Girdle is a flexible undergarment which is worn over the hips and waist, to give the body a smooth and slender appearance. Girdles were designed to replace corsets which were more uncomfortable and restrictive.

Girdles were invented by a French designer named Paul Poriet around 1910, to be worn with the clothes he was designing. This revolutionary design placed less emphasis to the waist and was fitted much closer to the derriere and hips. During the period from 1920 to 1970, most women wore girdles, as it was an important part of fashion. A woman was required to appear slight and petite, and look her best in whatever clothing she wore. Girdles were considered as necessary garments as they created a rigid and controlled figure, seen as eminently modest and respectable. Girdles were important to the 'New Look' in 1947, which featured narrow, nipped-in-waistlines and voluminous skirts.

Girdles were replaced by panty girdles in the 1960s, which resembled a tight pair of athletic shorts. Theses panty girdles were substituted by pantyhose, which replaced girdles for many women who earlier used the girdle chiefly to hold up sheer nylon stockings. Few girdles also incorporate a brassiere, functioning more like a corset. Girdles were an important part of the glamorous 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. When watching films of this period, one can observe the way women moved freely. Unlike elaborate corsets, girdles provided free movement. Screen goddesses of yesteryear like Grace Kelly, Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall all wore girdles.

Wearing a girdle is an easier and more effective way of shaping up with a garment. While most girdles extend from the waist to the thighs, several variations are known to be used. Girdles are designed to reducing the waist and hips, producing an aesthetically pleasing and attractive silhouette.