RARE Late 1890s Gage-Downs Co. Bust Supporter/ Bicycle Waist

An extremely rare and important example of women's fashion history circa 1896, this 'Bust Supporter' or 'Bicycle Waist' made by Gage-Downs Co Manufacturing of Chicago is made of a black cotton/twill fabric with tape buttons up the front and boning at the opening on either side. Exposed sides with gathered bust detailing, and a lace up back. First and only one I have seen and been able find to track down 

The bicycle craze of the 1890s made bike riding popular with women, and clothing companies were quick to see an opportunity to market new goods to these women. And corsets had to change in order for a woman to ride in comfort. This catalog from the Gage-Downs Company of Chicago shows how one company worked on the corset problem. This was before the brassiere was developed around 1915, and one purpose of the corset was to support the bust. In a standard corset, the support comes from below, but in a bust supporter like these from Gage-Downs, the bust is mainly supported from the shoulders. Another big improvement in this design was that the bicycle waist ended at the waist instead of extending over the hips.

* This piece ships fully insured and that is factored into price *

Condition: Good considering this is a 130 year old undergarment; you can see some minor imperfections on seam near bust that’s been darned, replacement bottom button, and some threadbare/ exterior fabric wear near hem at back as shown. Missing two rivets at the lace back. The laces may need to be replaced in time as they are worn and tied in an area as shown. Minor interior discoloration as shown as well, but clean, strong, and can be worn with care 

Measurements-fits a range of sizes due to lace back

Bust: best fit 35”-40”

Armhole: 21”

Waist: 25” - 30” best fit 

Length:  15” at wide and 17” and longest point