How did the history of the corset begin?

It is known that even in ancient times, girls wore a wide belt to support their breasts and create a feminine silhouette. However, as an indispensable element of women's costume, the corset appeared in Europe in the 16th century.

1st century

                The classic corset was invented in Spain. There was a very strong church and a woman had to observe virtue. Chained in a corset, smoothing out the outlines of the chest and wearing a dress that tightly covers all parts of the body, the lady looked unapproachable. The Spanish corset really shackled the female body like a shell. The back was bent, internal organs could be deformed, it was difficult to move and breathe in it. This often led to fainting.

The corset looked like a metal frame, trimmed from the inside with leather or fabric. In order for the body to breathe, holes were made in the frame, their edges could dig into the skin and cause unbearable suffering.

So that the chest did not develop and was flat, girls were taught to corset from 5-6 years old!

At this time, the corset had a conical shape and the bodice of the dress, pulled over it, acquired a completely flat and smooth surface.

17th century

However, starting from the 17th century, a whalebone was sewn into the base of the corset, and the ladies felt freer. Corsets were sewn from expensive fabrics, decorated with embroidery, lace, ribbons. Numerous jewelry and jewelry of the dress were attached to it, as a base.

  By the 18th century, the silhouette had changed, the female image had become feminine and seductive. The waist was tightened more and more thinly, the chest bulged out.

The lacing on the corset began to be made either in the front or in the back. The front lacing was covered with a special insert - a stomak. It was usually fastened with ties or pins. The stomak was richly decorated with embroidery, because it was visible in the neckline of the dress.

And if the lacing of the corset was on the back, then in the front, in a special pocket - busskjerka - a bussk was inserted. It was a plate made of metal, wood, ivory or whalebone. It was done for the convenience of putting on a corset. Over time, the bust even became a romantic gift. Lovers gave the ladies of their hearts busts with hearts, initials, flowers, sometimes even carved poems or declarations of love on them.

19th century

At the end of the 18th century, after the French Revolution, the Empire style came into vogue. The waistline has risen under the chest, and the corsets are much smaller, lighter and simpler. They only corrected the figure, creating graceful outlines under a thin translucent dress.

But at the beginning of the 9th century, thin waists and puffy skirts returned to fashion, and the age of the corset began to flourish. Along with individual tailoring and sewing, the production of universal corsets began. The fashionable hourglass silhouette was created by the contrast between the tight waist and the voluminous crinoline skirt. Ladies strove to ensure that their waist circumference was equal to the girth of the neck of their beloved!  

Early 20th century

By the end of the 19th century, the female silhouette was changing again. The modern style is coming into fashion. Dresses become narrow, only slightly flared at the bottom. The corset also changes. It takes on an S-shaped silhouette. The corset lengthens and tightens not only the waist, but also the hips. In some models, it even reached the knees! The ladies changed their gait, they had to mince. This became the subject of jokes and even led to accidents.

By the way, in many times, and especially in the 19th century, the corset was criticized for the harm caused to women's health. It is also known that the fashion for corsets has done harm to the environment. The use of the whalebone reduced the whale population by 60% in the late 19th century!

Stomak

Busk

And already in the early XX century corset is divided into 2 parts - the upper, to support the breast, and the lower - as a belt for stockings.

                But the corset hasn't disappeared! Today it is made from comfortable elastic materials. It can be found in lingerie, festive and wedding dresses. Fashionistas also use a corset as a decorative element of a suit that emphasizes the figure, wearing it over a dress or skirt.

Author: Olga Sidorova