Back in the 1900's ladies wore corsets. The corsets were worn around their waists and they were pulled very tight to make the waists look thinner. There were lots of different styles of corsets (some go under the bust, some cover the bust). There were also different prices. Prices could vary from around 50 cents, 75 cents , $1.00, $1.50, to $1.75. To put on a corset, you would have to loosen the lacing on the back, put the corset around you and lace the front hooks. You would pull the laces gently from both top and bottom and tighten the lacing towards the middle, then tie the ends in a bow at the back. There would be a pleasant hugging sensation and good posture at the back. The corsets were not comfy. They were so tight that the ladies would often faint, so most houses had a fainting couch. A fainting couch is a long bed-like object that you would lie on if you fainted. You could buy corsets at a dressmaker's.

Jas. Paton & Co. Corset Advertisement
PARO, Examiner 13 May 1904 pg 4