effortless chic: Geneologe of garment ; Corset

        The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the entire history of fashion. Worn by women throughout the western world from the late Renaissance into the 20th century. The corset was an essential element of fashionable dress for about 400 years. It was a simple bodice made of ivory, wood, or metal. It was most often laced from the back, and was, at first, a garment reserved for the aristocracy. Both men and women wore corsets however over time it became more of a 

fashion for women.                

“The corset and the from divine” Chicago Sunday Tribune. December 18, 1932.

Iron corset, c 1590. Musee du Moyen Age, Paris

Metal corset, said to date from about 1600. Photograph by Irving Solero. The museum at the fashion Institute of Technology. New York. Gift of Janet and David Demon.

Unknown artist, 24 September 1581.

In the sixteenth century and for some time thereafter, corset or “bodies” were primarily worn by aristocratic women and girls.

By the end of the 17th century and beginning of 18th century, corsets became more elaborate and decorative. They became a part of the voluminous skirts made out of rich fabrics. They were strapless and with a low neckline too. This was for women who were attending social occassions.

William Hogarth, The Graham Children, 1742. The national Gallery, London.

Corsets were also worn by boys and girls of wealthy families for activities such as horseback riding.

Laced corset of 1693

Corsets in the early 19th century lengthened to the hip, the lower tabs replaced by gussets at the hip. There was room was made for the bust in front with more gussets and the back lowered. The shoulder straps disappeared in the 1840s for normal wear. By the end of the 19th century, corsets were being worn over petticoats. These were made out of beautiful materials such as silk and satin richly decorated with frills and ruffles.

Today, corsets are worn in many different ways, over a petticoat in case of wedding gowns, over denims. They are also made in a variety of rich fabrics and colors.The look emphasizes a curvy figure, by reducing the waist, and thereby exaggerating the bust and hips.