Corsets have been around for centuries, and have gone through various transformations over time. Initially designed to shape the body into a fashionable hourglass figure, corsets were a staple of women’s fashion for centuries. However, the history of corsets also reveals a lot about gender roles, societal norms, and even medical practices.
The first known corset-like garment dates back to ancient Minoan civilizations, where women wore a tightly-fitted top that pushed the breasts upward. However, the modern corset as we know it today originated in the 16th century when women began wearing a type of corset called a “pair of bodies”. These corsets were made of stiff materials like wood, metal, or whalebone and were designed to flatten the chest and shape the waist. They were typically worn over a chemise and was made of linen or silk with whalebone or baleen boning. The style at the time was to lace them so tightly that women often fainted or suffered from respiratory problems, and some even had their organs shifted.
In the 18th century, the corset evolved into a more conical shape with a straight front, designed to create a more natural silhouette. The corset was also used to accentuate the hips, giving women an hourglass figure. By the mid-19th century, the corset had become a ubiquitous garment in women’s fashion, and its use had spread across the globe.
The corset reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian era, when it was worn by women of all classes. It was considered a symbol of femininity and sexual desirability, but it was also seen as a way to control women’s bodies and restrict their movement. In the late 19th century, a new type of corset was developed that was designed to alleviate some of these health issues. This corset, known as the “health corset,” was designed with a more natural shape and had less boning than previous corsets. The health corset also had elastic panels that allowed for more movement and comfort.
In the early 20th century, the popularity of corsets declined as fashion trends shifted towards more practical and comfortable clothing. They dissipated from shops as women’s fashion took inspiration from the athletic and looser structure of menswear postwar. Today, corsets are still worn by some women, but they are primarily used as lingerie or as a fashion statement rather than a shaping garment.
After centuries of evolution and controversy, the corset remains an intriguing garment that has captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts and historians alike. Its storied past and enduring presence in popular culture serve as a testament to its enduring appeal. From its humble beginnings as a practical undergarment to its current status as a fashion statement, the corset has undergone numerous transformations, and its legacy continues to fascinate and inspire.