Corsetry is not only making the corsets, but the word refers to the corsets,too. Women love wearing corsets because of the beautiful feminine shape it gives to their body. They tend to hug the waist and give more focus on the full breasts. In the past, corsets were extremely constricting and extremely uncomfortable. However, corsets have become less restricting and a popular novelty piece in the bedroom. Corsetry is a wonderful addition to any women's lingerie wardrobe.
Corsetry has been around for hundreds of years, but it generally fell out of fashion in the Western world during the 1920s when corsets were replaced by girdles. Since that time, corsets have been used less as underwear and more as costumes, lingerie, and even outerwear.
Just as the purpose of corsetry has changed over the years, so too has the construction. They were originally made from thick material such as leather that had channels to hold "stays." Stays were made from rigid material such as whalebone or steel. Today's corsets are usually not as rigid and may be made from softer fabrics. Stays are typically made of plastic, although it is still possible to find some made from steel.
Most corsets wrap around the upper body with either the front or back left open. The opening is lined with eyelets or grommets along both sides, and these are used to lace the corset together. As the lace is tightened, the corset constricts the body and holds it in place. Throughout history, corsets have been worn so tight as to cause women to faint or even to develop permanent deformities. It is thought, however, that some of the drawbacks to corsetry have been overly dramatized and that wearing them is not as uncomfortable as has been portrayed in literature and movies.
The point was simply to modify the body's shape by a small amount in order to reach an idealized silhouette. There are still people referred to as "tightlacers" who use corsets to constrict the size of their natural waists to be less than 20 inches in circumference. These people are quite rare, however, and most use corsets as sexy underwear for the boudoir. They are also quite popular in BDSM practices, both for their restriction and just for aesthetics.
Corsetry comes in a number of styles, but the two main categories are the overbust and underbust. These names mean just what they imply. An overbust corset starts just below the armpits, while an underbust corset begins below the bust line. Both types are likely to push up the bust to create a fuller look with more cleavage.
Modern corsetry is much more forgiving than its forerunners, and it is used everywhere from the bedroom to the dance floor. Many wedding dress designers have incorporated corsets into their fashions, and other dress designers have followed suit. It is not uncommon to see laced-up dresses at the high school prom. They are also very popular in certain subcultures such as "Gothic" and for those involved in reenactments and renaissance fairs.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Women's Issues Articles
Rule 24: Plan a Power Lunch
By: L. Lowell | 20/08/2008
Christina Johnson Polk is mom to Max, two, and wife to Kevin. She lives in Lafayette, CA, and works full time as a Construction Manager.
Forget taking that all-important client to the newest bistro to schmooze and impress - the idea of a "power lunch" takes on a whole new meaning...
Rule 26: Focus
By: L. Lowell | 20/08/2008
Shea Fialdini lives in Seattle with her husband and three children. She works as the Grants Manager for the Global Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
As a working mom I thought I was beginning to master the fine art of productive multi-tasking until my three-year-old son set...
Rule 23: Have Sex
By: L. Lowell | 20/08/2008
Holly Garcia, mother of four, has been happily married for 22 years to her high school sweetheart. She works full time in high-tech.
Have Sex! Make Love! Cuddle! Do all of the above! Look... men and women are, shall we say, different. Keeping your partner happy contributes to your happiness which,...
Fun and Style With Bags
By: Janet R. | 20/08/2008
People, mostly, women love bags. They like it because it can give a sense of convenience in such a way that they can bring along with them their essentials whenever they go out. An excellent carrying option that can make you feel comfortable carrying all your stuff in one. This...
Evironmentally Friendly Fashion Handbags
By: Nicole Maschwitz | 20/08/2008
Jute is one of the cheapest pure fibers, it is a soft vegetable fiber that can be spun into threads that are not only robust but very course. In terms of popularity it comes second to cotton in expense and how popular it is, but no doubt it's popularity will...
Long Lasting Lips - Options and Makeup Tips
By: Nedra Hines | 20/08/2008
One of the biggest concerns most women have has to do with maintaining those beautiful lips once lipstick or lip gloss has been applied. Most of us have very busy schedules, and having to reapply lip color can be a real inconvenience. The below options and tips can help you...
Jewelry Wardrobe: Ten Jewels Every Woman Should Own
By: Ron Peterson | 19/08/2008
Few purchases in life are meant to actually last a lifetime or beyond. Fine jewelry, however, is meant to be worn, enjoyed and treasured for years to come. So just how should a woman go about building the perfect jewelry wardrobe? Many turn to the The Gemological Institute of America...
Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal Unwinding Aromatherapy Bath
By: Trevor Price | 18/08/2008
You could go to a store and buy an aromatherapy bath product, or you could make your own at home. Herbal and aromatic baths are an ancient tradition, simple to make and easy on the wallet. Keep reading to learn more about why herbal baths are good for you, how...
More from Amanda Cotterill
Sexy Bra Sets to Enhance Your Sexy Curves
By: Amanda Cotterill | 02/08/2008 | Women's Issues
Sexy bra sets typically come with an even sexier pair of matching panties. Wearing matching bra and panty sets are not only fun to do, but it also makes women feel good about themselves throughout the day. Although nobody ever sees them at the office, women feel more confident because...
Camisole Sets Are Sexy But Simple
By: Amanda Cotterill | 02/08/2008 | Women's Issues
Camisole sets are a wonderful way to make any woman feel sexy. Whether it's worn underneath your clothes or as lingerie, women like the way it makes them feel. Some women find wearing camisole sets underneath their clothes makes them warmer while others just feel that it makes them sexier....
The Best Sexy Costumes to Try For Every Occasion
By: Amanda Cotterill | 27/07/2008 | Women's Issues
Sexy costumes are not only fun in the bedroom, but can add excitement to any party! There are so many costumes available online that you'll be hard pressed to find just one. With so many different characters - like an innocent candy stripper or a sexy vamp - you can...
Sexy Costumes to Spice Up Your Love Life
By: Amanda Cotterill | 20/07/2008 | Motivational
There are so many sexy costumes online to choose from, who could pick just one? Find out how to choose the best one for your shape and size.
Sexy Teddies for a Feminine and Beautiful You
By: Amanda Cotterill | 20/07/2008 | Advice
Wearing sexy teddies makes a women feel feminine and beautiful. Are you planning on a romantic dinner for two and then dessert at home?
Erotic Lingerie Can be Romantic and Sexy at the Same Time
By: Amanda Cotterill | 07/07/2008 | Advice
Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the erotic lingerie sector for many years. uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy lingerie as if that needed much explaining! Please include this credit if you use this article.
Chemises Just Adorable and Sexy Lingerie at It’s Best
By: Amanda Cotterill | 07/07/2008 | Advice
Chemises are sexy lingerie but also can cover up those areas which you don't feel comfortable with.
Make the Most of Your Time Together With Erotic Lingerie
By: Amanda Cotterill | 27/06/2008 | Women's Issues
Wearing erotic, naughty lingerie can turn a normal evening into a memorable and exciting night. There are many options for you. From sexy tight leather to anything that your fantasies may entail, wearing erotic naughty lingerie is a fun open up new doors and free you from your sense of...
News and Society 
