1930's Bra and Taps-Unmentionables Through The Decades Project 1

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For my first project in my “Unmentionables thru the Decades” project, I decided to start with the 1930s. This was really the decade when the fashions for underwear changed into the form we recognize today. In the '20s, they did have bras and panties more or less as we know them today. But they were really only popular with the very young and fashion forward ladies. More conservative ladies and older ladies still wore plenty of layers. Maybe not a true corset as we would call it today (more like a girdle), but basically everything else their fore bearers wore. But by the '30s, a much lighter style of underthings was worn more universally.

Here is a gorgeous example I found on Etsy. It has a similar style.

And here is mine!

I decided to begin this project with a gorgeous reproduction pattern, Simplicity 8510. It is a reprint of a bra and tap pants set pattern from the 1930s.

https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-pattern-8510-misses-vintage-brassiere-and-panties/S8510.html#start=7

Are vintage pattern illustrations the best ever? Yes. Do I occasionally buy reprints just because of the pretty pictures on the envelope? Yes. No regrets? None.

For the bra (really a bralette), I used a scrap of light peach moire polyester from my stash. It's such a pretty fabric in person, but I don't know if it photographs accurately. I trimmed it with some pretty cream lace, with tiny pink roses and green leaves. Sadly, I have no idea where it came from. The pattern is mostly simple and straightforward. I did experience some confusion trying to understand which back edge was which. One back edge is to be stitched up and has a bit of elastic with the hooks sewn to it. And the other side to be left open at first, and then a small extension is added, to which the eyes are attached. I probably got that wrong. Just read and reread the directions, look at the illustrations, and maybe mark the left side back and right side back piece. And you should be fine.

I don't think I will be wearing this bra on a day-to-day basis. The shape, support, and coverage it provides is not equal to a modern bra. But for my purposes of costume wear and historic clothing study, it is perfect.

Sadly, I didn't have enough of the peach fabric to make the matching tap pants. I did have a piece of pink mystery fabric. It sews up beautifully, drapes so gracefully, and holds a crease like a dream. I was able to sew neat, tight seams with ease, especially the top-stitching. It is perhaps a vintage polyester faille? It is firmer and less slippery then a simple satin would be, but it did have a gorgeous sheen to it. I would love to find some more just like it. The details in this pattern are just delightful. I love the yoke on the front and back. And the buttons! So pretty, and so different from what we normally see today.

Again, I will not be wearing these under my civilian clothes. The waist is nice and tight to the body, but the lower legs are quite loose and flowy. Quite a different feeling than modern panties. Tap pants were their forerunners , and were quite popular from the 1920s to the 1940s (simply judging from the sheer number of reproduction patterns I found available).

Back in the 1930s, just like today, sets like this would usually be made to match. But I was working with what was available in my stash, and I still love the outcome.

Thanks for reading. Make time for creativity today!