Corset & Underbust Blog

Corset History: Part 2 Late 18th Century-Victorian Era
This is the second part of our series on the history of the corsets, looking at the late 18th century to the Victorian Era.
Stays were less constricting by the end of the 18th century and although most women would still wear a stay as underwear, many now wore ‘short stays’ that extended to just under the bust but still helped raise the bust and improve posture.  Jumps were another 18th century undergarment and these were used for informal occasions, as they were only partially boned.
The early 1800s saw the corset emerge as the primary method for supporting the breasts and these created a high waistline.  By the 1830s, however, the waistline returned to its natural position and more emphasis became placed on creating a narrow waist and an hourglass silhouette.  The women at the time fashioned wide shoulders and big skirts so corsets did not have to be laced tight to create the illusion of a small waist.

By the Victorian era when large shoulders had disappeared from fashion, the waist had to be cinched in tighter too create the hourglass effect.  Later, the 1840s and 1850s saw tightlacing first became popular.  The corset at this time had changed shape and was worn long, ending several inches below the waist.  The market for cheap mass-produced corsets also increased although hand-made made-to-measure corsets were still popular.
If you would like to see beautiful corsets like these, visit Manchester Art Gallery

In an interview with Keira Knightley in yesterdays Metro newspaper (04/09/2008) she talked about one of the more fascinating sides of lingerie, corsets. Keira has recently been walking the international red carpets promoting her new film, The Duchess, a story based in the 18th century and involving her constantly wearing corsets.
Keira was asked ‘Are you sick of the sight of corsets?’ and she replied ‘I’ve only done two films recently that have involved corsets so I’ve got some mileage in them yet. I’m happy not to be wearing one now, though.’

Well Kira we think you look sensational and we rate the film 5/5, excellent!

History of the Corset-Part 1

16th Century-18th Century

Corsets have a rich and fabulous history and have been a part of society for thousands of years.  This is the first of a series of blogs about the fascinating history of the corset.
The earliest corsets were called ‘payre of bodies’ and later ‘stays’.  The stays created a brilliant cleavage by flattening the bust and pushing the breasts up.  Emphasis was placed on the contrast between this and the flat bodice front with less interest in creating a small waist.  The stays had shoulder straps and the fabric flicked out at the bottom.
The mid 16th century saw corsets become commonly worn amongst women.  From this time to around 1860 corsets were made of stiff layers of linen with wooden busks that were inserted in a pocket at the front to keep the corset straight.

Stay tuned for the other parts…