Molly Bee: “What Does Your Figure Measure Up To?”

You’ve done it: Stood in front of a park fun mirror and laughed out loud at your figure, as Molly Bee does here in the Pacific Ocean Park fun mirrors. But if you find when you look into your own mirror at home, you can no longer laugh at the picture, then it’s time to do some personal figuring. And figures—no matter what anybody else tells you—don’t lie. Check your figure with a measuring tape and if you have a star figure like Molly Bee’s, your bust and hip measurements should match (35” x 35“) and waist should indent by a neat ten inches. To measure the bust, place the tape measure around your body under the bust and draw in tightly. Now add five inches to find your bra size. To measure the waist, pull tape firmly without pinching. To measure hips, place tape around hips at widest part. This will vary on different figures; for some, this may he as high as three inches below the waist; for others, it means almost at the thigh line. If your mirror and your measure tell you your figure is somewhat less than perfection, take heart; the proper foundation can do wonders for you. There’s one for every figure type—it’s just a question of knowing which type you are, and then doing something about it.

WHICH FIGURE TYPE ARE YOU?

The Young Figure: This is the figure which is still developing, and it’s likely that your last year’s size is strictly out-of-date. Best advice for you is to buy one bra at a time, keeping two bras going constantly, one to wash and one to wear.

The Junior Figure: Smaller than the average figure in scale, if you’re a junior you are probably short waisted. Did you know that many models and starlets are a junior figure? This does not mean that these girls don’t bother with support. Every young model and starlet owns a wardrobe of bras and girdles! If you want to accent your figure; many of the new bras this season have laminated inserts in the cups which merely add contour without heavy padding. Generally, a lightweight, pull-on panty girdle is enough control for you. But for the best answer, try on your bra and girdle in the fitting room, letting your saleswoman help select the proper style with you.

The Top-Heavy Figure: Do you have a nice bosom but straight narrow hips which measure less than 6“ larger than your waist? If you are in this category, choose a bra with support under the bosom and double panels at the side to keep your curves natural. A lightweight girdle is enough for you. If you plan to wear it under slacks or shorts, try the new panty girdles with separate seat panels such as the one pictured.

The Elongated Torso: You generally have shorter legs compared to your overall body length than the average figure. A garment which puts your figure back in proper proportion can smooth your midriff while accentuating feminine curves.

The Squashed-down Look: If your figure bulges in the wrong places, if it’s thick through the middle, for instance, there’s no reason to look dumpy anymore! Try an uplift bra which actually raises your bosom away from your midriff, and buy a girdle with extra waistline control. You can’t afford to let those bulges have their way. A bra and girdle such as those shown will do the figure-molding work for you.

The Shrinking Violet: Too flat? Too skinny? If you are in your teens, your figure will probably change of its own accord before long. In the meantime, though, you can help it along with a good padded bra (can also be worn as a strapless and has a rubberized “grip” band under the bosom so it promises to stay up). Often your trouble below the waistline is a too-round tummy and a sway-backed profile. Good posture will do a lot to correct this. Practice against a door tucking your hips forward, holding in your tummy, lifting your chest while keeping your shoulders down until you are able to flatten your back completely. Also, wear a girdle specifically designed for tummy and rear control, Wherever you see double panels, you know it means extra control, such as the girdle pictured.

The Pear-Shaped Look: This may mean you’re wide all over, or it may mean that you’re wide through the hips and thighs, but quite small on top. If your hips are 12“ larger than your waist and 2“ larger than your bust, you belong to the latter type. A contour bra will give you the bustline you want, while a long-line panty girdle, such as the one at the bottom, will support you firmly through the hips and thighs.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR LINGERIE

All underclothing should be washed daily; otherwise perspiration will rot the elastic. Girdle manufacturers now recommend machine washing with a good soap or detergent in lukewarm water. To dry, hang your girdle upside down by its garters on a wire hanger . . . do not put in automatic dryers. Treat your underthings to the gentle care they deserve. Molly Bee has a final hint: keep a sachet in your lingerie drawer for sweet-smelling daintiness all day long.

 

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE MARCH 1959