Summer wear
Ribbon corsets were recommended for slender women for summer. This one was worn by a woman from a merchant family living in Brazil: Fanny Harvey Fleetwood Raper, nee Duder (1879-1957).
While the upper edge of the corset lies under the bust, allowing more freedom of movement, the bones in the sides constrict the waist and those in the back reinforce an upright posture.
Corset
Possibly Britain, about 1900
Silk satin ribbon, whalebone (baleen), metal eyelets and steel busk
V&A: T.18-1958
Given by Mrs Raper [16/04/2016-12/03/2017]