#Juneathon Day 20 – The Day I Deleted my Photos
June 20, 2013
#Juneathon Day 21 – The Bad Pants
June 21, 2013Buying vintage lingerie is a bit of a minefield. For starters, we don’t all feel comfortable in someone elses old undercrackers, and if you’re lucky enough to find some deadstock, then what are the chances you’ll find it in your size?
There are some fabulous reproduction companies out there, but today I’m going to share a secret favourite among vintage ladies who’ve been making their support wear since the 1940s.
Rago Shapewear was established in 1945 as Rago Foundations in the US. It was started by Italian immigrantsĀ Jack Rago and Matty Marchisella who refined the function of their shapewear over 50 years using feedback from consumers and the staff in corset fitting rooms to create the perfect shape with their shapewear.
As the 60s arrived and tights or pantyhose became more popular than stockings many manufacturers went out of business, or just stopped making traditional girdles and corselettes. Much to the relief of many a modern vintage gal, Rago struggled on, and saw an upsurge in the 80s and 90s.
One of the reasons it’s such a popular brand among vintage loving ladies is that the shapewear from Rago is glamorous but also practical and comfortable shapewear, that gives an authentic vintage silhouette.
Rago is stocked by one of my sponsors Pin Up Parade, and I’ve managed to persuade her to give me a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago Shapewear to give away to one of you, details on how to enter at the bottom of the post!
Rago 21 Waist Cincher
This waist cincher was one of the first cinchers I found out about when researching shapewear when I started wearing vintage. It’s perfect for wearing under 50s frocks with a tight waist.
Rago Extra Firm Corselette
I love corselettes for a smooth line under fitted dresses. The Rago one also has a great bra that gives the bustline a vintage silhouette. Not as extreme as a bullet bra, more like the Triumph Doreen, with a subtle “lift and separate” vibe!
Rago Light Control Girdle
A good sort of “everyday” girdle to keep your stockings up and smooth the hip area. I often wear girdles under pencil skirts.
If you’d like to add some Rago to your lingerie drawer, then Pin Up Parade has very kindly given me a Ā£20 voucher to give away to one of you. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment, and then fill in the Rafflecopter widget. You can leave a comment anyway, but your entry will only count if you fill in the rafflecopter widget afterwards! I’ve also added 2 optional extra entries, because, well, why not, so if you’re a Facebook fan of Pin Up Parade or Retro Chick then that’s 2 bonus entries.
The competition is open worldwide, as Pin Up Parade ship worldwide!
Good Luck!
203 Comments
RT @Retrochick_uk: Talking about Rago Shapewear on the blog today, with a voucher from @Pinup_parade to giveaway! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
Great article. Such wonderful lingerie. So feminine.
@Retrochick_uk Undercrakers hehehe.
I really like the Rago Extra Firm Corselette I had a nosy on Pin Up parade but alas they don’t seem to have my bra size. š
I’m going to need something like this if I ever want to fit into my Viv of Holloway dress again! x
I know that feeling!
Interesting blog post. Going to have a look at pin up parade now….
I usually only wear shapewear when I’m wearing a pencil dress. I have to say it’s no where near as fancy as this though. I love the Rago 21 Waist Cincher. š
RT @Retrochick_uk: Talking about Rago Shapewear on the blog today, with a voucher from @Pinup_parade to giveaway! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
I have a Rago 1294 in black. I love that this shapewear can also look pretty (unlike most spanks style garments). The 6 stocking straps can be easily tucked in if not needed (too bad thay are not detachable).
I’ve had one of the waist cinchers for about 5 years and it is great – can’t recommend it enough. I’d love to try one of the corselettes.
Beautiful shapewear! Would love some to wear underneath my beautiful pencil skirt
Rago is my favourite shapewear brand! I was bought their firm girdle for christmas – and I tell you, that thing is AMAZING. Pulls in my tummy without the “too tight” feeling, makes my bum look awesome and is incredibly comfortable. Plus, I love their hook-and-eye and zip closure – that closure is not going to wear or pull any time soon!
One thing I think is a great selling point of their garments is the size range, they go up to a 6XL if I remember? Brilliant. And the pricing is so on point.
I’d been eyeing their new shapewear for a while! Shapewear is a must for sure, I’ve been wearing simple Kiss me Deadly girdles and belts for everyday stockings hold-up but some frocks just require a flatter figure.
I love my Rago corselette. It was the first piece of shapewear I bought in 2006 and still going strong š
Never tried any of the Rago shapewear, its always been a little too expensive and the kids need feeding first! lol
I bought my first bullet bra last week, quite a different shape from what I’m used to. I think some Argo in my wardrobe would be good, especially for my dresses.
Can’t get the look right without the right silhouette! Will check Rago out, thanks š
Really loved the fitted Corselette, but it doesn’t go down to my back size. The dresses are lovely though, especially the red Gigi Bettie Page one. Site could be a little easier to navigate, but there’s some lovely stuff there!
I’m working on a site redesign, never fear
I love my Rago shapewear and it lasts so long! I have a cincher, corselette and girdle that are still going strong after 7 years š
this type of lingerie is coming back… ladies looks more attractive and sexy with this type of lingerie… great article by the way
This is a competition for me! š would love to win it
Only usually wear shapewear for special occasions but love my WKD merry widow!
Have been mooning over these rago products for months!
Anytime I wear shapewear, it creates a new bulge at the top or bottom!
That’s where te corselette comes in!
These are so pretty! And a lot more reasonably priced than some other vintage-style shapewear brands I’ve seen
wear stockings on special occasions only.
Very interesting I remember my mum wearing corsets and suspenders
Thanks for having this giveaway!
Oops, I hit the post comment button a bit too fast.
A waist cincher is on my wish list!
OccaI wear occasionally shapewear, certainly not on a daily basis.
i wear my control underwear on special occasions and feel more confident when i have it on, especially when wearing tighter dresses š
Like this underwear as it holds it all in and looks good.
I don’t but would live to!
I wear shape wear every day but nothing as glamorous as this unfortunately.
I once wore hold up stocking inside out and as I walked down the road they were getting lower and lower = in the end I had to hold the tops through my skirt until I could take them off. Was not funny at the time but now I laugh whenever I think of it
What a lovely prize – for a nice treat!
I would love to be able to splurge on one of these!
Rago Extra Firm Corselette
Only for special occasions.
RT @Retrochick_uk: Talking about Rago Shapewear on the blog today, with a voucher from @Pinup_parade to giveaway! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
@Retrochick_uk @pinup_parade We love this so much! Thanks for putting your thoughts online. It lets us know what we’re doing right.
Ooh, I’m saving up for a waist cincher myself! I’m hoping it will help me get into some circle skirts that are just a wee too tiny to breathe….
I like the RAGO Style 824 – Parisian Lace Corset Medium Shaping.
I have been meaning to get myself something from Rago for ages – I love the pretty designs on all their things.
i love the shape wear!! every woman needs a little help sometimes =p
I wear my giant shaping pants when I am wearing a fitted dress, so usually on special occasions. Nothing as pretty as the ones above though, mine are bog standard M&S.
i wear shapewear for special occasions
Usually only on special occasions but the waist cincher looks great
Such wonderful shapewear! Have wanted to try some of their pieces for ages.
Ooh I’d love to win the light control girdle, been after one for a while. I mainly wear shape wear and stockings for going out and special occasions but would love to wear stockings more often
Vic
waist cinchers is my fav piece š
Thank you for this blog post! I’m new to wearing vintage and I’m in need of some good lingerie!
Just what I need some extra control
I’ve been eyeing the waist cincher for a while, would love the voucher to put towards finally getting one!
Rago Extra Firm Corselette my husband bought me one for christmas and I love it, I wear it when we go on a date night with some lovely fully seamed stockings
This all looks so wonderful <3
Pin Up parade
Beautiful underwear!
My mom could do with one of these, lets just say she got caught out when we were on holiday – we went to a restaurant and there was a very powerful fan above us as we walked in. What she had on was not quite as attractive as these!! very embarrassing for her but a great memory for me!
Im a special occasion girl š
ohhh. please enter me! I wear girdles quite frequently and have always wanted to try some of Rago’s stuff!
What fabulous lingerie! Thank you for the give away
oh so chic and femanine
How fabulous! Just discovered your blog and its great, a peach of a post too – the only sort of shaping underwear I have is a pair of spanks! eek. May have to invest in something like this!
Just for special occasions š
I’ve never actually worn any but I’d love to try it!
I’ve only worn shaping underwear for special occasions….but as my waist wastes away, perhaps I should do it more!
i love the waist cinchers. Great site – will definitly be buying in future!
I wear shape wear for special occasions,under my 50’s dresses,love the waist cincher š
I have a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago from @pinup_parade to giveaway http://t.co/n9Piot3VQS
Ooooh I’ve always loved the look of Rago shapewear, but I still haven’t got round to buying any! Tut tut me!
@Retrochick_uk @pinup_parade ohh! I need this
Michelle Kveton-Duque liked this on Facebook.
Id love something like these sexy pieces, i own nothing like them š
love the Extra firm control corselette
Shapely and retro, I like. I only wear for special occasions, would wear more often if I could find comfortable shapewear.
I like the extra firm corselette š very flattering š
this is so interesting, and I’m really loving your blog! following you now š
Rebecca @ tr[i]b[e]cca
Love this! http://www.rago-shapewear.com/catalog/product.php?productid=16150&cat=254&page=1
So so beautiful! X
I Have to say that I love this! š http://www.rago-shapewear.com/catalog/product.php?productid=16227&cat=270&page=1…I do find that i feel very uncomfortable waring stocking as they make my legs look fat lol but I love them with the right outfit and I only wear shape wear on special occasions š xx
My favourite is the Light Control Girdle, and yes I would definitely wear it every day
I wear it on special occasions ; p
Everyday as it makes everyday an occasion and makes me feel good!
Love the waist cinchers
I love the Rago Extra Firm Corselette, I only wear shapewear for special occasions.
Ohh I need that corselette since I’ve gained weight!
For me I only wear them on a special occasion x
I really like the Rago Extra Firm Corselette. I have never tried any of the stuff but would love to. š
Absolutely love the Firm control zip-fastening girdle by Rago…will be very useful too!
I wear shapewear for special occasions
RT @Retrochick_uk: I have a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago from @pinup_parade to giveaway http://t.co/n9Piot3VQS
Win a Ā£20 discount to spend on Rago at Pin-Up Parade – just check out @Retrochick_uk’s competition. http://t.co/yBKtp5bTps
I have never venture into retro shape wear, would love a Rago Corselette.
I always look at waist cinchers, but have not bought one yet – will have to have a look on Pin Up Parade!
We loved reading your thoughts!
I love this brand!
Fab underwear – makes me want to be in Mad Men!
i wear shapewear on a night out when im wearing a dress it gives me more confident š
I have the waist cincher and absolutely love it! It smooths and nips very well.
This all looks absolutely stunning! I only usually wear it for special occasions, but the rate i’m going with confidence everyday with be an absolute boost! x
Absolutely love the Rago Extra Firm Corselette
Gorgeous gorgeoous gorgeous!
Very fine lingerie
I never wear it but I really should!
Like the look of the girdle!!
American Shapewear liked this on Facebook.
Rago Shapewear liked this on Facebook.
I can’t believe I’d not discovered you could get this brand in the UK! I’m *so* up for this giveaway š
Argh… technology fail! It would’nt let me log in via FB to leave a comment. Thankfully I managed to log in to the Rafflecopter widget via FB though and it then said “Tell me your favourite piece of Rago shapewear, your stories about stockings, or whether you wear shapewear every day, or just for special occasions!” – is that what I should have put in my comment? I’d like to try the Rago 21 waist cincher because all my 50s frocks and skirts feel a bit snug on the waist now. The What Katie Did glamour girdle that I’m wearing today doesn’t go up high enough, sadly. I’m trying to wear shapewear more often these days – it used to just be for special occasions.
Ha ha! Don’t panic, any old comment will do, I was just trying to give people ideas š
Sassy lingeria
beautiful shapewear
I wear shape wear for special occassions
Ooh I need some of this shape wear in my life!!
lovely site, great clothes
The corselette looks nice but would only be for a special occasion for me š
i have never worn retro style lingerie. but always wanted to try. i think it looks very sexy and classy
RT @Retrochick_uk: Don’t forget I have a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago Shapewear at @PinUP_parade to giveaway! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
how beautiful! retro rocks!
Great Give Away! Would love a new rago as mine falling apart. Adore lingerie.
I have never tried shape wear, I am planning on investing in some for my wedding later this year
I love shapewear, especially anything that keeps my stomach flat. I’ve had two kids, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty down there…
RT @Retrochick_uk: Don’t forget I have a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago Shapewear at @PinUP_parade to giveaway! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
think the Rago Extra Firm Corselette looks fab!!
I only wear shapewear for a special evening out to flatter my figure in a nice fitted dress
I wear corsets quite often, just not normally under my clothes š I wear a lot of pencil skirts and 50s style dresses so am going to start taking the plunge and get some shapewear to avoid having to suck it in!
wow, would love to win!
I really like the Rago Extra Firm Corselette
Some great items on here and they look so comfy and feminine too.
I had no idea this brand really dates back from the 1940’s! This makes them even more appealing! I’m hesitant to buy a real corset, but their awesome waist cincher looks like something I might actually wear (regularly I might add)… yep: I really want it!
Massive fan of Rago too – nothing gives you quite the same shape or wiggle…
Loving this @RagoShapewear post (and sneaky competition) from Retro Chick….. *crosses fingers* http://t.co/ssjEL9DL5T
Rago do a great job keeping a classic style alive and I always appreciate it when my wife wears something special.
I LOVE both Rago shapewear and Pin Up Parade! If I win I’ll be getting some fab Rago item to wear on our Anniversary.
I wear my Rago six-strap lightweight pull-on suspender belt (wow, say that six times fast!) all the time, it’s so much comfier than tights! It has held up to washing and wearing really well, but alas now I think I’m getting to that very special spot where my waist circumference is a tad too small for the size I have to wear to fit my bum.
I’m less in love with my Rago waist cincher, as I usually wear thick-ish stockings and the four straps are really not enough. It is very pretty though, in fact I wore it under my wedding dress!
I don’t wear it but open to trying it out!
I always worry that shapewear will show through tight clothing. Willing to give it a try, though!
I wear a lot of vintage clothes so it’s importent to get the right shape underneath, up till now i’ve just had to look at the “old Ladies” selections for that 50’s boob look!
If I want to wear anything remotely figure-hugging I always wear some form of shapewear. For my wedding I wore such a classic and structured corset that I was unable to eat or drink anything! Worth it for the 50s shape I achieved – I wore a knee-length dress with a huge underskirt and the corset completed the look after I got the dress tailored to it.
I wear shapewear for occasions – to make me feel special!
These are gorgeous pieces, really cannot get enough of vintage style underwear. Love it.
RT @Retrochick_uk: My giveaway for a Ā£20 voucher to spend on Rago Shapewear at @PinUP_parade end tomorrow! http://t.co/WtGtEaJA5S
I really love the Corselette, it not only smooths those bumps but looks sexy too
i like to wear shapewear for special occassions so i can look my best š
i wear on occasions such as when im wearing a tight dress
RT @The_Lady_Sybil: Loving this @RagoShapewear post (and sneaky competition) from Retro Chick….. *crosses fingers* http://t.co/ssjEL9DL5T
My girlfriend would love this!
Laurie Callsen liked this on Facebook.
I love the look of these posh undies and would love a voucher – the word undercrackers makes me snigger too š xx
I only wear shapewear for special occasions. My favourite is the waist cincher. Much more versatile than the larger pieces, but still sexy.
I love Rago, I hope I win so I can add to my collection!
I have yet to adopt the rather uplifting (literally and figuratively speaking :D) habit of wearing shapewear every or most days. I wear my favourite girdle & seamed stockings whenever I put on dresses or skirts in winter. The first time I wore said girdle was at my twin’s wedding so no matter how I’m feeling on any given day, one look at it and I’m smiling through the slight tuck/cinch/pinch along my torso.
ok, my comment got gobbled up by the system I think :/
here it goes, once again, with feeling. I have yet to fall into the rather uplifting (literally and figuratively speaking) habit of wearing shapewear daily but I do wear my favourite plum longline girdle in winter under dresses and skirts. I bought if for my twin’s wedding so it always puts a smile on my face to wear it, no matter the amount of cinch/tuck/pull/heave going on.
love stockings although the seams do drive me nuts sometimes. but it’s all worth it š
I love Rago, their shapewear’s so elegant! I usually only wear shapewear for special occasions, especially when I’m wearing pencil dresses š x
fab prize
I have never tried Shapewear but really want to!
i use shapewear if im wearing a tight dress on a night out
I like the extra firm corselette
I have a Trinny and Susannah shapewear, but only wear it on special occasions
having 3 kids in the short space of 4.5 years has changed my body, not necassarily in a bad way, but in a way im not used to! these look wonderful and they’d be perfect at keep all those extra bits tucked away! š
I like Rago Extra Firm Corselette and it would be for a special day only š
nice gift
nice
Beautiful shapewear, dying for a corselette to wear under my pencil dresses (or just on it’s own!) : )
I love the waist clincher – takes me back to the shape of my youth
I love the Rago 21 Waist Cincher
Would love to try these great products – I certainly need them at the moment !
I love Rago, but my cinchers and girdles are getting a little worn so this could be a good time to restock!
I like the Rago Extra Firm Corselette
Great giveaway! I’ve alwasy wanted to try Rago shapewear. It’s hard to find vintage garments that are wearable.
Emily
The Rago Waist Cincher is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and couldn’t find ~ this is perfect! Thank you for an informative article and the chance to win. š
I love the stockings š
lovely to make u feel sexy on special occassions especially when you want to wow your partner!!!!
I like the look of the Extra firm control corselette – as you say it would be perfect for wearing under dresses.
I love Rago, I have the extra firm girdle and have nearly worn it out! It makes me feel very feminine and confident on days when I need a good boost. I’d love to try the waist cincher. Thanks for the fab giveaway, I’m a fan on both Facebook pages š
Chriss Satterfield liked this on Facebook.
I only wear it when I have a really close fitting dress and didn’t diet the week before!!
Very interesting blog, I love this sort of underwear.
The Waist cincher – I only wear shapewear on special occasions
I must try one of these! :))
I LOVE that waist cincher! I could definitely do with one of those š
love this! i searched everywhere for a waist cincher to wear under my vintage wedding dress…& then i didn’t even end up wearing it! hahaha my vintage dress collection has grown since then though, so i definitely need to find lingerie with a more vintage shape to it!
Cheray x
i love the fact i can dress like a slob ( i wear trackie and slobby jumpers because i garden a lot and i need to kee warm ) but yet underneath i can wear some fine looing undies..and no one knows!
everyday girdle i love, i wouldlove to wear shapewear everyday.
The @pinup_parade @RagoShapewear voucher giveaway ends at midnight tonight and it’s open worldwide! http://t.co/n9Piot3VQS
I dont wear any shapewear at the mo as ill health means I dont go out at the min, but I’d definately get some when it comes to be better and going out much more, I like the idea of having a smoother figure and curves being in the right place.
I have never worn shapewear before, however i think it could really boost confidence when wearing tight dresses!! My favourite from the website is definitely the Light shaping panty brief by Rago! With love, Faye xx
this reminds me of the time I went out and bought a pair of ‘hold up’ stockings for when I ‘glam up’ to go out on a Sunday evening. Well, who would have thought that there was such a choice: matt, sheer, run-resist, (I hadn’t worn stockings for a good few years) so after a bewildering few minutes I made my choice. However I found that I didn’t get on with them as well as I had hoped – they just didn’t want to stay up at all – to the point that I admitted defeat, took them off in the ladies and went bare-legged. It wasn’t til a shopping trip later when I bought another pair that I realised what the problem had been – in my confusion over the choice I had inadvertantly picked up a normal pair of stockings (which require a suspender belt), my friend still teases me over this to this day.
I LOVE the waist clincher. I love vintage lingerie, it’s so feminine and it’s just beautiful! x
you look fabulous dahling š Great prize, I didn’t know you could buy undies like this, look lovely
very sexy classic lingerie
I’ve always needed shapewear – for my tummy! since having my children – love what Rago has to offer
I only wear shapewear on special occasions, but that’s only because I’ve not found any that are comfy enough for everyday wear x
I don’t wear shapewear, but gee I think I need to!
RT @Retrochick_uk: The @pinup_parade @RagoShapewear voucher giveaway ends at midnight tonight and it’s open worldwide! http://t.co/n9Piot3Vā¦
I wear it for special occasions, I really need it!
I am a curvy size 12 and proud of my shape, I mean who wants to be a skinny minnie?! But I do wear shapewear if I wear a clingy dress. I wear the big knickers that have a higher waist and suck your hips in giving you the smooth effect
Looks good
Bonita Vear liked this on Facebook.
Helen Bradd Thurston liked this on Facebook.
These are marvelous! Rago really are so authentic looking, I’ve been wanting my own for quite a while!