Corsetry is a fascinating topic that has been important throughout history. Corsets are often considered to be the ultimate symbol of sexy womens underwear. However, they are also seen as symbolic of the restricted freedoms of women that once existed. Corsetry plays an important role in many fetishist subcultures today, symbolizing both power and lack of power. Some women today use corsets for waist training to reshape their bodies. Within the mainstream, true corsets are not common, with many women selecting more comfortable corset-like tops or bustiers. Provided here is a short timeline of corsets and information on the corsets of today.

The 16th Century

Corsets were first popularized in the mid-16th century. At that time, the garment was used not to minimize the waist but to enhance the bust. Early corsets were handmade, stiffened with multiple layers of linen and other heavy fabrics. Boning was introduced, generally in the form of wooden shafts inserted into a pocket along the front. This type of corset remained popular until the mid 1800s, when the sewing machine created an industry.

1800s

The Victorian era introduced steel stays that were capable of actually reshaping the dimensions of the body. Tight lacing was used to further compress the waist, enhancing the bust and hips. The Victorian corset shape is still in use today.

Edwardian Corsets

A strong backlash reaction to tight lacing developed near the turn of the 20th century. It was believed that tight lacing could lead to a range of health problems. In response the straight front corset was introduced in approximately 1900. It was believed to create less pressure on the abdomen, but forced the wearer into an unnatural hips-back, bust-out position.

World War I

During the War, steel was rarely available for civilian use. Combined with the invention of the bra, this helped contribute to the decline of corsets. Nonetheless, some forms of corsets continued in popularity through the 1920s.

1930s-1980s

Corsetry experienced brief periods of renewed interest throughout the next decades, but never made a solid recovery. It was the fetish fashion of the 1980s that brought about corsets' latest renaissance.

1980s-2000s

Modern corsets are largely inspired by the punk and gothic subcultures. Those communities' dual interests in historical fashions and fetish gear made the corset a natural choice. Today's corsetry involve both the Victorian tight-lacers with steel boning and more comfortable corset-look tops. They are popular with women seeking legitimate waist reduction, fetishists and those seeking a romantic old-fashioned look.

If you are new to corsetry, take time to prepare your body. Begin with a corset-style bustier that is stiffened with fabric but does not contain boning. Your next step should be a soft corset with flexible plastic stays. If you move into corsets containing steel boning, proceed carefully. There is a risk of injury from poorly fitted corsets with steel boning. Work with a trusted corset maker to design this type of corset that is exactly fitted for you.

Author's Bio: 

Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the sexy lingerie uk market for many years. This article outlines the history of sexy corsetry as if that needed much explaining! Please include this credit if you use this article.