The corset first became popular in sixteenth-century Europe, reaching the zenith of its popularity in the Victorian era. While the corset has typically been worn as an undergarment, it has occasionally been used as an outer-garment; corsets as outer-garments can be seen in the national dress of many European countries.

When did corsets stop being worn?

About 1910, when fashion began to emphasize a slender, straight figure, corsets were cut longer so as to cover the thighs. About the 1920s the natural figure started to make a comeback, and corsets became less popular.

Did they wear corsets in the 1800s?

By the middle of the 1800s, the corset was once again heavily reinforced with narrow bones or steels to produce a curvy, hour-glass shape that was round and full both above and below the waist. By contrast, the corset shown here was intended to produce a natural-shaped figure.