2-3. How Girdles Are Seen By Women
A girdle is not seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to several ends. In other words, women tend not to assess a girdle for what it is, but for what it will do for them. These attitudes play important roles in shaping reaction to various graphic symbolisms. Basically, a girdle is a tool with which women can enhance their appearance. Additionally, it is used to achieve a variety of physiological and psychological needs. Among users, a girdle is seen not as a luxury but as a necessary part of life.
Speculation that girdles are assigned roles for sex-linked motives appears to be basically unfounded. While one may argue that the desire to improve one's appearance is a sex-linked motive, girdles are generally not thought of as increasing sex appeal in the ways sexy bras or slips might do. Women who need girdles but do not wear them are certainly not thought of as "sexy." However, while many women think it is "sexy" to be seen in feminine looking panties and bras, they indicate they would be ashamed if they were seen in their girdle:
- "I think my pride would perhaps be a little bit hurt if someone had to see me in it."
- "I do mind being seen in it. A little pair of panties is all right, but when you get into a girdle you look more naked. It's more of a personal thing."
- "I think the girdle is personal. I can walk around in my bra and a half slip, but I could never walk around in just my girdle."
- "I think it's a psychological thing with me- why I don't want anyone to see me in my girdle- for I feel that a woman shouldn't have to wear one, she should be able to keep her posture without it. I am a little bit ashamed if anyone knows that I am wearing a girdle."
Although some women indicate that they are ashamed of the need to wear girdles, the majority feel that wearing a girdle makes a woman feel better about herself both physically and mentally. Many women indicate that they feel more at ease in facing the world when they are wearing a properly-fitted girdle.
In order to fully understand the nature of the positive and negative feelings about girdles, it is necessary to go back to the reasons for wearing girdles. While virtually all women agreed that wearing a girdle enhances their appearance, among some women physical support and comfort are equally important reasons. In fact, some women indicated they wear a girdle primarily for support.
Those who wear a girdle primarily for appearance are more apt to have hostile feelings toward girdle use. These women tend to be more uncomfortable in girdles and, in a way, are mad at themselves for having to rely on a girdle to make them look slim and improve their posture. Apparently, some of these women see girdles as a "crutch." They feel that if they had the willpower to reduce flab or eliminate other figure-faults they would not have to resort to the use of girdles. However, the majority of women are not hostile toward girdles and readily accept them as a necessary part of the wardrobe.
Those who wear girdles primarily for support are generally most positive in their attitudes toward girdles. To these women, appearance improvement is a "fringe benefit." In general, these women rely on girdles to help them get through the day without tired and sagging muscles. These women do not feel any guilt about girdle usage because to them a girdle is almost a form of medication.
Many of these women actually did start wearing girdles on the advice of a doctor.
Continue to Social Implications Of Girdle Usage
Return to "What and Why of the Girdle Buy" Index
Page designed and maintained by 
Originally Posted April 20, 1997