Back in the day, we were made to wear panty girdles, no matter what the outside temperature. Underwear for formal dances included a Merry Widow corset. They were both miserable to wear. First thing I did after moving out on my own at age 20 was throw them out, although, to be honest, I hadn’t worn either since age 18 when I went away to college.
I am a small mesomorph who never weighed more than 125 when I was young and stay at about 130, now. My mother truly believed girdles, corsets, gloves and hose were essential clothing for all women at all times. It was a prevalent belief in the 1950s.