The corset’s comeback
THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO WEAR THIS GARMENT RIGHT NOW, WRITES PRUDENCE WADE
ONCE a symbol of oppression, corsets have quite a controversial history.
Early styles are believed to date as far back as 1600 BC, and corsets were widely seen from the 16th to the early 20th century. These adjustable garments could be tightened to help give what was thought to be a desirable hourglass silhouette.
Corsets developed something of a bad reputation, particularly as they fed into unrealistic beauty standards, and could be tied so tightly it made it hard to breathe.
By the mid-20th century women were shedding constrictive clothes so the corset started to be pushed aside – but not for too long.
It soon reinvented itself as the star of the show rather than just an undergarment.
Vivienne Westwood is perhaps the best example of this – from the 1970s to today, the iconic designer has incorporated elements of punk corsetry into her collections.
Other designers followed – think Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic cone bra corset for Madonna in 1990. Far from a symbol of repression, it soon became synonymous with women reclaiming their sexuality and bodies.
Corsets faded towards the end of the 2000s – but now, the style is back, largely thanks to the popularity of Netflix series Bridgerton – its characters in bosom-heaving corsets, reigniting our love for the style.
Most styles today aren’t bone-crushingly uncomfortable and could help you bring a bit of Regency flair to your post-lockdown looks...