This topic brought back some memories.....I can remember as a little child (I lived with my grandparents) watching my grandmother dress for the day, and when I am out and about in my cool comfy clothes on a hot summer day I think about how she dressed every day of the year....20 degrees or 98 degrees outside. First went on a one-piece item that I don't even know what to call. It was cotton knit, had narrow straps with a scoop neck, wide leg openings with a split crotch. Next was a lace up corset from hips to just under the bustline. Then was a bra of sorts....didn't look anything like the ones we wear nowadays.....more like just a modesty cover. Stockings were attached to the garters at the bottom of the corset...cotton for every day and nylon for dress up. Over all this went a cotton slip with scoop neck and wide straps. Then her dress. Cotton for every day and fancier fabrics for church and dress up occasions. Doing the grocery shopping was considered a dress up occasion, by the way. I am really glad we don't have to dress like this now. She never wore pants a day in her life.