Corsets

They started out in Europe during the 16th century as a method of making the torso look more cylindrical. They flattened the breasts and made them spill over the tops. These did have shoulder straps and they were of the most well-known length--they stopped at the waist. This type lasted through to the end of the 18th century.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries brought about a change for corsets that many of us don't know about. They were actually quite similar to modern bras, as the length barely extended below the breasts. These were called "high empire-waist style" and came about as a reaction to the female fashion in Europe, which detracted attention from the natural waist and brought the eye higher along the torso.

In the 1830s, focus again fell to the natural waist--and then further, to inches below it, and so did the length of the corset. This is where the scene from Gone with the Wind comes in, where tightlacing had its first days (around the 1840s and 1850s). This is the corset that gave the shapely hourglass figure, as it shaped the whole torso rather than just the top, or top and middle.

The last days of the corset, before the modern version we see online and in catalogs, made the butt and hips poke out to the back, and the chest lean forward creating an S-shaped silhouette. This type only lasted about ten years, from 1900 to 1910. And with good reason--it sounds incredibly uncomfortable, due to the fact that there was a hard slab of material front and center of the corset to entice the body to take on the S-shape.

Toward the end of the first decade of the 1900s, bras and girdles began to take the place of corsets. Currently, items like Spanx Shapewear have begun making their way to the forefront of women's shaping pieces. They're much more comfortable and practical than the traditional corsets. Imagine if you had to lace up a corset every morning--you'd have to wake up an hour earlier just to make it to work on time!

What They've Evolved Into

Corsets aren't what they used to be these days. Sure, some people still wear the old-fashioned kind, but usually those who need them are for medical reasons, or they do historical re-enactments. Actors wear them from time to time. (Remember Scarlett O'Hara getting all slimmed up thanks to Mammy's super-strength?)

What you're most likely so see when you shop for corsets is a new style of shirt, or a sexier version of the old classic. See the "Where to Find Them" section for pictures and buying information.

Where to Find Them

• Victoria's Secret

• Frederick's of Hollywood

• Absolute Corsets

• Stormy Leather

• Lingerie Site

Sexy Underthings

Brides often choose this route because it gives them extra shape and support due to the boning inside corsets. The breasts are lifted and showcased and there often aren't any straps to worry about slipping out of the dress. The Satin Jacquard Corset from Victoria's Secret makes an excellent choice for a bride-to-be.

If you're just looking for something hot to wear in the bedroom, Frederick's of Hollywood may have the answer in this Luxe Satin & Lace Corset Set. It comes in Coral Reef, Sea Breeze Blue and Kiwi.

Can Be Worn As Shirts

Sometimes a girl just wants a bit of flirty sex appeal, or a shirt just a little on the naughty side but still suitable to be worn in public.

Victoria's Secret has a Lace-up Corset Cami that will look great for fall, worn over a long-sleeved shirt as the model is photographed doing. It's not too bare, but definitely sexy.

You can find a Lace Overlay Corset Top at Frederick's of Hollywood. This one is meant to be worn out--with jeans, a skirt, with nothing over it or covered partially by a sweater or blazer.