Maternity Corset

Maternity Corset

In the nineteenth-century, appearing visibly pregnant in public was considered inappropriate. If expectant mothers left the home, they would often wear maternity corsets with hopes of concealing their pregnancy. This particular corset, covered in sweat stains, reveals the agony of wearing such devices. Notice the extensive boning, which was meant to accommodate belly protrusion.

For more information contact the Wylie House Museum and for more information about the collections at the museum visit Wylie House Museum: Collections Overview.

Wylie House Museum