The chemise is as old as the corset and has always been worn underneath it to protect both the skin and the corset like a barrier that minimises the amount of sweat penetrating the corset and also provides a breathable, washable layer to keep the skin clean.
But unless you are a new romantic, the chemise may seem a little out-of-date for the modern girl, in fact it’s over 200 years out of date! So what are the modern day alternatives for today’s tight-lacers?
Well I tend to don a vest top, the stretchy kind that hug your body. But they’re not always high in cotton content which allows skin to breath and soaks up sweat. Synthetic fabrics will repel moisture holding sweat against the skin, not good! But now it seems there’s an alternative bamboo based fabric. I’ve seen it on a couple of corset makers’ websites being used to make undergarments for corsets. It’s 100% natural and has a stretch to it, so it forms a second skin with 0 creases.
More about this wonder fabric when I get hold of some!
