Fake Pregnancy Bumps Made Of Tin [18th Century Trend]
Did you know that apparently was a “trend” in the 18th century England, which involved tin pinafores. The women would wear fake pregnancy bumps made of tin strapped to their bellies.
Archenholtz says: ‘This was the most senseless invention, against all decency and delicacy, and disfiguring the female body; it caused a deformity which is only seen in the female sex during pregnancy. These decorations were called pads, and the smaller ones paddies; they were usually made of tin, and were therefore called “tin pinafores”. These artificial stomachs were in great favour, particularly with unmarried women, which caused the wits to say that a revolution had taken place amongst the signs of the Zodiac, and the Twins had come too near Virgo. But above all, these pads were the butt of jokers, who used them unmercifully, and their use soon had to be discontinued. Such a fashion was in too bad taste to last long. It was in existence in London in February 1793, but by the end of the spring it was over in England and went to Dublin, where it was welcomed by the women. During the migration which took place as a result of the French war, it was taken to Germany by refugee English women, but was not copied there.’
I don’t really get why an unmarried woman in the 18th century want to look pregnant? Wasn’t that somewhat out of order?
I hate to think that they may have filled those fake bellies with fake tin babies… would be logical. i would just love to see what they looked like!
Tin Bumps via BoingBoing