What is a Corset Used For?

Find out what is a corset used for, from the results a corset can achieve, to the occasions you might wear a corset for, as well as the different styles available…

If you are new to corsets, you might be a little unclear on exactly what they are used for and how they work. Regardless of whether you’re considering purchasing your first corset or you’re just curious, it’s good to get to grips with this historical garment to gain a better understand of exactly what it might be able to offer you. If you’ve ever wondered ‘what is a corset used for?’ then read on…

What is a Corset Used For - Corsets put simply….

When breaking things down into the simplest format, it’s possible to say that corsets are used to reduce the size of the waist temporarily to create an hourglass shape, as well as providing support to the torso.

Corsets have been worn for hundreds of years and used to be a part of everyday dress for women during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today they are still worn by many, but generally for special occasions or performance.

Corsets in Detail

Generally speaking, corsets are made from a strong yet flexible fabric such as cotton, leather or satin. This is then reinforced with steel boning to add strength for cinching in the waist and accentuating the curve of the hips and bust.

Corsets are tightened by fastening the front busk, followed by lacing up the back to achieve the desired waist reduction. They are made to fit closely to the torso and are available in overbust and underbust options. Corsets can also be worn over clothing or under clothing, depending on the look you want to achieve. They come in a range of styles, from traditional to more contemporary and in a variety of colours and finishes. Corsets are also designed to fit a variety of different body types and come in a wide range of sizes.

Today corsets are completely safe to wear, but it’s important to get your size right, as well as season your corset, which essentially means wearing it in. Many people invest in a corset to have as part of their wardrobe, and usually wear their corset for special occasions under clothing to achieve an hourglass figure. This is a little like wearing shapewear, but taken up a few notches delivering far better and more noticeable results.

Some women choose to wear a corset as part of a costume, such as those that perform on stage such as burlesque dancers, where as other women may choose to make a corset part of their everyday attire. Overbust corsets are best for wearing subtly under clothing, whereas underbust corsets work well over clothing such as a blouse, shirt or dress to achieve a particular look.

Essentially, corsets can be used in a number of ways, but the overall purpose is to reduce the waist and create an hourglass figure. For more information about corsets, visit our blog, or browse our collection. For any help finding your perfect size or choosing a style, get in touch: sales@corsetstory.com.au