Corsetry, once a defining element of women’s fashion, fell out of favor during the 20th century, dismissed as a relic of an era when women’s bodies were bound by restrictive garments. However, in recent years, corsets have made a surprising return to the fashion scene. No longer symbols of restriction, modern corsets have been reimagined as powerful statements of style, confidence, and self-expression. Today, they are embraced by high fashion designers, pop stars, and everyday fashion enthusiasts who see them as versatile and empowering garments. This article explores the history of corsetry, the reasons behind its modern revival, and how the garment has transformed from a tool of oppression to a symbol of personal choice and body positivity.
1. A Brief History of Corsetry: From Necessity to Obsolescence
Corsetry has a long and complex history, spanning centuries of fashion. Originating in the 16th century, the corset was designed to shape the female body into the fashionable silhouette of the time—initially a cylindrical shape that evolved into the iconic hourglass figure of the Victorian era. Worn by women across Europe, corsets were made from stiffened fabric and whalebone, and they became essential for supporting and enhancing the body’s natural curves.
16th and 17th Centuries: The Birth of the Corset
The earliest corsets, known as “stays,” were introduced in the 16th century. These garments were less about tight-lacing and more about shaping the upper body into a smooth silhouette to fit the fashions of the day. The stays flattened the chest and provided support, allowing women to wear the elaborate dresses that were popular among the European aristocracy. Over time, these garments became more structured, incorporating materials like iron and whalebone to maintain their shape.
The Victorian Era: The Rise of the Hourglass Silhouette
Corsetry reached its peak during the Victorian era, when the hourglass silhouette became the ideal of feminine beauty. The corsets of this period were designed to cinch the waist tightly, creating a dramatic contrast between the bust, waist, and hips. While these garments helped create a fashionable shape, they also became symbols of the restrictive norms imposed on women’s bodies and lives. Critics argued that corsets were instruments of oppression, causing physical discomfort and limiting mobility. By the early 20th century, as women began to demand greater freedom and equality, corsets started to fall out of favor.
The Decline of Corsetry in the 20th Century
The decline of corsetry began in earnest with the advent of World War I. During this time, women entered the workforce in greater numbers, and the restrictive nature of corsets made them impractical for daily wear. The rise of flapper fashion in the 1920s, which celebrated a more relaxed and androgynous silhouette, further contributed to the decline of the corset. By the mid-20th century, corsets had largely disappeared from mainstream fashion, replaced by bras and girdles that offered support without the rigidity of traditional corsetry.
2. The Modern Revival: From Restriction to Empowerment
The corset’s return to fashion has not been about a desire to return to restrictive clothing, but rather a reimagining of what the garment can represent. The modern corset is no longer a tool for achieving unattainable beauty standards—it is a versatile accessory that allows wearers to express their individuality, embrace their bodies, and make bold fashion statements.
Corsets on the Runway
One of the driving forces behind the resurgence of corsetry is its presence on high fashion runways. Designers like Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Alexander McQueen have all incorporated corsets into their collections, reinterpreting them as symbols of strength and rebellion. Westwood, in particular, played a pivotal role in bringing the corset back into the fashion spotlight during the 1980s, using it as a central element in her punk-inspired designs. For these designers, the corset is not about conformity—it is about challenging norms and celebrating the body in all its forms.
The Influence of Pop Culture
Pop stars and celebrities have also contributed significantly to the modern revival of corsetry. Madonna famously wore a conical corset designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour, turning the corset into a symbol of female empowerment and sexual freedom. More recently, artists like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Dua Lipa have embraced corsets, incorporating them into their stage costumes and everyday wardrobes. By wearing corsets on their own terms, these artists have helped redefine the garment as a symbol of confidence and self-expression.
Social Media and DIY Fashion
Social media has played a major role in making corsetry accessible to a new generation. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have given rise to a DIY corset movement, with creators sharing tutorials on how to make and style corsets in unique and personalized ways. This grassroots revival has helped demystify corsetry, showing that it can be comfortable, stylish, and suited to a wide range of body types. The emphasis is on customization and individuality, allowing people to wear corsets in ways that reflect their personal aesthetic.
3. Corsets as a Statement of Body Positivity
The modern corset movement is rooted in body positivity, with an emphasis on celebrating diverse body shapes and sizes. Unlike the corsets of the past, which were often used to mold the body into a narrow ideal, today’s corsets are designed to highlight and enhance the natural beauty of the wearer. This shift in perspective has transformed the corset from a symbol of oppression to one of empowerment.
Embracing All Body Types
Contemporary corsetry is inclusive, with designers creating pieces for a wide range of body types and sizes. Brands like Savage X Fenty by Rihanna and diverse corset makers on platforms like Etsy have prioritized inclusivity, offering corsets that cater to different shapes and proportions. This inclusivity has made corsets accessible to people who may have previously felt excluded from fashion trends, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their bodies.
A Tool for Self-Expression
For many wearers, corsets have become a way to express their unique style and individuality. They can be worn over dresses, paired with jeans, or styled with oversized blazers for a modern twist. This versatility allows individuals to experiment with their look and feel empowered by their fashion choices. Corsets are no longer about hiding or reshaping the body—they are about highlighting what makes each person unique.
Challenging Beauty Standards
The resurgence of corsetry is also part of a broader movement that challenges narrow beauty standards and promotes diverse forms of beauty. By embracing corsets as fashion statements rather than instruments of control, wearers are reclaiming the garment on their own terms. This shift is reflective of a larger cultural movement towards self-acceptance and the rejection of rigid beauty ideals. The modern corset is not about adhering to a specific body type—it is about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating the body you have.
4. The Versatility of the Modern Corset
One of the reasons corsetry has made such a successful comeback is its versatility. Today’s corsets are designed to be worn in a variety of settings, from formal occasions to casual outings, and they can be styled in numerous ways to suit different tastes and aesthetics.
Streetwear and Casual Styling
Corsets have found a place in everyday fashion, often styled in casual and unexpected ways. Influencers and fashion enthusiasts pair corsets with denim, oversized shirts, and sneakers, creating a look that is equal parts edgy and relaxed. The juxtaposition of the structured corset with casual pieces adds an element of contrast that makes the outfit stand out. This streetwear approach to corsetry has helped make it more approachable, removing the formality often associated with the garment.
High Fashion and Evening Wear
In high fashion, corsets continue to be a staple for evening wear and red carpet events. Celebrities often choose corset-inspired gowns for premieres and galas, drawn to the garment’s ability to create a dramatic, elegant silhouette. The use of luxurious fabrics, intricate detailing, and modern design elements has transformed the corset into a statement piece that exudes sophistication and glamour. Whether worn as part of a full-length gown or as a standalone top, the corset brings a touch of drama to any outfit.
Gender Inclusivity and the Corset
The modern revival of corsetry is not limited by gender. Corsets are increasingly being embraced by men and non-binary individuals as a form of self-expression. Designers like Palomo Spain and Harry Styles have helped bring corsets into the spotlight for all genders, showcasing them in ways that defy traditional expectations. This shift reflects a broader trend in fashion towards breaking down gender barriers and promoting inclusivity. The corset, once a strictly feminine garment, has become a symbol of the fluidity and creativity that defines modern fashion.
5. The Future of Corsetry: Innovation and Sustainability
As corsetry continues to evolve, designers are exploring new ways to innovate while maintaining the garment’s historical essence. Sustainability and ethical production have become key considerations for modern corset makers, as consumers demand more transparency and responsibility from the fashion industry.
Innovative Materials and Techniques
Today’s corsets are often made using innovative materials and techniques that prioritize comfort and sustainability. While traditional corsets relied on whalebone for structure, modern versions use materials like steel boning, recycled plastics, and even flexible mesh to create garments that are supportive without being restrictive. The use of breathable fabrics and ergonomic designs ensures that modern corsets are comfortable enough for everyday wear, allowing people to enjoy the aesthetic benefits without the discomfort associated with historical corsetry.
Sustainable Fashion and Corsetry
The modern comeback of corsetry has coincided with a growing emphasis on sustainable fashion. Many corset makers are small, independent artisans who focus on creating high-quality, handmade pieces that are designed to last. This emphasis on craftsmanship stands in contrast to the mass-produced fast fashion that dominates much of the clothing industry today. By investing in a well-made corset, consumers are choosing quality over quantity, supporting sustainable practices, and celebrating the artistry that goes into creating these garments.
Corsetry has undergone a remarkable transformation, from a restrictive garment that symbolized societal expectations to a versatile and empowering piece of modern fashion. Today, corsets are celebrated for their ability to enhance individuality, embrace body positivity, and make bold style statements. Whether worn on the runway, styled with streetwear, or reimagined as a symbol of inclusivity, the corset has found new life in the 21st century—a testament to the enduring allure of this iconic garment.
