Dear Miss MacDonald,

I have recently discovered your web site and think it is rather excellent. I particularly enjoyed reading Volume 1 No.8 of your magazine which was a corset & girdle Special. I experienced some nostalgia upon reading it because it features several letters from 'Madame' magazine, which I used to read avidly during the 1970s.  In those days 'Madame' used to be the magazine of female superiority, and it featured many letters, stories and articles about petticoat discipline.  The later issues of the 80s and 90s concerned itself less with this subject, and now of course 'Madame' has ceased publishing.

The best letter featured by yourself in this issue was the one from the 52 year old corsetiere recalling her experiences as a young sales girl in the corset shop during the war, and how her experience and knowledge allowed her to become expert in this field. Her letter is plainly very genuine, and certain aspects of it have particular resonances for myself.  She writes that the men who were brought in by their wives for a fitting were attended to by ‘Madame’ (the shop owner) herself.

It may have been interesting if she had elaborated on what form the ‘attending to’ had taken.  Perhaps it would have taken place in the back of the shop?  The man stripped naked and under firm orders not to speak unless spoken to, whilst his wife and ‘Madame’ laced him into several corsets, whilst airily discussing between them which was the most suitable.  If he fidgeted or moaned he could expect a smack from his wife, or even from ‘Madame’ herself?

As a mature man I can recall the use of petticoat discipline, and until recently I used to visit an old fashioned Lady’s Shop in County Durham to purchase clothing - not just corsets, but frocks and shoes as well. I much prefer the old-fashioned style of shop, as opposed to the modern soulless High Street outlets. They still understand the concept of service and are prepared to spend time with the customer.

This shop was owned by a woman in her 70s called Irene, and her niece, who was in her 50s.  When I initially explored the shop they quickly realised my interest, and in no time they were assisting me in trying on garments.  Because, of course, the majority of their customers were ladies, to spare them embarrassment my fittings used to take place upstairs, in a room above the shop.

Irene, who usually attended to me, often remarked that it was a pleasure to dress a man with such a slim waist, and that I must be very used to corsetting.  She also remarked that she liked looking after her male customers because they were so gentle and well mannered.  She said this was probably due to being dressed in female clothes.

I asked her if she had many customers like myself, and she said that in forty years of having the shop she had had hundreds.  Very interestingly she remarked that sometimes the men would be brought in by their wives or girlfriends.

Sadly I have now moved away from the area so do not have the opportunity to visit the shop. On a slightly different note, do you know where one can purchase the old fashioned round toe, single strap schoolgirl’s brogue, the sensible shoe of yesteryear? I believe this to be an integral part of petticoat discipline but it has disappeared from the shops.
Yours sincerely,

‘Lucy Black’

The letter you mention is a masterpiece, and one of the most informative and insightful petticoat discipline letters that I have ever read. You were very fortunate to find that corset shop; they are so rare nowadays. Obviously a woman like Irene would be an expert concerning the advantageous effects of petticoat discipline, as you imply.

Thank you for writing a most interesting and nostalgic letter.
Susan