Corsets in the Victorian Era
Basics
- Name of the Fashion/Trend: Corsets in the Victorian Era
- Type: Clothing
- Date of Emergence: Mid-19th century
- Origin: Western Europe, particularly Britain
- Key Figures/Influencers: Queen Victoria, fashion houses like Worth and Redfern
- Associated Cultures/Subcultures: Victorian upper and middle-class society
Snapshot
Picture a woman in an elaborate Victorian drawing room, her figure accentuated by an impossibly narrow waist. She wears a tightly laced corset under her ornate gown, a testament to the standards of beauty and femininity of the era. It's a scene of glamour, elegance, and a pinch of discomfort, illustrating the time's deep-rooted social mores.
Background
The Victorian corset, a tightly laced, waist-cinching undergarment, became a staple of female attire during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901). It was seen as a symbol of modesty, femininity, and social status. As the Industrial Revolution made mass-production possible, corsets became more accessible to the middle classes, making it ubiquitous across the social spectrum.
Characteristics
Constructed from stiffened material, the Victorian corset was designed to cinch the waist and lift the bust, creating the coveted hourglass silhouette. It typically consisted of steel or whalebone stays, a busk at the front for rigidity, and laces at the back for adjustment. Silk, satin, or brocade were often used for high-end models, while cotton was used for everyday wear.
Influence & Impact
The Victorian corset's impact went beyond fashion—it shaped societal norms, body aesthetics, and health practices. It was subject to criticism from feminists who saw it as a physical manifestation of women's repression. Meanwhile, doctors raised concerns over potential health risks like deformed ribs and breathing problems. Despite the controversy, it was an enduring symbol of femininity and respectability.
Evolution
The rigidity and restrictiveness of the Victorian corset evolved over time. As society's views on women's roles and fashion changed, so did the corset. It loosened up in the Edwardian Era, morphed into the more flexible girdle in the early 20th century, and eventually, its function was replaced by bras and shapewear in the late 20th century.
Legacy
While the restrictive Victorian corset is no longer a wardrobe staple, it paved the way for various fashion innovations like structured lingerie and shapewear. It also experienced revivals in various subcultures such as the punk and goth movements, and in the world of haute couture, where designers often reference its structure and symbolism.
Appearances
The Victorian corset has made notable appearances in period dramas like "Pride and Prejudice", "Crimson Peak", and "Downton Abbey". It also frequently graces the runways of fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen.
Notes
- The term "tight-lacing" originated in the Victorian era, describing the practice of lacing corsets extremely tightly to achieve a small waist.
- The "wasp waist" phenomenon was at its height in the 1890s, with some women reportedly cinching their waists to as small as 16 inches.
References
- "Fashion in the Victorian Era." Victoria and Albert Museum.
- "Corsets and Crinolines in Victorian Fashion." British Library.
- Steele, Valerie. "The Corset: A Cultural History." Yale University Press, 2001.
- "Victorian Corsets: A Socially Complex Garment." The Costume Rag.
