The most popular use of corsets is for slimming the body and to encourage it to form a fashionable hourglass silhouette. Women use them to put emphasis on a curvy figure. The corset lessens the waistline, and in turn amplifies the bust and hips. Surprisingly, corsets have been widely used by men. They are more usually used to slim their figure. However, during the early 1800′s an hourglass figure was also sought-after for men; and was often accomplished by wearing a corset.
The wearing of a corset for long periods can enable men and women to learn to endure extreme waist constriction, which will eventually reduce their natural waist size. Usually people can accomplish a 20 inch reduction. However, in 1998, the Guinness Book of World Records reported Ethel Granger as having the smallest waist ever, at 13 inches.
There are also serious medical reasons why people might wear corsets. Spinal problems such as scoliosis and internal injuries will require such a garment in order to immobilize and protect the torso. One famous wearer of the corset was Andy Warhol. In 1968 he was shot and in order to prevent his wounds worsening, he had to wear a corset for the rest of his life.
Corsets also play a huge part in BDSM and sexual fetish roleplay. The dominant would wear a corset to achieve a toughened, superior appearance. A dominant woman would often be referred to as a dominatrix and she would wear high heeled boots and carry a whip. The submissive would be forced to wear a corset, which would be laced very tight, restricting movement for the wearer.
If you are wearing a corset for the first time you must allow time for the corset to be broken in. It needs to be moulded to your body to get a proper fit, and usually takes a full day. To begin you must, with help, start by lacing the corset loosely, then every couple of hours you can increase the tightening of the laces. This will allow the corset to gradually mould to the body. If this is your first time wearing a corset, it may take a week to feel fully comfortable.
Some health benefits to wearing corsets include good posture, improved function for back related issues, more comfortable for larger breasted women than brassiers. Other advantages include the appearance of slimming, larger breasts and waistline reduction.
However, health risks can include contracting Glenard’s disease. Some internal organs may be displaced upward or downward according to the pressure applied, deformation of the stomach and breathing difficulties.
