Liberty Bodice - origins of term?

[ChrisGreaves]

At a tender young age, in the frozen wastelands of Rawtenstall, Lancs., my sister and I wore liberty bodices under our school clothes.

My fading memory suggests that it was a short-sleeved button-up undershirt, presumably the equivalent of a T-shirt in North America, meant to add an insulating layer of air to the upper body for school children traveling by public bus across the top of the Pennines, and/or reduce heating bills.

I think the brand name was "Cherub".

I would appreciate any background information on this garment^(*), and especially any suggestions regarding the origin of the name.
By "Liberty" I would first assume some World War II efficiency drive, akin to Liberty Bonds, but that is only a weak guess by association.

^(*) My sweater-knitter wants to know.

[HansV]

According to the Wikipedia article Liberty bodice, it was a garment for girls, and the term "liberty" referred to the fact that it freed women from the stiff and uncomfortable corset.

[John Gray]

Many of your answers are found in Wikipedia, but not, alas, why someone of the male persuasion would be wearing one instead of a corset...

[Grrrh. Beaten by Hans, again...]

[ChrisGreaves]

why someone of the male persuasion ...

Thank you John and Hans.
Although I generally search for a term, in this case I was hoping for some personal reminiscences and insights.
"Later the liberty bodice came to be thought of as something practical for a child who could be buttoned up warmly." is in line with my memory of being told to "put on your liberty bodice" around the ages of 6-9. It could get pretty cold up there.
Just one more question to ask my mother next time I see her ....

[Grrrh. Beaten by Hans, again...]

Of corset it is possible that one day you'll button up a topic before CleverClogs ...

[viking33]

By "Liberty" I would first assume some World War II efficiency drive, akin to Liberty Bonds, but that is only a weak guess by association.

I always thought Liberty Bonds were of WW I vintage and the WW II equivalents were "War Bonds and Defense Bonds?"

[ChrisGreaves]

I always thought Liberty Bonds were of WW I vintage and the WW II equivalents were "War Bonds and Defense Bonds?"

You're probably right, Bob.
All before my time (G&DR!).
I am easily confused because I generally see only one war with a 20-year truce.

[DaveA]

Speaking of the Wars, my father went to San Francisco during the 40' to work in the ship yards. My mother had collected a bunch of cartoons from the time period. I have been scanning her scrap book and here are a couple of the cartoons.

[StuartR]

...here are a couple of the cartoons.

I don't know if this is due to a difference in geography or history, but I don't actually understand either of those cartoons!

[Goshute]

... I don't actually understand either of those cartoons!

You're thinking too deeply.

[DaveA]

I don't know if this is due to a difference in geography or history, but I don't actually understand either of those cartoons!

It is most likely both.

[Charlotte]

...here are a couple of the cartoons.

I don't know if this is due to a difference in geography or history, but I don't actually understand either of those cartoons!

Don't feel bad, Stuart, I don't either. I certainly don't find them amusing even though I was born during that period and on this side of the pond.

Ah well, there are times when people are desperate for humor and wartime is one of them.