Create A Sexy Shape Through Corsetry

Corsetry has been a part of fashion since at least the 16th century. While corsetry was once an expected daily activity, however, corsets today are generally worn as costume pieces, including as sexy underwear. The goal of a corset, both historically and today, is to create a stunning hourglass figure. Modern corsets are available in a wide range of styles, fabrics and colors. Some are even appropriate as outerwear.

Corsets are similar to bustiers in both design and function. The difference is largely one of degree. A bustier provides gentle shaping and enhancement of a woman's natural shape. A corset, however, can completely re-shape the figure, removing inches from the waist and greatly accentuating the bust and hips.

Historical corsets were worn every day and created very real changes in a woman's physical shape. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the smallest waist size ever recorded was 13 inches. This was accomplished through years of wearing tight-laced corsetry. Tight-laced corsets can, however, lead to dangerous consequences such as changes to internal organs and even broken ribs. Not all corsets were tight-laced, however, and many women found the secure fit of a corset to improve posture and even reduce back pain.

The modern use of a corset as sexy underwear or outerwear is not likely to cause permanent changes to a woman's body. However, a good corset that is properly fitted can easily remove two to four inches from the waistline simply through reasonably tight lacing. On a heavier woman, six inches can be achieved, although this is difficult for thin women to achieve.

A true corset is made of a flexible material and contains multiple strips of boning. Historical corsets often contained real bone, although today's corsets usually substitute either plastic or steel. Some corset tops of today mimic the look of corsets without actual boning strips of any sort. A corset generally extends from just under the bust to the top of the hips, although many of today's sexy corsets extend over the bust. Most corsets lace up the back, although some designs, particularly corset tops, lace up the front instead. The front is often closed with hook and eye or frog clips.

If your corset is an under-bust model, you can convert it into an outerwear garment by adding a soft fitted shirt underneath. Many women choose peasant style blouses with ruffled necklines, inspired by Medieval and Renaissance fashions. A corset that covers the bust, however, can be worn alone or with a jacket as a sexy top for evening wear.

In order to achieve a waist-cinching effect, you will need a corset that is exactly fitted to your size. Some corsetmakers recommend buying a corset with the waist size that you hope to achieve, such as a size 22 corset for a woman with a 24 inch waist. However, if comfort is a concern you may want to purchase a corset that is your size or even one size larger. Your waist will not be cinched, but your bust and hips will still appear enhanced.

Corsetry is currently popular as sexy womens underwear or outerwear. You can find corsets with or without boning as well as corset tops that mimic the look without actually cinching the waist. Proper fit of a corset is important, so be sure to take accurate measurements before purchasing your corset. Corsets are available in a wide range of colors, fabrics and styles, so you are certain to find one that is right for you.