Directoire Controversy

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Directoire Controversy

Dear Rosemary,

Letter No. 77 by Escort caused quite an argument in our private club the other evening. It was mentioned that he had said that directoire knic­kers were only worn nowadays by schoolgirls and old maids. Several of the girls present heatedly denied this and were led in their arguments by Helen, who is about as glamorous a girl as anyone could wish to meet. She agreed that some directoire knickers, and especially those of the 1920’s were too full and didn’t emphasize the figure sufficiently, but maintained that modern knickers, if tastefully chosen, could be equally glamorous as the French type. She said that they were much more comfortable and warmer on cold winter days because of the elastic around the legs, and that she herself wore them frequently. The majority of us replied, that, although we certainly couldn’t accuse her of being either an old maid or a schoolgirl, we thought that the flowing lines of the French type were much more glam­orous. Helen grew quite excited about the subject and declared that she was wearing directoire knickers at that moment, and that if one of the girls who was wear­ing the French variety would volunteer to help, she would show us her own and let us decide on the spot. After some hesitation among the girls, Jean blushingly promised to help her out.

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Startling Statistics

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Startling Statistics

Fads and Fancies No 4 (1950)

Dear Rosemary, 

I have been trying to compile a census of what types of undies women and girls I know are wearing and I have now got together sufficient figures to provide what should be an in­teresting few paragraphs for fellow-readers of Fads & Fancies.

Of the 40 females who agreed to give me the information I wanted, 14 preferred French knickers, 12 cami-knickers, 9 directoire knickers, 3 short briefs, and 2 tight fitting trunks. I found that in really hot weather no less than 13 of these left off anything in the way of underwear round her hips. I did not find a girl who never wore knickers of any description.

The ages of the girls and women were from 16 to 37, and the distribution of the types of underwear was interesting. Of the class 16 to 23, 2 wore French knickers... 2... cami-knickers, 5 directoire knickers and 2 tight fitting trunks. Of the 24 to 30 class, 5 wore French knickers, 4 camiknickers, 3 directoire knick­ers and 3 wore trunks. Of the 31 to 37 class,7 wore French knickers, 6 camiknickers, 1 directoire knickers. 

From these figures it would seem that the younger girls have to wear, or prefer to wear the more tightly fitting underwear; while the older girl who can choose for herself. Prefers the looser garments which I personally prefer.

During this investigation, in which I found most of my friends very co-operative, a few interest­ing facts emerged. About half the girls wore brassieres, mostly the younger girls. The others pre­ferred the bosom to be free and unrestricted, generally because of the pleasure produced when silk or satin blouses were worn im­mediately over it.

Suspender belts were of the tiny type meant to do no more than keep stockings up, unless the figure was such that a corset was essential. Some belts were dainty, trimmed with a little lace, but most were the pink satin or bro­cade type.

My own choice for an attractive girl is as follows. Sheer nylon stockings, suspender belt in black lace, with three suspenders to each leg. Brassiere of the same material, and very wide legged cami-knickers in flame colored satin, flared at the hips; with black lace insertions at bust and hips. Trimmed at the bust and legs with white lace one inch wide. Black satin frock, tight at the bust, with zip fastener to the waist, down the front, very wide skirt to the frock.

I hope other readers will submit the results of their investigations, and I hope you will publish all of general interest.

Yours truly,      PETER.