Elasticated Collection

Advert, Surgical Hosiery Co Ltd, Nottingham
Advert, Surgical Hosiery Co Ltd, Russell Street, Nottingham - manufacturers of elastic knee caps, anklets (plain, felted or padded), jock straps, suspenders etc. for all athletes Date: 1933

Bloomers - latest in fashion 1909
Suzanne Bergere walking around Paris, quite radical clothing for the late Edwardian era, a pair of nickerbockers

Advert for Lastex womens corset 1934
Model wearing a corset with elastic. Date: 1934

50S GIRL BY WYKEHAM
A young woman with a very short hair-cut, wearing a pencil skirt, cap-sleeved blouse and wide elasticated belt stands in profile against a wall Date: 1950s

Four young women enjoying the sun sitting on the rails on Bournemouth sea front while they eat ice creams. 24 May 1947

Lycra advert, 1966 C018 / 0603
Lycra advert. 1966 advertisement for a bra with straps and panels elasticated with lycra. This advert was produced by the US company DuPont

Ankle injury
MODEL RELEASED. Ankle injury. Elderly woman holding her injured ankle which has had an elasticated bandage applied

Wrist injury
MODEL RELEASED. Wrist injury. Elderly woman holding her injured wrist which has had an elasticated bandage applied

Brassierette 1938
Kleinerts brassierette: a lightweight bra without fastenings but with a shirred elastic back. Suitable for sports. It is also fitted with dress shields. Date: 1938

Hunting Tweeds
A sportsman in tweed suit, high leather boots with elasticated, water-proof spatterdashes and a tweed helmet hat

Fanning a Fire
A woman uses a newspaper over an open coal fire to make it draw more quickly and light the coals faster

1950S Girl by Wykeham
A young woman with a very short hair-cut, wearing a pencil skirt, cap-sleeved blouse and wide elasticated belt stands in profile against a wall

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"Elasticated: A Journey Through Fashion and Function" Step back in time to the early 1900s, where the Surgical Hosiery Co Ltd of Nottingham introduced us to the wonders garments. In an advert from that era, they proudly showcased their latest creation - bloomers. These comfortable and flexible bottoms were hailed as the epitome of fashion in 1909. Fast forward a few decades to 1934, when Lastex women's corsets took center stage. This revolutionary garment combined style with functionality, thanks to its elasticated design. Women could now achieve both a fashionable silhouette and unrestricted movement. In Wykeham's captivating photograph titled "50s Girl, " we catch a glimpse of how elasticated clothing became an integral part of everyday life for young women during this era. The image captures four carefree ladies enjoying the sun on Bournemouth seafront while effortlessly sitting on rails – all thanks to their stretchy attire. The introduction of Lycra in 1966 marked another milestone in the history of elasticity. An advert from that year showcases its incredible versatility through various sports activities like skiing and tennis. Lycra became synonymous with comfort and freedom, allowing individuals to push their physical limits without compromising style. But it wasn't just about fashion; elasticity played a crucial role in injury prevention too. Whether it was ankle or wrist injuries, elasticated bandages provided support and stability during recovery periods – aiding countless individuals on their road to healing. Even undergarments embraced this innovative technology. In 1938, brassierettes made use of elastication for enhanced comfort and fit. Gone were the days when restrictive corsets ruled; these new designs allowed women greater freedom while still maintaining support. From bloomers being at the forefront of fashion trends in 1909 to modern-day athletic wear revolutionized by Lycra – elasticity has continuously shaped our wardrobe choices throughout history.