Corset

Corset

Corset (/ˈkɔːrsɪt/; from the French word corset which means "a kind of laced bodice") is a garment worn to hold and train the torso into a desired shape, traditionally a smaller waist or larger bottom, for aesthetic or medical purposes (either for the duration of wearing it or with a more lasting effect), or support the breasts. Both men and women are known to wear corsets, though this item was for many years an integral part of women's wardrobes.

Etymology

The word corset is derived from the Old French word cors, which is the diminutive of body, which itself derives from corpus - Latin for body. The craft of corset construction is known as corsetry, as is the general wearing of them. Someone who makes corsets is a corsetier or corsetière (French terms for a man and for a woman maker, respectively), or sometimes simply a corsetmaker.

History

The corset has been an important article of clothing for several centuries in Europe, evolving as fashion trends have changed. Women, as well as some men, have used it to change the appearance of their bodies.

Types of Corsets

Corsets are typically constructed of a flexible material (like cloth, particularly coutil, or leather) stiffened with boning (also called ribs or stays) inserted into channels in the cloth or leather.

Underbust Corset

An Underbust Corset begins just under the breasts and extends down to the hips.

Overbust Corset

An Overbust Corset encloses the torso, extending from just under the arms to the hips.

Waspie

A Waspie (also known as a waist cincher) is a belt worn around the waist to make the wearer's waist physically smaller, or to create the illusion of being smaller.

Related Terms

• Bodice - A close-fitting garment for the upper body.
• Girdle - A fitted undergarment, usually made of elastic, that extends from the waist to below the hips and worn to shape and confine the waist and hips.
• Bustier - A form-fitting garment used to push up the bust and to shape the waist.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Corset
• Wikipedia's article - Corset

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