This woman was determined to please her husband by reducing her waist to an astonishing 12 inches, a decision that sparked strong reactions from those around her.
In the 1800s, corsets were a common part of women’s fashion, but by the 1920s, styles had shifted away from them. However, William Granger believed that the looser dresses of the time lacked femininity, a sentiment Ethel shared.
Despite criticism of corsets as oppressive, some women, including Ethel Mary Wilson, continued to embrace this traditional garment.
After World War I, a new era of freedom emerged, allowing women to show their legs, wear short hairstyles, and opt for more comfortable clothing. Ethel embraced this change, cutting her hair into a bob and enjoying the relaxed fashions. The couple, who met in Cambridge, married in 1928 and had a daughter named Virginia.
However, tension arose when William expressed a desire for Ethel to wear corsets again, as he disapproved of modern trends.
Ethel, eager to satisfy her husband, began wearing corsets to achieve an unnaturally narrow waist, leading to heated debates about her choices.
Despite receiving warnings from doctors about the health risks, Ethel remained devoted to William until her death at 77, prioritizing his wishes over her own well-being. Their daughter chose to reject her mother’s extreme practices, seeking a more conventional life instead.
