| By :
Mark Etinger
The corset has been around as early as the 16th century. Back then the women body shapers were known primarily as "payre of bodies." They flattened the wearer’s breasts while pushing them upwards. And while they made many transitions through the following centuries (and became a fashion-staple of the Victorian Era) the corset has remained as an item in women’s modern fashion. (There was a short time period in the early 1800’s where the 'hourglass figure’ was desirable for men, increasing the use of male corsets, but that fad quickly disappeared) The biggest hit in the popularity of corsets was shortly after the start of World War I. The U.S. War Industries Board made a public request that American women discontinue purchasing corsets in an attempt to conserve metal so that it could be used to create war materials. The discontinuation of corset sales saved nearly 30,000 tons of metal, which is enough to create two World War I battleships. Without corsets in common culture, the ladies of the 1910s began buying other women body shapers such as brassieres and girdles, items that used significantly less metal. In fact, the girdle likely would have gained in popularity regardless, as its development increased due to the improvement of rubberized elastic materials. It was after this time period that the corset was mostly replaced as the primary body shapers by brassieres and girdles. Today, a plethora of new, fashionable, comfortable women body shapers exist. This includes Cotton and Rubber Waist Cinchers, which is intended for waistline control and moderate breast lift, as well as the High Waist Thong Shaper, which slims and smoothes the wearer’s waist, tummy, and lower back. The purpose is not limited to aesthetic, however, as many corset women body shapers are used today for orthopedic purposes. Corsets used for these physical health benefits can be designed for both female and male wearers. In fact, after American painter Andy Warhol was shot in 1968, he wore a corset to cover and protect his torso for the remainder of his life. The modern history uses of the corset are not limited to their medical uses, however. It has become a popular outwear item, especially amongst the Goth culture. This is ironic, considering the corset was originally created as a lingerie item. However, they also remain in popular culture through BDSM, a type of sexual roleplay where pain and power are used to create pleasure and tension. After all this time, the corset has proven it is not a fashion item that will disappear entirely. However, in modern culture it has been successfully replaced by more convenient, comfortable, and effective body shapers when it comes to its original purpose…. shifting the appearance of the body it is on.
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