Corsets come in different styles to suit various body shapes and purposes. Whether you’re looking to wear one under your clothes for support or as part of a stylish outfit, a corset can enhance your confidence, improve your posture, and highlight your curves.
In recent fashion trends, corsets are also used as a decorative element, adding flair and structure to clothing designs.
This guide will help you select the perfect corset that flatters your body shape, aligns with your style, and meets your comfort preferences.
What is a Corset?
A corset is a garment designed to shape and support the torso, often made from stiffened fabric or leather. It is typically worn around the waist to achieve a desired silhouette.
History of Corset
Corsets originated in the 16th century, designed to shape the torso into a desired silhouette. In the Victorian era, they became a symbol of femininity and social status, often creating an exaggerated hourglass figure. By the early 20th century, corsets fell out of fashion, replaced by bras and girdles. Today, corsets have experienced a revival in fashion, worn for aesthetic, shaping, or historical purposes. They remain popular in alternative fashion, costume design, and certain body-shaping garments.
Different Types of Corsets
Corsets have evolved significantly over time, leading to many distinct types categorized based on length, era, and purpose. Here, we break down the key types of corsets available today.
Corset Types by Length
The length of a corset significantly influences its fit and functionality. Each style serves a different purpose, whether you’re looking for something to wear under clothing or as a statement piece.
Underbust Corset
The underbust corset, as the name suggests, sits just under the bust, offering support to the waist and midsection. This type of corset is ideal for waist training and body shaping, as it focuses on compressing the torso below the bust. Underbust corsets are popular for both everyday wear and for wearing under dresses, as they leave the bust area free for more comfort.
Overbust Corset
In contrast, an overbust corset covers the bust entirely, providing both shaping and support for the chest. These corsets are great for women who want to achieve a more dramatic hourglass figure. Overbust corsets were historically used to support the bust while giving the wearer a structured silhouette, and they continue to be a popular choice for both waist training and fashionable outerwear.
Mid Bust or Cropped Corset
The mid-bust or cropped corset is a compromise between the underbust and overbust corset. It typically covers the lower ribs and offers more moderate support than an overbust corset while still allowing the wearer more freedom than a full overbust design. These corsets can be a versatile piece, worn under clothing or as an accessory.
The Waspie
A waspie corset is a short corset that focuses on the waist area. It typically ends just below the ribs and sits on the natural waist, creating an exaggerated hourglass shape. Often used for waist training or as part of a stylish ensemble, waspies offer a more comfortable and lighter alternative to longer corsets, making them great for everyday wear.
Longline Corset
Longline corsets extend beyond the natural waist, often reaching down to the hips. This type of corset offers more extensive shaping of the torso and can provide greater support for the lower abdomen. Longline corsets are typically used in waist training, providing a sleek and sculpted silhouette.
New Fusion Corsets
With the evolution of fashion and function, modern corsets have fused with various styles to create more versatile and contemporary designs. These corsets cater to a wide range of body types, preferences, and occasions.
Corset Dresses
Corset dresses are a fusion of traditional corsetry and dress design. They often feature a built-in corset that cinches the waist while maintaining the flow and style of a dress. Corset dresses are perfect for formal occasions, offering a flattering and structured silhouette that emphasizes the curves.
Corset Top
Corset tops combine the structure of a corset with the ease of a top. Often worn as outerwear, corset tops are designed to be both stylish and functional. These tops come in a variety of materials, including cotton, satin, and leather, and can be paired with everything from skirts to jeans.
Corset Lingerie
Corset lingerie blends the shaping power of a corset with the allure of lingerie. These garments are designed for intimate wear and can be both functional and seductive. Corset lingerie typically features lace, satin, or silk materials and can include elements such as garters and thigh-high stockings.
Cosplay Corset
Cosplay corsets are designed for costume enthusiasts who want to achieve the perfect look for their favorite characters. These corsets are often tailored to specific costumes from movies, games, and anime. Whether it’s a historical or fantasy-inspired design, cosplay corsets can add authenticity and style to any costume.
Corset Types by Era
Historically, corsets were worn for various reasons, from achieving the desired fashionable figure to providing medical support. The era a corset belongs to influences its design, purpose, and fit.
Elizabethan Corset (1558 – 1603)
The Elizabethan corset was a key garment during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, characterized by a long, rigid structure that covered both the bust and waist.
It was designed to create a conical shape that emphasized the shoulders, making the waist appear smaller in comparison.
Made from rigid materials like wood or steel, the Elizabethan corset was often worn with elaborate gowns and featured a high neckline and long sleeves.
Victorian Corset (1837 – 1901)
The Victorian era is known for its extreme hourglass silhouette, which was achieved with the help of tightly-laced corsets.
These corsets were designed to reduce the waist to an almost unnatural size, often resulting in the famous “wasp-waist” look.
The Victorian corset was typically made of whalebone or steel and extended from the bust down to the hips, providing both shaping and support for the upper body. Victorian corsets were worn under dresses with wide skirts, making them an iconic fashion staple.
Edwardian Corset (1901 – 1914)
Edwardian corsets, often referred to as “S-bend” corsets, were designed to create a more natural curve, pushing the hips backward and the bust forward.
These corsets were typically less restrictive than their Victorian predecessors, focusing on creating a smoother, more relaxed silhouette.
The Edwardian corset was shorter and less stiff, often incorporating lighter materials and less extreme waist reduction, making them more comfortable for the wearer.
What are corsets made of?
Corsets are typically made from a variety of materials, each selected to provide the best fit, shape, and durability.
The most common fabrics for these garments include satin, cotton, silk, leather, velvet, and brocade. These fabrics offer distinct benefits, from the comfort and breathability of cotton to the luxurious feel of silk.
Corsets, particularly, require materials that can withstand tight lacing without losing their structure. Often, steel or plastic boning is used in the inner structure to maintain shape and support, though some modern versions may use flexible plastic for a more comfortable fit.
- Satin: This is a smooth, shiny fabric often used for more elegant and formal corsets. It is less breathable but adds a sleek, luxurious look.
- Cotton: Known for its comfort and breathability, cotton corsets are great for everyday wear. Cotton corsets tend to be softer, but they still provide the support needed for shaping.
- Silk: For high-end corsetry, silk is a top choice. It’s lightweight and breathable, offering an elegant, luxurious touch to corset dresses and tops.
- Leather: A popular material for more dramatic or edgy corsets, leather offers durability and a unique aesthetic. Leather corsets are often heavier and more rigid than other fabric types.
- Velvet: Velvet corsets are soft to the touch and have a rich, opulent feel, making them ideal for evening wear or special occasions.
- Brocade: A jacquard fabric often featuring ornate designs, brocade is a heavy fabric typically used in corset dresses for an intricate, high-end look.
- Steel Bones in Corsets: Steel bones offer durability and firm support, helping maintain the corset’s structure over time. They are ideal for waist reduction and provide a comfortable fit by distributing pressure evenly, even with tight lacing.
- Plastic Bones in Corsets: Plastic bones are lighter and more flexible, offering a comfortable, everyday fit. They are more affordable than steel and gentler on the body, making them perfect for casual or long-term wear.
Key Questions to Answer:
- What is the purpose of wearing a corset? A corset is worn to shape the torso, providing support and enhancing posture, often used for fashion, historical costumes, or even waist training.
- Are corsets comfortable to wear? While corsets can provide a flattering silhouette, they may be uncomfortable if worn for extended periods, especially if they are tightly laced.
- How long can you wear the corset in one day? The recommended wearing time for a corset varies from person to person. Beginners should start with 1 to 2 hours a day and gradually increase the duration as they get used to it. Over time, wearing it for 6 to 8 hours a day is common. It’s important to avoid wearing a corset for more than 8 hours at a stretch, as it can cause discomfort or pressure. New fusion corsets like corset dresses or shirts are generally more comfortable for extended wear than traditional corsets. Since the new corset is made from lightweight fabrics and soft plastic bones, You can typically wear them for 8 hours or more, as long as they don’t restrict breathing or movement. However, it’s important to listen to your body—if you feel discomfort, take breaks and remove it.
- How tight should a corset be? A corset should fit snugly, providing support without being overly tight. It’s important that you can still breathe comfortably and move your arms and torso without restriction. A good way to check the fit is by ensuring that you can slip one or two fingers under the corset at both the top and bottom.
- How to lace a corset?
- Start with the Corset Laying Flat: Before lacing, make sure the corset is lying flat and the laces are untangled.
- Thread the Laces: Begin by threading the lace through the top and bottom grommets (eyelets) of the corset. If your corset has a loop at the top, thread the lace through there first.
- Create an “X” Pattern: Start at the bottom and pull the laces up through the first two eyelets on each side, forming an “X” shape. Continue this pattern up to the middle of the corset, making sure the laces stay even.
- Pull Tight: Once the “X” pattern is complete, begin tightening the laces by pulling on both ends. Start from the bottom and gradually work your way up. Ensure even pressure on both sides.
- Tie the Laces: Once the corset is tightened to your desired fit, tie the laces in a bow at the back. You can also tie them in a knot for extra security.
- Adjust for Comfort: Make sure the corset fits snugly but comfortably. If it’s too tight, loosen the laces slightly. If you need more support, pull the laces tighter.
Wrap Up
Corsets have evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional innerwear to stylish outerwear and even blending with other garments like dresses, tops, and lingerie.
There are various types of corsets available, each with its specific purpose. Some are designed for waist training and offer strong compression, while others are made for fashion and may provide less shaping or support.
When choosing corsets, it’s essential to consider factors like comfort, fit, material, and the level of compression that suits your needs.
With over 20 years of experience in clothing manufacturing, we’re here to help. If you need advice or assistance with corset production, our sales team is always ready to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
