The Corset

A corset is an item of clothing worn to help shape the upper boby into a desired shape for aesthetic, or sometimes orthopaedic, reaons (either while wearing it, or for more permanent results). Men and women have both worn and still wear corsets. The craft of making corsets is known as corsetry, as is the general wearing of them. A person who designs and makes corsets is a corsetier (for a man) or corsetière (for a woman), or simply a corsetmaker.

Corsets were and are usually designed for support, with freedom of body movement an important consideration in their design. The sides have curved shaped ribbing that gives your body the classic hourglass shape. These ribs are usually made a thin lightweight metal or hard plastic. While these ribs do push your body into certain shapes, they aren't “trainer” corsets which pose health hazards to your internal organs.

Present day corset-wearers usually tighten the corset just enough to reduce waists to dimensions that range from 18 to 24 inches.The most popular use of corsets is to shape the body into a beautiful, fashionable silhouette shape. For women this usually emphasises a curvy figure, by reducing the waist, and thereby exaggerating the bust and hips. However corsets have also been worn to achieve a more tubular shape although this is less common.

Corsets are constructed of flexible materials such as satin, leather, pvc, denim, and velvet. They are stiffened with boning (also called ribs or stays) inserted into channels in the material. Many people now believe that all corsets are uncomfortable and that wearing them restricts womens' lives, citing Victorian literature devoted to sensible or hygienic dress. However, these writings were most apt to protest against the misuse of corsets for tightlacing; they were less vehement against corsets per se. Steel and whalebone were favored in the Victorian period but plastic is now the most commonly used material. Steel is used for high-quality corsets. Other materials that have been used for boning include ivory, wood, and cane. (A girdle is usually made of elasticised fabric, not boning.)

Most corsets fall into the category of intimate apparel. They come in a wide variety of fabrics such as satin, silk, or lace and an array of colors. You can find something that allows you to be as modest or daring as you desire. If your corset comes with a garter belt and stockings be sure to put on the stockings before the corset, it's just easier. Corsets are also moving out of the bedroom and being worn as outwear. There corsets are very similar to traditional corsets but available in decorative and luxurious fabrics. They may not be appropriate for a Monday morning office staff meeting but are great for an informal party or night at a club. If you've never worn a corset and would like to try one start with an outwear corset first, they are generally easier and more comfortable to wear.

A corset encloses the upper body, usually from under the arms to the hips. Some corsets however extend over the hips and may even reach the knees. A shorter kind of corset, which covers the waist area (from below the ribs to just above the hips), is called a 'waist cincher' or underbust corset. A corset may also include garters to hold up stockings.

Corsets are held together by lacing, usually at the back. Tightening or loosening the lacing changes the firmness of the corset. It is possible for a back-laced corset-wearer to do his or her own lacing, though it can be difficult. However, many corsets also have a buttoned or hooked front opening. Once the lacing is adjusted comfortably, it is possible to leave the lacing as adjusted and take the corset on and off using the front opening. This method is incompatible with tightlacing, which strives for the maximum reduction of the waist. Tightlacers are usually laced by spouses and partners.

In the past, a woman's corset was usually worn over a garment called a chemise or shift, a sleeveless low-necked gown made of washable material (usually cotton or linen). These absorbed perspiration and kept the corset clean. Now an undershirt or corset liner is usually worn.

Corsets and Corset Comfort
Moderate corset lacing is not incompatible with vigorous activity. In fact, during the late nineteenth century, when corset wearing was common, there were sport corsets specifically designed to wear while bicycling, playing tennis, or horseback riding, as well as for maternity wear. Most modern day corset-wearers will testify that corsets can be comfortable, once one is accustomed to wearing them. A well fitted corset should be very comfortable. Women active in the Society for Creative Anachronism and historical re-enactment groups commonly wear corsets as part of period costume, without complaint.

To wear a corset first loosen the strings which are located on the back of the garment. There is usually a zipper in the front of the corset, unzip it and wrap the garment around your torso. Align it so the strings are in the back and close the zipper. Now grab the strings and gently but firmly pull to tighten. Pull the strings until the corset is snug and firm. Do not pull the strings so tight that you can't move or breathe comfortably. The first thing that you'll notice is your bust line is now enhanced and you will probably be showing more cleavage than you are used to. While this is normal it does take some getting used to. Many women with a large bust find a corset is more comfortable to wear, as it gives them more support than a standard bra.