“I found this in my grandmother’s things and couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was?”

Ever stumbled across a curious piece of fabric in a vintage shop or antique trunk and wondered, “What on earth is that?” I recently had this very experience while scrolling through some of my grandma’s things. Tucked away in a box of old textiles, I found a long, beautifully decorated strip of material, and it sparked a journey into the fascinating world of vintage belly bands. These historical garments served a variety of purposes, and their story is more interesting than you might think!

Before we dive in, we want to hear from you. What do you think a vintage belly band is? Share your guesses in the comments below! We’ll reveal the answer and delve deeper into their history in this article.

So, what is a vintage belly band?

The term “belly band” can refer to a few different things depending on the era and context. Broadly, it describes a band of fabric worn around the torso, but the specific purpose varied. Here are some of the most common uses for vintage belly bands:

• Infant Binders: In the past, belly bands were often used as infant binders, wrapped snugly around a newborn’s abdomen. The supposed purpose was to support the umbilical cord stump and prevent hernias. However, modern medical advice generally discourages this practice, as it can potentially hinder healing and even increase the risk of infection. Vintage infant binders are a reminder of past childcare practices and are now primarily collected as historical artifacts. Perhaps my grandma’s belly band was used for this purpose? It certainly makes you think about the generations past.

• Waist Cinches/Undergarments: In some periods, belly bands functioned as a type of undergarment, providing a light layer of compression and shaping under clothing. They could be simple strips of cloth or more elaborate, sometimes incorporating light boning or lacing. These weren’t as structured as corsets, but they offered some degree of support and smoothing.

• Decorative Belts/Sashes: Throughout history, belly bands have also been used as decorative accessories. They might be made of beautiful fabrics, embroidered, beaded, or otherwise embellished. These could be worn over dresses, tunics, or other garments to add a touch of style and color. Think of the wide sashes seen in historical dramas – these are a form of belly band. The one I found amongst Grandma’s things was certainly quite ornate…

• Maternity Support: Less common, but still relevant, are maternity belly bands. These were designed to provide support to the growing belly during pregnancy. They often featured adjustable closures or elastic panels to accommodate the changing body.

Spotting a Vintage Belly Band:

When examining a potential vintage belly band, like the one I discovered, consider the following:

• Material: The fabric can offer clues to its purpose and era. Cotton, linen, and wool were common choices, while silk and other finer materials might suggest a more decorative or upper-class use.
• Construction: Simple, unadorned bands might have been for practical purposes, while more elaborate designs with embellishments point to a decorative function.
• Fastenings: The presence of buttons, ties, buckles, or lacing can indicate how the band was worn and what its purpose might have been.

Collecting Vintage Belly Bands:

Vintage belly bands, like the treasure I unearthed from my grandma’s collection, can be a fascinating collectible, offering a glimpse into past fashions and social customs. Whether you’re interested in infant care practices, historical garments, or simply appreciate the beauty of vintage textiles, these unique items can add a touch of history to your collection.

Now that you know what a vintage belly band is, keep an eye out for them on your next treasure hunt! And don’t forget to share this article with anyone else who might be curious about these intriguing pieces of the past – or perhaps even have one tucked away in their own family history!