In 1828, the word corset came into general use in the English language.

Someone who makes corsets is a corsetier or corsetière (French terms for a man and for a woman maker, respectively), or sometimes simply a corsetmaker. (The word corsetry is sometimes also used as a collective plural form of corset).

The craft of corset construction is known as corsetry, as is the general wearing of them. The word corset is a diminutive of the Old French word cors (meaning 'body', and itself derived from the Latin corpus): the word therefore means 'little body'. Genuine corsets are usually made by a corsetmaker and are frequently fitted to the individual wearer.Įtymology Advertisement of corsets for children, 1886 While these modern corsets and corset tops often feature lacing or boning, and generally imitate a historical style of corsets, they have very little, if any, effect on the shape of the wearer's body. Since the late 20th century, the fashion industry has borrowed the term 'corset' to refer to tops which, to varying degrees, mimic the look of traditional corsets without acting as them.

Both men and women are known to wear corsets, though this item was for many years an integral part of women's wardrobes. Garment, reinforced with stays, that supports the waistline, hips and bust.Ī drawing of a luxury hourglass corset from 1878, featuring a busk fastening at the front and lacing at the backĪ corset is a support garment commonly worn to hold and train the torso into a desired shape, traditionally a smaller waist or larger bottom, for aesthetic or medical purposes (either for the duration of wearing it or with a more lasting effect), or support the breasts.

Flat steel boned corset