Corsets & Bustiers

Sexy Corsets

There are few items that say sexy as unequivocally as a corset does. Even compared to other lingerie, corsets lead the pack. Bras and knickers can be sexy, but they're also often utilitarian. Stockings, even when worn with a garter belt, are likewise still functional as well as decorative. But the corset is just plan sexy, full stop.

Ironically, this hasn't always been the case. Historically, corsets did have a functional purpose, which was to reshape the curves of the female (and sometimes the male) body into a more pleasing configuration. In particular, corsets emphasise the breasts and hips while confining the waist, leading to the classic “hourglass” figure when worn. Corsets also had a medical use, one that is still seen today, in helping people with scoliosis or other spinal complaints by providing support to the backbone.

Corsets used whalebone for rigidity, generally in the form of vertical spines that would flex, but not very far. Pulling in the waist was usually achieved by lacing the corset very tightly at the rear. Modern corsets are still available that retain this function, particularly those used as fetish wear, but there are also corsets that are designed simply to look good, which do not feature a narrow waist.