Spirella Manual (1913)/Section 5
SECTION 5.
[edit]Method of Manufacture and Sale of Spirella Corsets.
52. SPIRELLA.—Our Representatives will doubtless be interested in the history of Spirella. It was invented by Mr. M. M. Beeman, Vice President and Secretary of THE SPIRELLA COMPANY. While engaged in the manufacture of velveteen binding, his attention was called to the fact that there was no article an the market as a corset stay that was unbreakable and that would conform to a curved seam. He was assured that such a stay was in great demand. He put his inventive genius to work an this problem and after months of patient toil, he secured a patent on Spirella and a few years later developed and patented his machine for making it, all of which are now controlled and owned by THE SPIRELLA COMPANY
53. Spirella has been tested in every way possible and has always demonstrated all that we claim for it,—that is an unbreakable, rustproof, comfortable, well ventilated corset stay. All who wear it say it is just what they have been looking far.
Mrs. Mae Clements, Special Representative for Geo. F. Cram, publisher, of Chicago, writes as follows: "About a month ago I thought I would put an my 'Spirella Corset,' and try it for the day. It was so very comfortable and easy in every way that I have worn it ever since. In fact, I actually think I could sleep in it, and not be annoyed. I AM YOUR CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, and am delighted to tell my friends what a treasure I have found in the 'Spirella Corset' for cheapness, style and comfort."
A customer in Wheeling, W. Va., says: "The Spirella Corset I bought from you is more satisfactory to me than any I have ever worn, it is comfortable and I hope to be able to get them whenever needed."
Miss Anna England, of Canada, writes: "I have one lady who has been wearing Spirella for three years and another two years. I have them sounding their praises for me." Our Representative in Charlevoix, Mich., writes: "I have faith in Spirella, because I am wearing it myself and am perfectly satisfied, having worn it six months. I have delivered 110 corsets, and with one exception, I have had nothing but praise for them—get many testimonials to that effect had I time to look them up. The Spirella Corset is becoming very popular in Charlevoix, everyone is pleased with her investment so far as I can learn. It is very gratifying to sell goods that can be warranted."
54. SPIRELLA SUPERIOR TO WHALEBONE.—Up to the time Spirella was invented, the best article for corset stays was whalebone, and the best grade of high priced corsets was filled with stays made from it. The great scarcity of whalebone has so enhanced the cost as to make its use prohibitive except in very high priced corsets, and it is seldom used throughout the garment.
If whalebone were plentiful and could be supplied at a nominal cost, it could not be accepted as a substitute for Spirella. Spirella has many, desirable properties which whalebone has not. It will give sidewise and conform to a curved seam. Whalebone will not. Spirella is absolutely indestructible and keeps its shape, preserving the style of the corset until worn out. Whalebone frequently splits, and after a few weeks' wear, takes on permanently the shape of the body. This destroys the style and shape of the corset, and, if you want to be in style you must buy a new corset very often. A whalebone corset is rigid and stiff, while Spirella is comfortable, pliable and conducive to health. Spirella Corsets have very appropriately been termed "Corset Perfection."
55. EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF SPIRELLA.—We manufacture Spirella in our own Factory on our own machines, which are also patented. We control its manufacture and sale exclusively. No one except our authorized Representatives can offer it or the Spirella Corsets for sale. It is not on sale in stores. Neither can the stores offer any substitute for it. It has none, and none can be made except by our process.
56. STYLE AND DESIGN OF SPIRELLA CORSETS.—The head of our designing room is a past master in the art of corset making. He has had many years' experience as designer and superintendent, and is one of the foremost designers of Parisian models in America. Both his experience and ability are unquestioned and as a demonstration of both, especially his ability to adopt the latest and correct styles of corsets to the peculiar need of each woman, we refer you to our latest MODELS. You will find them to be "chic" in every way.
57. CORSET INDIVIDUALITY.—We go about this new idea of corset individuality in a scientific, painstaking way. It is done in our designing room. Our Designer has at his command living, breathing models of every figure. From these, each design is modeled, not only for its style, but for its comfort as well.
We believe in "corset individuality." We do not believe in building the figure to suit the corset, but the corsets to suit the figure. We believe each woman is entitled to a chance to select a corset designed especially for her particular style of figure—a corset made for her. We propose to give her the chance. We cater to each woman's peculiar needs; whether she be tall or short, slender, plump or just an average figure, we suit her to a nicety. It is not necessary to go outside the designs and sizes of Spirella Corsets to secure one suited to the figure of any woman.
58. THE HIGHEST ART OF THE CORSETIERE is to create a garment to be worn with the most unconscious ease and freedom of movement, which will not wrinkle or fold, no matter what position is assumed by the wearer. We believe we have reached that stage of success. When a new corset has been designed, it is given a trial of actual wear for several weeks. If it stands the test of use, is comfortable, and has the style intended, it is included in the Spirella Models.
We use the very best materials consistent with the price of each garment; our low-priced, as well as more expensive productions, possess the same genius of design and comfort. If one's purse be only partially filled, nothing is lost in either grace of line or ease of movement. Our workrooms are clean, modern, well lighted with sunlight, and have every sanitary advantage. We are really doing something for corset wearers which has long been needed,—which cannot fail to leave its impress on the minds of thoughtful women and critical modistes. Such style, comfort and hygienic principles were never before combined in a single corset.
59. SELECTION OF THE PROPER CORSET.— There is no article in the woman's wardrobe which gives the average woman more concern than her corset, and why not? The corset is the very foundation over which are molded beautiful gowns for all occasions which delight the hearts of both men and women. If the corset is not right, the gown will be a failure. Then what tears and heartaches follow.
If your corset is not perfectly comfortable, sitting, standing or walking, it is not the correct model. If it is not adapted to your figure, it will give in places, will not wear long nor give you satisfaction, no matter how good a corset it is in itself. Every figure must have its own proper corset for the right effect. The corset must be chosen right, laced right, put on right, and worn right.
60. OUR LATEST MODE CORSETS of various patterns are so adapted as to bring out and make the most of various figures of Standard proportions. For the woman with the round, well-proportioned figure, we have a style that makes the most of her every line. For the long-waisted, slender, willowy woman, we have a model designed to show her slender grace. A model that is really an achievement.
The cut of our corsets gives the long waist effect, so do not attempt to give it by tightening the laces, for if the corset is too tight it will push up under the arms. A slender woman should tighten the waist line only tight enough to keep the corset in place, and above all, do not wear the front supporters too tight, or they will pull it down, as without the old curved front the corset has less pressure an the figure.
The lighter the material used in the body of the corset, if it is firm, the more ease and elasticity it will give to the figure. The present mode is to give a straight line from the breast bone to the toes. When a proper Spirella Corset has been selected and the woman has learned to put it on properly, it will be perfectly comfortable. It will not draw her body out of shape, but will simply make the most of her natural grace and beauty. Tight lacing and wearing corsets not adapted to the figure, should be avoided as you would smallpox. The process of torture and death may be slower, less acute, but is just as sure.
61. For instructions on how to put on and lace a Spirella Corset read our circular entitled, "How to Adjust the Corset."
We manufacture a full line of corsets made to fit models of standard proportion. Few women will find any difficulty in selecting a corset from our regular line which will fully meet their requirements.
62. SLIGHT VARIATION FROM STANDARD.—Those who vary slightly from the Standard, can have alterations made in regular models by paying the small additional price stated in Wholesale Price List. Full measurements and explanations filled out on our SPECIAL AND CUSTOM ORDER BLANKS must accompany each order for "SPECIALS." See rules for taking measurements, Section 10, also instructions contained in Catalog and Correspondence Lessons.
63. WE MAKE A SPECIALTY OF CUSTOM WORK.—Those whose forms vary too much from Standard, can have Spirella Corsets made to order from patterns drafted specially for them. The Superintendent of our Cutting Department has made a special study of building Custom corsets to measurements and if our Representatives will give us complete information asked for an our Special and Custom Order Blank, we will guarantee to make the garment exactly as ordered. We must, however, hold Representatives responsible for taking the right measurements and selecting the right model from which the Custom corset is to be built. In making this Custom work we do not agree to follow any designs except those shown in our Catalog.
We propose to maintain the high reputation which we have already established in this class of work. If Representatives will take measurements for Custom work carefully and accurately we will support them at the Factory by doing careful and accurate work. Be very careful about describing and illustrating an the Special and Custom Order Blank the peculiarities of form in each case. We will make the corset according to measurements, but must insist upon payment for all corsets made to order without the responsibility of their fitting. You must also insist that the customer learn how to put on and lace her corset. Insist that she follow directions in our printed instructions which are supplied with each corset. You can give her perfect satisfaction in corset wear only as she follows these instructions. For prices and instructions about taking orders for Custom work, see Section 10, of this Manual, our Catalog, Correspondence Lessons and Wholesale Price List.
64. DEPARTMENT OF DEFORMED WORK—In this branch of our business we are making corsets, jackets, abdominal bandages, etc, for both men and women who are afflicted with corpulency, spinal curvature, and other diseases which make special bandages and jackets necessary.
65. HIGH WATER MARK.—In producing the Celebrated Spirella Corsets, we have reached the high water mark in the art of corset making. Those who wear Spirella Corsets say they do not impede their movements in any way, are perfectly comforable,—can do all kinds of housework in them, including "house-cleaning," without the slightest discomfort. A lady can engage in all kinds of out-door amusements and sports customary to women, with perfect freedom. She can dress for a party or ball, and put on a Spirella Corset without the slightest misgiving that her pleasure may be cut short or marred by the breaking of a steel.
We know of well authenticated cases where women have been seriously injured by the breaking of the common corset steel, and other cases where cancers have been attributed to injuries received from broken steels. What a load is lifted from the women of our country by Spirella! No apprehension! No fear! Complete satisfaction! What more can one ask? It touches the zenith of the Corsetiere's art and creates a tremendous demand which it alone can satisfy.