As worn by Christina Hendricks GQ magazine (Sept 2010). Featured in Fabulous magazine (Nov 2009).

The Merry Widow is quintessential mid-50s shapewear. Unlike a corselette, which focuses on the hips and derriere, a Merry Widow works its magic on the upper torso; tightening, smoothing and uplifting.

It's essentially a low-backed strapless bra combined with a strict waist cincher; and the result is the perfect foundation for wearing under the tight-bodiced, full-skirted gowns that were extremely fashionable in the 1950s and early 60s.

If you've ever admired Mad Men's Betty Draper in her strapless evening frocks, this is for you!

* detachable shoulder straps
* double layer powermesh
* spiral steel boning
* underwired, lightly padded, cups
* hook and eye fastening at back
* 6 adjustable metal garter clips

Our Glamour Merry Widow is sized by bra size.

Bra sizes roughly co-ordinate with the following dress sizes:
32" - WKD US dress size 6
34" - WKD US dress size 8
36" - WKD US dress size 10
38" - WKD US dress size 12

If your bra size does not match your body size you might like to experiment a little and delve into the mysterious world of bra cup grading.

A bra cup size 38B will be the same as a 36C, 34D, 32DD. Hence if you are normally a bra size 34D but a small dress size 10 you might want to try the 32DD corselette which will have the same cup size as a 34D, but will be smaller around the body.

This grading works across all bra sizes so:
Cup size 32G = 34DDD, 36DD, 38D, and so on.

Please allow 3 weeks, plus shipping time, for 'To Order' items