Corset history, construction, information and terminology

by brododaktula

Corset history, construction, information and terminology

What is a corset?
A corset is a foundation garment worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape through the use of rigid panels, boning and tight lacing. Typically they are worn to slim the body and make it conform to a fashionable hourglass silhouette. For women, this means emphasizing a curvy figure, by reducing the waist, and thereby exaggerating the bust and hips. The word corset is derived from the old french word “cors”, the diminutive of body, which itself derives from corpus, Latin for body. The word corset came into general use in the English language around 1785 and remains with us today.

Corsets throughout history
The corset evolved from the bodice of the middle ages. This was a fabric cincher that was worn around the mid-section of the body and often laced together in the front. You can see great examples of these at Renaissance fairs today. Throughout the 18th century in Europe and North America, the bodice evolved into an increasingly ornate and sculptural foundation garment and became the corset. Examples of these can be seen in paintings of Marie Antoinette, and other royalty from that time. As the Victorian era of the 19th century got underway, the corset became increasingly restrictive and was quite the figure shaper. Although the Victorians are popularly described as prudish, this foundation garment was considered highly feminine and quite erotic during those days. As the 20th century began, the writing was on the wall for the corset. The most popular styles were short underbust corsets called “cinchers” which allowed for more freedom of movement. By the time 1915 rolled around, the girdle and corsolette had nearly replaced the corset in women’s fashion. Only the older generation of women kept the corset industry from closing their doors.

Corset styles
One may generally classify most corsets into two groups or styles, the underbust and the overbust. An underbust corset begins just under the breasts and extends down to the hips. A shorter kind of underbust corset, which covers just the waist area is sometimes called a waist cincher. An overbust corset encloses the torso, extending from just under the arms to the hips. The effect is to lift or compress the breasts while exaggerating the narrow waist. Some corsets, depending on individual style stop at the top of the hips while others may extend down over the hips.

Corset construction
Corsets are typically constructed of fabric panels with stiff boning (also called ribs or stays) inserted into channels in the fabric. Popular fabrics include satin, cotton, rayon, polyester, silk, PVC and leather. In the 19th century, steel and whalebone were favored for the boning. Plastic is now the most commonly used material for lightweight corset boning and all of the corsets at Kuhmillion. Corsets get their iconic reputation by use of hook and eye fasteners in the front and lacing, usually at the back. Tightening or loosening the lacing produces corresponding changes in the fit and firmness of the corset. Corsets can be laced from the top down, from the bottom up, or both up from the bottom and down from the top, using two laces that meet in the middle. It is very difficult, although not impossible for a back-laced corset wearer to do their own lacing. Once the lacing is adjusted comfortably, it is possible to leave the lacing in place and take the corset on and off using the front opening (busk). A corset may also include attached garters to hold up stockings and historically, this was one of the important functions of the corset, as it was an essential foundation garment.

Corsets today
In recent years, the term “corset” has also been borrowed by the fashion industry to refer to tops which, to varying degrees mimic the look of traditional corsets. While these modern corset tops often feature lacing and boning to look like true corsets, they often have a minimal effect on the shape of the wearer’s body. Some lingerie corsets however do offer a nice compromise of both the shaping power of a true corset and the sensual experience of intimate wear.

Traditional corset construction has undergone a renaissance in recent years with a wide range of beautiful, high quality corsets now available from talented craftsmen. It has never been easier to find a real corset that fits your personality and body like a glove.

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Corset Dresses Are Fun To Wear

by Templarion

Corset Dresses Are Fun To Wear

How exciting it is to think about something we don’t have. It’s like a dream, which we hope anyhow come true. But it is more exciting to know that we can have that. Don’t get confused we are talking about having an hourglass figure, an ideal of all the figures. Everybody cannot have it but can achieve it. Corset dress is that magical stick which can own an hourglass figure regardless of shape or size. This dress possesses the power to flatter any figure.
Every woman looks great in corset dresses as they enhance every figure by adding right curves. It is a close fitting garment that gives an illusion of an hourglass figure with its fine details and attractive appeal. It is one of the most erstwhile dresses, which is again in the vogue and has become fashion forward. Corsets are seen in many occasions in a sensational look.
Corset dresses are of two types. First, built-in corset for supporting bust and second, a separate corset top for skirts. It gives flare to waist also. In these dresses corset refer to upper part of the garment till waist portion. This tight fitting part is the reason behind calling these dresses as corset dresses. Even fashion designers do not get tired of praising them and are highly impressed by them.
Styles of corset dresses ranges from formal corset dresses to evening party corset dresses to steal the show. Its several patterns include knee length corset dress, mini length corset dress, long corset dress, strapless corset dress, spaghetti straps corset dress, corset prom dress, corset wedding dress, black corset dress etc. It’s every style draw attention to the bust and flattens the tummy giving a dazzlingly beautiful look. It reduces tummy up to four to six inches. Whether you want to impersonate elegance, simplicity, sensuality or sex appeal, everything you will get in a corset dress.
But wearing a corset style is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many women find it quite uncomfortable to wear. So if first time you are going to wear it, should get one, which is soft and whippy. Then slowly move towards more advanced ones. Fabrics play a great role in this. Satin, silk, velvet and cotton are the fabrics used in the making of corset dresses. Satin and silk are the soft materials while velvet and cotton are the hard ones.
Fitting is the main prerequisite of corset dresses as corset word itself intends that. Thus your dress should be of the proper fit for a dramatic look. Corset dresses give a beautiful appearance like a doll. Women have different perception for corsets that’s why in every occasion corset dresses are preferred to a great extent. They look very pleasing in corsets. Some of its types are basic corset, straps corset, under bust corset, over bust corset, etc.
Corset dresses are fun dresses as its myriad styles open ample choices to choose from. In addition how long you have to wear them, it’s up to you? Earlier they were the basics of women closet. In every occasion women were found wearing these dresses only. It was a king of rule for women to wear them only. Due to which their internal organs were crushed. Fortunately today there is no such rule.
Corsets are being chosen for the special days of women’s lives like wedding, prom, evening party, ball, etc. Its updated designs and comfortable features have given them an ultimate standard of perfection thus choice for every occasion. Corset cannot improve you wholly but can minimize your flaws. It can flatter some of your features like cleavage and hips. Its main plus point is that it enhances slender as well as fuller figures both.
All know well that everybody gets attracted to an hourglass figure, so if you are the one longing for attention from someone particularly make corset dress staple of your wardrobe. You will find that you have not only hit his eyes but everybody’s eyes present there. So for turning heads and rolling eyes, a corset dress is an ideal choice.

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