When modern men and women think of corsets, often the image of Scarelett O'Hara and her 17 inch waist start dancing in our heads. We think of corsets and we think of pain, shortness of breath, and confinement.  Contrary to our modern impressions, corsets were used for a variety of purposes, came in a variety of styles, and were not necessarily worn with the intent of making it's wearer unable to catch a proper breath.

Corsets have been worn throughout history for a variety of reasons: to shape the waist, to provide back support, and to shape/support the breasts (much like a modern bra). Corsets were not generally worn so tight as to cause discomfort, as was done during the civil war era. Rather, corsets were worn as an under garmet that shaped and supported the natural figure - exactly like our modern bras today.

More about the construction of corsets:  

Corsets are constructed of flexible materials such as satin, leather, pvc, denim, and velvet. They are stiffened with boning (also called ribs or stays) inserted into channels in the material. Steel and whalebone were favored in the Victorian period but plastic is now the most commonly used material. Steel is used for high-quality corsets. Other materials that have been used for boning include ivory, wood, and cane. (A girdle is usually made of elasticized fabric, not boning.)

A corset encloses the upper body, usually from under the arms to the hips. Some corsets however extend over the hips and may even reach the knees. A shorter kind of corset, which covers the waist area (from below the ribs to just above the hips), is called a 'waist cincher' or underbust corset. A corset may also include garters to hold up stockings.

Corsets are held together by lacing, usually at the back. Tightening or loosening the lacing changes the firmness of the corset. It is possible for a back-laced corset-wearer to do his or her own lacing, though it can be difficult. However, many corsets also have a buttoned or hooked front opening. Once the lacing is adjusted comfortably, it is possible to leave the lacing as adjusted and take the corset on and off using the front opening. This method is incompatible with tight lacing, which strives for the maximum reduction of the waist. Tight lacers are usually laced by spouses and partners.

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