even though they are more active, (it's not physical.)
The misconception that wearing foundation garments restricts use of muscles or in any way hinders sports activities is untrue. The proper garments suitable to the age of the woman will sometimes aid her in physical activities she couldn't indulge in without them, because they are such a boost.
It is not uncommon for girls and women to sleep in a bra for a variety of reasons of health and comfort. The same is true about sleeping in a girdle.
Most women are in their foundations between 10 and 12 hours every day for a lifetime, so it makes good sense to wear what is beneficial. Bodies do not naturally have rolls or bulges regardless of size; they are woman-made with the wrong type and wrong size garment.
Since becoming a corsetiere I've sought the aid of the medical profession to help me convince women of the importance of well- fitted foundations.
The following letter was written to the Journal of the American Medical Association, on June 17th, 1938, when America was emerging from the "boyish form, flat chested" era.
"Since the American Medical Association has sounded a warning regarding harmful beauty preparations such as creams and powders that are injurious to the skin, is it not incumbent upon our profession to warn the women of our nation of the injurious effects of the many brassieres decreed by fashion and worn by our women today?
"As we all know the breast is a gland- producing a secretion at all times, which secretion must have an outlet to the outside through its ducts that empty into the nipple. This secretion is present in the non-lactating breast as well as the lactating breast, in the breast of the non-pregnant as well as that of the pregnant woman. Therefore, for the health of this mammary gland it must be free from compression or undue pressure against the diaphragm in order to insure its ability to empty its secretion thru the ducts into the nipple.
"Many of the brassieres made today by giving insufficient upward lift of the heavy breast, cause the breasts to become pendulous, sensitive and very tender. Many women have their breasts fitted into breast pockets too small to envelope the whole breast, thereby causing the breast to lap over in front and be pushed up near the armpits, while the lower portion of the breast is allowed to drop down where it is compressed against the diaphragm by a tight-fitting band at the lower edge of the brassiere.
"In a great many cases of tender or painful breasts, changing to a well fitting, up-lifting, non-compressing brassiere is all that is necessary to cure the condition. Such a brassiere must be made-to-order and fitted according to the individual's measurements if the breast is to be given a fair chance at proper support. It should be re-fitted from time to time, especially if there is any appreciable change in body weight."
The letter was signed by Anna K. Daniels, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist.
Continue to
Chapter II: How To Grow Gracefully (Teenager)
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Last updated May 29, 1997