To achieve the 1950s hourglass figure, girdles were worn. After the war, rubber was one again available and used to create girdles. Girdles could shape the body like the corsets of the late 19th century, but did not require boning. The bustier bra featured here is also from the 1950s. The longline nature of this bra also functions like a corset would by flattening the midsection and pushing up the bust.