History and Myths of Corsets
Recent years have seen a surge of interest in historical inspired fashion. Corsets have been a viral fashion trend for several years in a row now, with major fashion retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Princess Polly featuring corset style tops as a staple on their websites, and designer labels like Mirror Palais showcasing them front and centre on the runway.
Image credit: Mirror Palais
Image credit: Princess Polly
However, there are many misconceptions about corsets and their historical significance. In Season 1 Episode 1 of hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton, a character is seen fainting after her corset is fitted too tight. This is a common trope in many period pieces, leading some to believe that corsets are dangerous or even an anti-feminist symbol. For example, in her role as Belle in 2017’s live action Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson refused to wear a corset as she claimed she didn’t want her version of the character to be a "corseted, impossible idea of female beauty." Nevertheless, many fashion historians argue that the belief that corsets were an oppressive tool of the patriarchy is, in fact, a common misconception. Below are some myths about corsets debunked.
Myth 1: Corsets were always uncomfortable; women couldn’t breathe wearing them and often fainted
According to LancasterHistory.org, examination of historical artefacts shows that corsets were in fact flexible and adaptable garments. Women were able to lace them according to their needs, rendering them functional to move and breathe in. Furthermore, corsets never caused widespread fainting. While it is a common misconception that Victorian ‘’fainting couches’’ existed because of women fainting from corsets, evidence shows that the term is in fact a modern construction and wasn’t actually used by Victorians themselves.
Myth 2: The purpose of corsets was to create a miniscule waist
Image credit: Netflix
While the depiction of corsets in period dramas such as Bridgerton suggests that women of the past were forced to wear corsets to create a tiny waist in order to be more attractive to men, in reality, they were much more functional. Corsets served to support the breasts, shape the figure and provide a foundation for layers of skirts and undergarments. Many fashion historians compare them to the historical equivalent of a WonderBra. Furthermore, corsets in museums across the world are of a variety of measurements, suggesting that all sizes of corsets were common.
Myth 3: Corsets caused permanent physical damage
Another common misconception about corsets is that they were highly dangerous and caused the crushing of internal organs. Whilst it is true that the practice of tight-lacing is highly risky and can cause damage to the body, a properly fitted corset will not cause permanent physical damage.
Myth 4: Only women wore corsets
Whilst corsets have always been primarily garments for women, some men in the 18th and 19th centuries did wear corsets in order to create a smooth silhouette when wearing tight fitting trousers and jackets. However this was not a common practice and was considered somewhat ‘’taboo;’’ it wasn’t until the late 19th century that corsets became increasingly popular amongst European men.
Overall, corsets have a rich cultural history and their significance in the fashion landscape doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. Let us know in the comments whether you’ll be participating in the corset trend this summer!
Image credit: Pinterest
References:
Celiberti, S. (2021) Make no (whale)bones about it: Debunking those corsetry myths, LancasterHistory. Available at: https://www.lancasterhistory.org/debunkingcorsetrymyths/ (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Gonzales, E. (2017) Emma Watson doesn’t wear a corset in ‘beauty and the beast’ - Emma Watson modern-day belle costume, Harpers Bazaar. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a21370/emma-watson-modern-belle-costume/ (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Rawlings, C. (2019) Corsets for men: The history & modern day solutions, Corset Story US. Available at: https://corset-story.com/blogs/news/corsets-for-men-the-history-modern-day-solutions#:~:text=While%20corsets%20generally%20are%20considered,of%20benefits%20in%20doing%20so. (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Vidler, L. (2013) Exploring the myths of corsets I, Yesterday’s Thimble. Available at: http://yesterdaysthimble.com/articles/corset-myths-ii/ (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Vidler, L. (2013) Exploring the myths of corsets II, Yesterday’s Thimble. Available at: http://yesterdaysthimble.com/articles/corset-myths-ii/ (Accessed: 14 May 2024).