Edition #11: Corset Covers
The camisole's more disciplined older sister.
People these days don’t appreciate the amount of layering that used to go into getting dressed in the days before zippers and technical fabric. Women easily wore 3-4 garment pieces which almost always included being laced into a corset (and that was just above the waist!). These boned undergarments were then covered with a lightweight top aptly referred to as a corset cover. Usually made from cotton or silk, corset covers became popular during the mid- to late-1800s and were the precursors for the modern camisole — yes, the ubiquitous early 21st century staple goes all the way back to 19th century. I do confess that a lot of these are technically camisoles because they’re mostly from the 1900s (you’ll have to go to a museum to see more of the 1800s ones).
Vintage edwardian lace camisole crochet chemise blouse floral detail 1910s brassiere Antique on Etsy: This looks like it could easily be a top made in 2024. It’s hand stitched, cotton lace.
Antique Embroidered Neckline Corset Cover on Etsy: I may purchase this for myself. The nip in at the wasted with the pleats is just so good. Equal parts bar maid and damsel in distress.
Museum-Worthy Antique Corset Chemise, Bra, Brassiere, Bralette, Bandeau Bra on Etsy: I can’t believe this piece looks as good as it does. According to the seller, it dates to the “last half of the 1800s” and features mother-of-pearl buttons on the back (there’s a whole back story in the item description that’s worth a read!).
Vintage Camisole Corset Cover Hand Tailored Pink Yoke Tatting Embroidery Floral Design Cream Silky Body Satin Ribbon Bows on Etsy: (I left the entire word salad product name for you all to enjoy) The pink, tatted lace at the top of this corset cover is still really bright and without damage, even for being 80 years old.
Early 20th Century French Corset Cover, Blouse with Eyelet Embroidery, Edwardian Undergarment on Etsy: The description said that the eyelet featured butterflies and I was confused, but sure enough, the middle section is two side profiles of butterflies.
Edwardian corset cover - 1900s lingerie on Etsy: The criss-crossing lace insets create this very modern diamond design. It just screams coquette with its bows and pin-tucks.
Edwardian Camisole 1900 - Antique Camisole S / XS _ Edwardian Corset Cover on eBay: Multiple kinds of lace and embroidery adorn this corset cover, including a monogram at the chest.
Antique Edwardian Camisole Corset Cover | Size XS-Small | Eyelet Detail | Delicate Design on Etsy: Paired with wide leg jeans in the model shot, this is another more modern-feeling option. The straight across strip of eyelet is just perfect.
Antique 1900s cream white corset cover, blouse size large on Etsy: This could easily Madewell or Ulla Johnson right now. The windowpane pattern is just so good and there are even little tassles at the end of the strings, though it needs a good long soak.
Cynara Antique corset cover sz xs | Edwardian corset cover Victorians corset cover cottagecore blouse vintage crop top on Etsy: Again with the diamond pattern, but this one features a large boatneck tied with ribbon and lace stripes across the back.
Honorable Mentions:
What terms were searched:
Corset Cover
Antique camisole
Cotton chemise
Welcome to Finder’s Keepers
This is the newsletter dedicated to leaving no vintage stone unturned. Each edition will cater to a rabbit hole that I fell down one night and include an assortment of vintage finds that make you question “Why did anyone own this?” followed quickly by “Should I own this?”
My method is simple: I attach a keyword or phrase to the item and go digging, spending hours each week combing through hundreds of pages of Etsy and Ebay bric-a-brac until I’ve seen it all. It’s chaotic but satisfactory, like looking through every rack and bin at a thrift store for those of us that partake in the more visceral act of going in person. I also like to sit on my couch.