lingerie favorites

Today corset tops are associated with sexy, playful lingerie, but they have a much bigger history than their current status as pretty underwear. Historically, corsets were used to help women achieve the ideal body shape of the time period they were living in. Although no one knows their exact origin, their history and evolution as an undergarment is important in both the study of fashion and culture.
Earliest History

Even though the precise origin of the corset, or which society started wearing them first, is unknown, traces of the undergarment can be found in history as far back as ancient Greece. As corsets were introduced into societies, they were first worn by the wealthy, royal class, but eventually made their way down the social latter until nearly everyone caught on to the trend.
Accessories

At some points in history, other types of undergarments were used in conjunction with the corset to enhance the curviness of the female figure. Crinolines were skirt undergarments made with horizontal steel hoops to keep the shape of the dress when it hung on a woman's body. Bustles, often made fun of in cartoons, were padded undergarments women wore to make their backsides appear larger and more round than they were naturally.
Corsets in Society

Typically, girls in Edwardian and Victorian society began wearing corsets upon puberty in order to slowly shape and sculpt the body to have a curvier appearance by creating a smaller waist. However, not all women wore the incredibly restrictive versions of these garments all the time. Women often wore more comfortable, looser-fitting corsets while working, playing sports or in other casual settings.
Evolution

In the beginning, corsets were used to give women smaller waists to make their curves more noticeable. However, changes in the uses and purposes of a corset evolved in the 20th century. For example, in the early 1900s, corsets were made with less padding which caused a less curvy figure. In fact, in the 1920s, curves almost went out of style completely. Around this time, manufacturers started making corsets out of rubber, which led to the development of panty girdles and bodices.