All About Corsets For Women

A Corset is a garment worn by women (and sometimes men) to shape the waist and hips and to support the breasts. It typically consists of a bodice made of stiffened material, such as steel or whalebone, that is worn over the torso and fastened with laces or hooks.

Corsets for women have been worn for centuries, with evidence of them dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. Worn as a foundation garment such as, under dresses most popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. Trend faded in the 1920s but became fashionable again today mostly for waist training and shapewear.

Also called “the girdle” it is designed to slim the waist, creating the hourglass figure that was the trend in the early years.

Corsets were also worn as a fashion statement in the women’s empowerment punk era wearing them as outerwear. Celebrities have also joined the outerwear trend making corsets an overall fashionable trend.

Are Corsets Safe To Wear?

A properly fitted corset can be worn safely, if not worn too tight and made with breathable materials. However, if worn too tight for long periods of time it can cause health issues such as acid reflux, digestive issues, and breathing difficulties from compressing the internal organs. May also cause skin irritation, chaffing, poor circulation, and extra strain on the back.

In some cases, it may even cause organ failure. Wearing it in moderation and fitted properly is key to ensuring safety.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting to wear a corset if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

Why did women wear Corsets?

Women believed them to have health benefits by improving posture and improve breathing, However, it’s important to note that the fashion and societal pressure of the time to wear corsets led to many women suffering from health issues caused by the tight lacing and prolonged wear of the garment.

Additionally, corsets were seen as a symbol of femininity and were worn as a marker of social status. They were seen as a sign of refinement and were often worn by upper-class women. The full attire was a hat and a corset dress with gloves.

After WW2 a wire shortage put corsets in jeopardy however underwire bra era arose.

Corsets VS Bustier

Most Corsets are made to accentuate a slimmer midsection and hips thus usually not consisting of the built-in bra, but still lifting the breasts from underneath to look higher and fuller. A Bustier is a bra type reaching down to the waist used to lift up the breasts.

Today Corsets and Bustiers can be worn as outwear alone or under or over the clothing. The choice is yours.

10 Trendy Bustier and Corsets For Women

When choosing a garment, select a size 3-4″ smaller than your natural resting waist size. Measure from the largest circumference of the abdomen.

#1 Frawirshau Women’s Lace Up

Comes in 19 colors with sizes from XS – 7X.

#2 Waist Trainer Corset

5 colors to choose from. Sizes from 3X Small – 6X Large

#3 YERKOAD High Waist Trainer Corset

2 Colors, sizes small – 3X.

#4 LODAY Waist Trainer Corset

2 color choices, and sizes from Xs-4X.

#5 Nebility Women Latex Waist Trainer

Two colors sizes Small – 3X

#6 ZHAIMA Women’s Gothic Corset

Comes in 3 colors, sizes small -6X

#7 PRIVIMIX Women’s Half-Zipper Corset Hoodie

Grey and Black, sizes small – XL

#8 Modegal Women’s Vintage Strapless

20 color options, sizes 00-0 to 20.

#9 XZQTIVE Black Corset Waist Belt

18 color options, sizes 25″- 49″.

#10 SZIVYSHI Corset Tops 

7 cool colors, sizes XS-XL