Because these garments were designed to be several inches smaller than the wearer's actual measurements, putting them on was a physically taxing process. Women often had to hook their thumbs into the top of the garment and use significant force to "inch" it up over the hips.
Today, the industry has rebranded these items as "shapewear" or "body wear," utilizing softer fabrics that are easier on the hands and thumbs while still providing a similar smoothing effect.
For more information on the history of these garments, you can explore the Wikipedia entry on Girdles or view vintage sewing patterns to see how they were constructed. Retro Foundation Garments: Yea or Nay? granny girdles thumbs
Below is an overview of the cultural and physical context of these vintage garments. The Engineering of Shapewear
The phrase "granny girdles thumbs" often refers to the physical struggle of putting on a traditional, high-compression girdle, which required significant thumb and hand strength to pull up. Because these garments were designed to be several
The "granny girdle" has evolved from a mandatory fashion staple into a symbol of generational differences and physical constraint.
Much like a modern bra, the "relief of the girdle" is a common cultural trope, representing the end of a restrictive, hot, and confining day. For more information on the history of these
In the mid-20th century, girdles were standard foundation garments designed to provide a "wasp waist" and smooth silhouette.