What are girdles used for?

Answer 1

In the middle part of the twentieth century girdles were worn by women not only as a less rigid form of the corset, to make for a thinner waist or a more "hourglass" shape, but also to attach stockings to before the advent of panty hose.

Answer 2

It is a garment worn round the waist or midriff, intended to squeeze your body into a different shape (usually to make you appear slimmer).