Corsets Transcend the 1500s and re-enter the trend cycle

  Corsets became popular in the 1500s as a response to the idea that a structured article of clothing made to cinch a woman’s body would make them look socially appropriate. Although this was beneficial to the appearance of a female’s body, corsets were thoroughly uncomfortable and heavily restricted. The article of clothing doesn’t hold a positive past because of the materials used such as whalebone and steel to create a structured artificial waist illusion. As stated in an article featured in Vogue, it’s expressed that the corset has evolved throughout the years, as alterations have been made and fashion designers have fiddled with sizing, lengths, and comfortability. 

Corsets have now evolved to the concept of fitting rather than waist-cinching. Although this wardrobe essential was relevant hundreds of years ago, the impression corsets now hold hugs the body appropriately and comfortably. The reconstructed article has become a necessity to influencers’ closets such as Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa. Because of this, corsets are now able to be featured in diverse fashion groups. 

 Corsets have evolved from risque shapewear to an appropriate, everyday street-style. Talked about in the aforementioned Vogue article, it’s stated that the altered, new corset is insured to cover more than small coverage crop tops found in teen’s everyday clothing. Social media influencers sparked the trend, and now normal teenagers are following. Now, instead of using corsets as a tool to reshape your body, they’re used with the idea that brings confidence in wearing tight-fitting tops. Women are now able to wear an article of clothing to show off their curves, without changing them. 

  Mei Mei Saggau Drotos, 10, is interested in buying a corset but hasn’t committed fully. Bigger influencers inspired Mei Mei to consider purchasing one. She has been meaning to purchase a modified half corset from Princess Polly and expresses that she’s ready to have fun styling the item. 

“I really love the aesthetic of the old trend of corsets and the only thing holding me back is the question on how to style it,” Mei Mei said. This question reoccurs when the topic of corsets comes up, and is yet to be solved. 

  Corsets may not have the most positive connotation, but they’ve become modernized, with full coverage, and an emphasis on body positivity. Throughout the modernization of corsets, they should no longer hold a bad reputation and can be seen as an everyday piece of clothing included in anyone’s closet.

photo by leyla dumke