1) Stays, c. 1720, German; silk damask over linen, stiffened with whalebone and stitching. The stays were originally covered with pink silk, later recovered in blue. The tabs extending over the hips are stiffened with whalebone and covered with kid leather. C. Jahnke collection.

Jumps (Informal Corset); c. 1750 – 1780, English; linen embroidered with silk.

Jumps were worn for occasions requiring less rigorous construction and were often worn by nursing mothers.

Petticoat; c. 1750 – 1780, English; silk satin padded with wool fleece.

Petticoats such as this were worn either under a formal gown or were sometimes visible for informal wear.

2) Doll, shift and stays; c. 1750, English; wood, linen, whalebone. The doll’s body is carved into the long conical shape viewed as physical perfection in the mid 18th century. Stays and corsets were always worn over a shift, which provided a greater degree of comfort and prevented harm to the skin as the laces were tightened. Vancouver Museum Collection.

3) Girl’s stays, late 18th century (c. 1787), American (?); linen, whalebone, tabbed bottom.
This pair of stays was likely worn by a child at the age of 2. Children were placed into corsets at a young age to create proper posture and provide a miniature version of the fashionable figure. 16” waist. M. Talkington collection.