The term "corset” was in use in the late 14th century, from the French "corset" which meant "a kind of laced bodice." The meaning of it as a "stiff supporting so constricting undergarment for the waist, worn chiefly by women to shape the figure," dates from 1795.

Apr 6, 2017 · While 1795-1810 shows a great deal of experimentation in corset styles, from 1810 onwards corsets/stays were lightly boned, corded, usually hip length, back laced garments with gussets allowing them to fit in the bust and over the hips:

Jan 14, 2021 · More than 100 years ago, Victorian corsets were practically required for women — to emphasize certain parts of the body, and to minimize others. Here’s a look back to what ladies back then were wearing! Article from The Buffalo Evening News (New York) June 16, 1893.

During the 1700s, women had worn heavily boned, cone-shaped corsets called stays that had flattened their chests and made their torsos triangular. By the middle of the 1800s, the corset was once again heavily reinforced with narrow bones or steels to produce a curvy, hour-glass shape that was round and full both above and below the waist.

At the beginning of the 19th century (1800) the Grecian figure, or the natural body with high rounded breasts and long well-rounded legs and arms was the ideal every woman strived to obtain. Neo-classical fashions demanded a more revealed and youthful bosom in its natural state. The youthful bosom of Regency.

Aug 11, 2021 · Yes, like high heels before them, men commonly wore corsets in the 1800s. The fashion standards of the era were as high for them as they were for the average woman, and the form-fitting coats and trousers that were considered chic at the time led men to adopt the same undergarments in order to present a slim waist.

Although corsets had been in use for centuries, the practice of tight-lacing became widespread during the mid to late nineteenth century. Striving to achieve a fashionable hourglass figure, many women cinched their frames into corsets that provided the illusion of an extremely tiny waist, exaggerated bustline, and fuller hips.

Jul 9, 2013 · The 1800’s was a boom time for corsets. For the first time there are recorded adverts, cartoons and writings for male corsets. The Dandy appears on the scene, placing great importance on physical appearance, and leisure.

Early 19th century corsets (or stays as they were known as during this period) were long, soft and had a more natural shape. These long soft corsets reflected the fashion of the era for long flowing, very high waisted dresses made out of diaphanous materials such as fine muslins and silks.

Jul 24, 2020 · In this post, I will look at the early history one of those garments: the corset. Corsets and other vanities were popular subjects of cartoonists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Fashion Before Ease, James Gillray. Trustees of the British Museum.