Although this article is listed under Alternative Trends, over the past few years the corset has gradually been working its way into the mainstream. An item of clothing that some associate only with squished internal organs and fainting, the corset is in fact one of the most comfortable and versatile pieces you could add to your wardrobe. Flattening any lumps and bumps, improving your posture, and even in some cases reducing your waist size, the corset is as relevant today as it was when first introduced, although under different circumstances. Originally a tool for constraint and limitation of the female form, corsets can now be utilised as objects of female empowerment, accentuating your figure and adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any outfit. If you are considering buying a corset of your own, there are some important factors to consider. This article is designed to guide you through the world of corsets, helping you distinguish between real and fake, choose between the varied types of corset design, and find a size that fits correctly.
Real Corsets
The first and most important thing you need to know about corsets is that real corsets come with steel bones. Although there are many pieces of corset inspired clothing out there, if you want the genuine article then you need to be able to tell the difference. Lingerie stores such as Anne Summers and La Senza sell undergarments in the style of corsets, some with plastic boning, but these are generally flimsy and do nothing to hold in or flatten the body. You can also find imitation corset tops which utilise some of the features of corsets, such as back lacing, clasps on the front or even boning, but again this is usually in plastic which does not have the strength and durability required for a real, cinching corset. Steel boning comes in two types; the first is spring or flat steels, which consist of flat steel boning, sometimes covered in a plastic coating, which comes in different widths and is resistant to bending or losing its shape. Spiral steels consist of tiny spirals which are flexible but don’t permanently lose their shape; they are often used in the bust seams or other parts of the corset that need to bend when it is worn. Only steel boning can perform the functions a corset requires; plastic boning is too weak and can warp easily, and even potentially snap when under pressure.
Types of Corset
Once you’ve managed to identify real corsets over imitations garments, you will find that there are also a variety of different corset designs to choose from. The main two distinctions you will encounter are overbust and underbust, which in themselves are relatively self-explanatory. Underbust corsets are worn around the waist and extend to just below the bust, pulling in the tummy whilst accentuating the breasts and hips. Overbust corsets cover the bust, and come with different necklines; a popular cut is the sweetheart neckline, which cups the breasts offering firm support. This type of corset is better for taller figures. Whilst the length of corsets usually reaches down to just below the stomach, longline corsets go lower and can help to avoid unflattering lumps as the flesh beneath the tightened corset is redistributed. Highback corsets have the same benefit but at the top of the back, where flesh can also have the tendency to bulge. Every corset wearer’s body is different, so if you can identify any personal areas of concern before purchasing a corset you will know what type to look for.
Left: a gothic overbust corset. Right: an underbust corset worn over a shirt.
Corset Sizing
The sizing of a corset is much more important than almost any other item of clothing. Corsets aren’t generally given standard sizes, and you will need to know the individual measurements of your bust, waist, and hips if you want to get one that fits you well. Corsets are sized in two inch increments, and if you are looking to cinch your waist then it is recommended that you buy the waist size 4 inches smaller than your own. You won’t necessarily always wear the corset tightened to its full capacity, and you should definitely avoid doing so in the first week after purchase to give the corset time to be “broken in”. If you are naturally quite petite, you may only wish to reduce your waist size slightly and concentrate more on smoothing out your figure. For fuller figures, particularly if your waist size is greater than 36 inches, you may wish to go 6 inches smaller instead in order to cinch your waist more. Many corset retailers also list the length of the corset at front and back so you can choose one that suits your torso. If you would prefer a corset that fits you perfectly, you can always opt for the more expensive option of a custom-made corset rather than one “off the rack”.
Why Wear a Corset
There are many advantages to owning and wearing a good corset. The aesthetic value alone is quite significant; corsets can help you to achieve a smooth, hourglass figure, accentuating the natural curves of your body. There is also a natural flair and sophistication to a corset, whether you go for a gothic edge or a more glamorous piece. Corsets are a great deal more versatile than one might think, especially in a neutral colour like black. They can be worn with a skirt, on top of a dress or even with jeans for a more casual look. Underbust corsets in particular can be utilised almost as an accessory, worn on top of any type of top or dress to cinch the waist. There are other more long term benefits of wearing a corset; your posture will naturally improve, whilst some corsets are specifically designed to reduce waist size over time. This should always be approached with caution, however, and you should consult your doctor before embarking on a course of waist reduction.
Celebrities in Corsets
Over the past year an increasing number of prominent figures have converted to the corset, and been pictured wearing them out on an evening, in videos and promotional images, and even on the red carpet. With fashion trends growing more extreme, celebrities are able to push the boundaries further than most. Lady Gaga has inspired other singers to experiment with dramatic clothing; Rihanna was recently pictured in a spiked leather corset. Other celebrities have embraced the corset in the past for particular marketing campaigns or because they wanted to evoke a particular image; when Christina Aguilera re-invented herself for a new generation, she opted for burlesque glamour and utilised items like corsets. One of the most famous corset-wearing celebrities is of course Dita Von Teese, often called the queen of burlesque, who has built her career on an hourglass figure with a tiny waist.
Rihanna goes for an extreme corset with punk spikes, whilst Myleene Klass chooses an elegant white corset. Sophie Ellis Bexter’s red corset gives a sensual edge to the otherwise monochrome image.
Where to Buy Corsets
Real steel-boned corsets are slightly harder to obtain than most clothing and can rarely be bought in mainstream retail stores and chains. You might look for specialist clothing stores in your area, or head somewhere like London where they are more plentiful. Alternatively, most corset owners choose to buy online. eBay has been growing in popularity as a source of corsets, although you always have to be careful that you are getting something real and well-made. In the UK, one of the best online corset retailers is the aptly named Corsets UK: with a consistent offer of 3 for 2 across the majority of their corsets and free UK shipping when you spend over £100, their site is a great place to get high quality corsets at relatively low costs. Be aware that when it comes to corsets you get what you pay for, and you are likely to pay rather a lot. You’ll be hard pressed to get a good steel-boned corset for anything less than £60, unless of course you take advantage of one of the great Daily Deals at Corsets UK, where items that retail for around £75 are often reduced to something like £25. You can like their Facebook page to be constantly updated on the latest items included in the offer, at www.facebook.com/CorsetsUK.
- Kat Humphries
Sources and Further Information:
Corsets UK Blog – corsets-uk.com
Tips for Buying a Real Corset – battyboop.hubpages.com
How to Buy a Corset – mischiefmydear.com