Swiss Waist Belt
PeriodCirca 1860 - 1865
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumCorded silk, cotton, whalebone, twisted silk guimpe
Dimensions12 × 32 in. (30.5 × 81.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number2022.529
DescriptionA woman's decorative boned belt, known as a Swiss waist, constructed of heavy black corded silk, made in two panels laced together at the back via hand-sewn eyelets and what appears to be the original black cotton steel-tipped cording. The panels assemble to create a wide belt with front and back top and bottom points. The belt front laces together with the original cotton lacing cords. The panels are lined with sturdy plain-woven light brown cotton, with twelve spaced whalebone stiffeners. The outside of the belt is ornamented with elaborate black and oyster white twisted silk guimpe.Curatorial RemarksSwiss waists, also known as corselets, corselettes, corsages, swiss bodices, or swiss belts, enjoyed fashionable popularity for most of the 1860s, resurging in popularity again in the late 1880s and early 1890s, during which time they were called swiss waists." The terminology seems to have originated with traditional Swiss or Alpine national costume, including decorative contrasting lace-up belts. Publications such as Godey's Lady's Book featured a variety of similarly-constructed and designed waists. The waists included boning for support, and were often worn with either a two-piece gown or a skirt and blouse such as the popular "Garibaldi" blouse. Swiss waists were made by professional dressmakers, but could also be made relatively easily at home using silk scraps and trimmings for a nice fashionable wardrobe accessory. Based upon the construction, including the notched seams, this swiss waist was most likely made by a professional dressmaker.
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