Description
This beautiful black floral lace, early 1960s strapless bra and waist-cincher combo is a style often called a “Merry Widow”: an over-the-bust foundation garment that provides shaping from bust to just above the hips. This particular vintage bra and corset combination was made by Chicago manufacturer Formfit, dating to before their merger with Rogers Lingerie in the early 1960s, to become Formfit-Rogers. Interestingly, the use of the words “lycra spandex” on the fiber content label dates this piece very specifically to sometime between the new, lighter-weight stretch fiber’s branding by Dupont in 1962, and the merger of Formfit and Rogers in 1963-4.
The corset features delicate off-black nylon lace backed with sheer cream nylon mesh for a “nude” look from underbust to hem in front. The strapless underwired cups are lined in cream padded nylon, with curved stitching for shaping. Cream ribbon trim is threaded through the black lace edging the top of the cups. The back portion of the corset is a wide V shape ending a few inches above the waist. The back section is made of sheer, stretchy black mesh, a blend of acetate, polyester, and nylon spandex. The corset is boned from the underbust to hem. It is longer in front to snatch/shape the lower abdomen, but curves up above the hips at each side, to create the perfect hourglass shape! It has 4 black elastic, rubber, and metal garter clips, trimmed with satin ribbon. These are detachable (aside from the ribbon trim), if you prefer not to use them. The corset closes in back with 3 sets of hooks and eyes, to adjust the fit.
In excellent condition, this early 60s vintage Merry Widow corset has no issues to note. It is labeled a size 36B, which seems fairly accurate based on the measurements. It should also fit reasonably well on a 36C or 34D, especially if you don’t mind a little bit of “cup overflow”. This true vintage 1960s black lace corselet is perfect for a pin-up photo shoot or moderate shaping under your favorite strapless dress. For the bold, wear it as a corset top with a pencil skirt or trousers!
Size: approx. modern size 36B to C, or 34C to D.
- Bust: measured over cups, bra is 35 inches unstretched, stretching up to 38 inches max.
- Underbust: 27 inches flat, stretching up to 31 inches max.
- Waist: 24 inches flat, stretching up to 28 inches max.
- Hem, measured around sides/above hips, at approx. low waist: 26.5 inches flat, stretching up to 31 inches max.
- Underarm to hem length: 10 inches.
- Center front length, from between cups to hem: 12.5 inches.
- Cups: each is 7 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
- Label: The Designers Collection by Formfit, 36B, Made in USA
