#corset myths debunked
There is a difference.
Well. I tried to let this go, but I just couldn’t. Yes, waist trainers and corsets are very different garments. That’s about where the accuracy of this post ends. A well made, properly fitting corset shouldn’t be putting any pressure on your hips or high ribcage, those spots on the body aren’t designed to move, however, the floating ribs and waist ARE designed to move, and a well fitting corset will only compress in those areas. @lucy-corsetry has an amazing video of an MRI in a corset, and what actually happens to the body when tightlacing. Breaking ribs wasn’t ever actually a thing, in the Victorian area, they would commonly refer to the whalebone in corsets as “ribs,” and they would occasionally break and have to be removed from the corset, which is also the origin of the “removing ribs” myth. As far as plastic vs steel, spring and spiral steel in combo are generally used in quality corsets. The spring steel is used in the straight sections that need more support, usually the very back on either side of the laces, and in the very front for extra tummy control. Spiral is wonderful for going over the curves of the body. The reason plastic isn’t considered suitable by many (though there’s been a resurgence of plastic created as a synthetic whalebone) is because once plastic bends, it doesn’t return to its original shape, so you can easily wind up with painful kinks around the waist that dig in. I’m going to end this by saying neither of the things pictured is ideal-the corset shown doesn’t fit and doesn’t look to be any kind of quality. And there is a world of difference in quality of corsets. A corset that fits properly and is made well should feel like a warm, snug hug. It should never pinch, or hurt your back, or squeeze your ribs. If those things are happening, the corset doesn’t fit you. These days, I wear corsets more for back support than as a fashion accessory, and it’s amazing what a huge difference it makes.
Post link
