- Joined
- Apr 10, 2005
- Messages
- 725
- Reaction score
- 100
I have to admit, though, I find photos like these a little unsettling. Just when I think I have a high tolerance for things that can happen to the human body, I get a little squeamish knowing what can happen sometimes while wearing corsets. I think it's more the extreme part of the fashion that bothers me, in the sense that I get sad thinking about all the health risks (I have the same reaction to seeing dangerously thin people who I suspect have anorexia nervosa).
this topic is both fascinating and sobering.
If you look at the picture Gilloghly posted, you'll see something at the base of the ribcage.
The bottom ribs are "floating ribs"-- ie, they aren't attached to the sternum. When you lace the corset, they simply move inwards. That gives the sleek waist shape.
Secondly, people aren't flat. They have a third dimension. The corset simply shifts guts into that dimension, usually towards the front. That's why the skirt is fuller in front for most 19th C fashions.
I've worn corsets while riding, both sidesaddle & astride; while driving horsecarts & cars; while teaching classes full of students horrified by the concept. People are ready to believe all sorts of nonsense about the past. I get asked if women had ribs removed (NO), if it will cause pneumonia (no),
if it prevents pregnancy (?) and so on.
Maternity corsets had little elastic pocket baglike structures for each breast, so it could be slipped off for nursing.
There are so many costuming sites out there...here's a good one:
http://costumes.org/
Warning--you can find yourself wandering for days through the costume porn. I wish to be absolved of all blame if you find yourself sewing at 3 AM instead of editing!