Figure 1.-- This is the Model skeleton waist for boys and girls advertised in the 'Ladies Home Journal' for May 1900. Notice the checked knee pants and black long stockings. We have not encountered this brand before, and I suspect that it did not sell very well because no additional ads seem to appear in the magazine for other years or months. It was manufactured apparently in Chicago by a firm known as Julia Brown at 152 Washington St., Chicago. The ad says that "Lady Agents" are "Wanted" to help sell and promote the product.

This is the Model skeleton waist for boys and girls advertised in the Ladies Home Journal for May 1900, on page 33. We have not encountered this brand before, and I suspect that it did not sell very well because no additional ads seem to appear in the magazine for other years or months. It was manufactured apparently in Chicago by a firm known as Julia Brown at 152 Washington St., Chicago. The ad says that "Lady Agents" are "Wanted" to help sell and promote the product. I think the product must not have competed successfully with better known brands such as E-Z Waists, Ideal Waists, Warner's Waists, or M Waists (Minneapolis)at the turn of the century. This waist claims to perform three functions--that of a waist for trousers, skirts, or additional underdrawers (or perhaps bloomers for girls), of a shoulder brace for improving children's posture, and of a supporter for long stockings.

Julia Brown

This Model skeleton waist for boys and girls was offered by Julia Brown. This is a firm we have not noted earlier. Or it may be a woman trying to set up a firm. This was unusual in 1900 when mosr business were set up and managed by men. We have not encountered this brand before, and I suspect that it did not sell very well because no additional ads seem to appear in the magazine for other years or months. It was manufactured apparently in Chicago by a firm known as Julia Brown at 152 Washington St., Chicago. I think the product must not have competed successfully with better known brands such as E-Z Waists, Ideal Waists, Warner's Waists, or M Waists (Minneapolis)at the turn of the century.

Ladies Home Journal

Brown advertized her Skeleton waist in the Ladies Home Journal on page 33 (May 1900). As the oldest still publishing, most respected women's service magazine in the country, The Ladies' Home Journal has always focused on issues of crucial importance to millions of women. Since its first issue in December 1883. This long history make The Ladies Home Journal and invaluable source of information on American fashion trends. Its covered an incredibly wide range of topics beyond just fashion, from the latest medical research and consumer news to parenting know-how, workplace survival, good skincare, nutrition facts and much, much more. It was The Ladies Home Journal who sucessfully merged the elements and produced the right formula, becoming the top ladies magazine in America. The Ladies' Home Journal both empowered women and applauded their growing power. We also notice patterns offered in the magazine.

Lady Agents

The ad says that "Lady Agents" are "Wanted" to help sell and promote the product. By asgent they mean salesman. The word speakjs for itself. Salesmen in 1900 were men. Selling was not an occupation that was deeemed suitable for ladies. The travel alone would be seen as inappropriate for ladies. This leasato several questions. Does this mean thst these garments were sold by ladies only. Or did the form have enough make agents already. Or did the female owner only want lady agents or at least some lady agents?

Utility

This waist claims to perform three functions--that of a waist for trousers, skirts, or additional underdrawers (or perhaps bloomers for girls), of a shoulder brace for improving children's posture, and of a supporter for long stockings.

Ages

Interestingly, the waist does not specify ages, but is sized according to waist measurement, 20 to 28 inches. This means, I think, that the waist would fit children of both genders from about 8 years old up to 17 or even 18 years . In 1900 boys as old as 18 were still wearing knee trousers, and some boys did not wear long trousers until they had graduated from high school. The boy shown in the illustration seems to be about 12 or 13.

Constructions

The construction is similar to garments that were often described as "skeleton waists" and were especially popular with boys because the suspender-like arrangement was more masculine than the standard underwaists or "corset waists" that were favored by girls but worn by most American children of both genders up to the age of 12. The waist consists of a pair of shoulder straps that cross in the back like modern suspenders for trousers. The suspender straps are fastened to a waist belt of sateen material that has two rows of buttons sewn around it to accommodate trousers or skirts. The elastic hose supporters are attached to the waist belt by a double strap over each hip, and there is, additionally, a "Patented Sliding Loop" at the back of the waist which is apparently designed to provide greater flexibility. I'm not sure what the loop is all about. Perhaps it has something to do with the attachment of the supporters, but this is not clear from the illustration.

Ad Copy

The Brown ad copy read, "The Model Waist and Hose Supporter For Boys and Girls. A Waist, Shoulder Brace and Hose Supporter combined, made from finest Sateen, with best Lisle Elastic Flexo Grasp Rubber Button Hose Supporters, which cannot tear the stockings. Has Two Rows of Tape Buttons, made especially strong, which cannot come off, for fastening skirts, pants and drawers. The Shoulder Strap can be adjusted to length desired, and the Patented Sliding Loop at back responds to every movement of the body, allowing perfect freedom. Colors. Black and White. Sizes. 20 to 28 inch waist measure. Price, my mail, 50 cents. Lady Agents Wanted. Julia Brown, 152 Washington St., Chicago." [Note that this waist must be purchased by mail order and is not at present available in stores."]

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Created: 5:21 AM 9/30/2009
Last updated: 5:21 AM 9/30/2009