A corset garment is one of my favorite fashion garment. I did my graduation thesis about history of corset and I did 30 corset designs.

The corset is an beautiful clothing article for several centuries. The corset apperared in 1600 BC on a Cretan figurine. It became popular in the 16th century.

Catherine de Medici introduced corset into France in the 1500’s,  its origin in Italy. In the 1500’s French women embraced corset rapidly because they desired thinner waistline.

In Elizabethan era, whalebone was used in corsets for maintain stiff appearance. In late 1500’s whalebone was used at back and the sides of the corset so corset was laced up at the front.

The corsets were very popular but not worn by everyone. Mary, Queen of Scots is an exaple who did not wear a corset.

Louis XV of France time corsets were out of style and the fashion was simpler.

In 18th century corsets inverted conical shape which was raise and shape the breasts, improve posture to help, support the back.

In the late 18th century, ‘jumps’ garment worn. It referred as a short jacket which was partially boned and padded with cotton for support for breasts. Jump garment was made of cotton, silk and linen and embroidered. It fastened over the breasts with buttonsi ribbons and metal hooks. The ‘jumps’ were very comfortable.

With emerge of high waisted empire style, corsets were out of fashion. The high waisted empire style was de-emphaised natural waist.

In Victorian era, corset reached the zenith of popularity. It changed its shape to the hourglass sillhoutte.

The French Jean Werly made a patent for corsets made on the loom in 1839. In 1890, machine made corsets were very popular.

In 1840s and 1850s tightlacing corsets became popular also corset styles changed. The corsets started to end in several inches below the waist.

In 1908, corsets sillhoutte changed to more naturalistic form and higher waistline. Braisseres (bra) were emerged.

Between 1908 to 1914, position of corsets changed which covered thighs. It made the waist appear higher and wider.

In World War war women stopped to buy corsets due to the lack of supplies. The fashion evolved into simpler lines. Flapper style dresses brought freedom of movement.

Fashion industry deeply affected from World War II because of fabric shortenings. Eyes and hood closured were limited and zips were prohibited.

In 1947, Christian Dior created New Look collection in Paris. It was a revolution with feminine designed wide hemlines.

In 1980, corsets returned as a outer design of apparel. Madonna was the one who wore corsetry design bu Jean Paul Gaultier.

Today, corsets are usually wore in stage perfomances, waist training and as a streetwear.