Wedding Corsets – For a Perfect and Attractive Look

A corset is a garment which is mostly related with the Victorian era. It is a waist clinching garment, which is primarily used to enhance ones figure as desired.  Though it is mostly connected to the Victorian era, its root actually dates back much farther.

If you think of it, corsets have been in use since the time clothes have been a part of our society. Since long back, people have tried different ways to manipulate their physical appearance which would help them to attract the opposite sex.
Corset has thus been in use in different forms to make one look perfect and attractive. It has been an undergarment of choice for a long time now and in many different ways. Sometimes it was used as to get a tiny wasp waist and at other times as a smooth silhouette. Thus it has always been used to compliment different styles of clothing.
Use of corsets was not just limited to any particular place. Let’s take a look at its history:

Corsets and the Ancient World

In the ancient time, corsets were used both by the men and women of different societies like Greek, the Minoan society, Theban and the Cretan society. In fact, it is said that the Minoans used to wear the corsets especially when participating in different sporting events. This was done to support their back and their waist.
The Cretan society has it that the figurines of goddesses wore corsets. The Greeks used corsets which were primarily made of leather, while the Thebes used those which were made of metal.

Corsets worn in Italy and Spain

During the 15th century, the Spanish were highly influential on the European fashion. The Spanish men and women used to wear it to achieve a dignified and upright position. It would also help them to get a smooth torso. The Italians, in the next century, added more elegance and smoothness to the rigid look of the corsets. They added to it a busk, which was beneath the corsets lacing, thus giving it a more smooth look.

Corsets used in France

After being used for centuries, corsets reached the height of its popularity in France. When the French came across the whole concept of the use of corsets, it just took off. The corsets were soon being worn by everyone, including children there.

The French rather used the corsets in a completely new way. The Italians and the Spanish had always used the corset to flatten their chest. The French on the other hand used the corset to highlight their bosom and thus force it upward. The French would make the corset stiffer by using paste. They further refined the bask and it was generally made of whalebone, wood, silver and ivory.

The 19th and 20th century use of Corsets

As the style of clothing changed over the years, the use of corsets remained a part of every fashion change. It continued till the Victorian era, but gradually was banned at different places. But still it continued to be in use in various forms.