A Corset Tops, traditionally an undergarment worn on one's torso, is an item that shapes the body to an hourglass shape. A corset is a two-panel piece of fabric that has a clasp at the front and laced up at the back. This allows wearers to tie the corset as tight as they want to fit their waist. Corset whalebone, or steel boning, was used to reinforce the corset shape in the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.
However, many modern corset manufacturers use nylon or plastic instead of the traditional busk. Fashion retailers today have transformed the corseted silhouette into casual corset tops. These corset tops cinch the waist and support the breasts (like bustiers) but don't often contain reinforced boning as it hinders movement.
Modern pieces of shapewear, including waist training undergarments that shape the torso to a distinctive curve, serve the same purpose as corsets. They are designed to lift the bust and slim the waist.
Corsets like Strapless Corset Top or Leather Corset Tops can be worn as a lingerie piece, shirt, costume, or shapewear. Corsetry is a modern form of lingerie that includes garments made from a variety of fabrics such as satin and cotton, silk, coutil, or leather with metal or plastic support frames.
Four Ways to Style Your Corset
These corset outfits can be worn in either the classic or modern version.
- Cropped top: Most modern corset tops are slightly higher or lower than the belly button making them suitable for crop tops. A short corset can be worn with a mini skirt to go out on the town or a pair of slacks inspired by menswear for formal dinner. For warmth, you can wear a white strapless corset with skinny high-rise jeans. Experiment with different patterns and colors to make the outfit more formal or casual. For a formal look that can be worn on date nights, a corset crop top in lace with a midi skirt and wide-leg pants is the best choice. A simple corset top in white or black with culottes or culottes makes a great casual outfit for the day.
- Vintage Shapewear: These corsets slim the silhouette of the torso and support the chest. They can also be worn under a bra to eliminate the need for one. To make a Victorian period costume look more authentic, wear a corset under a vintage dress. A shapewear corset can be worn under a slimmer-fitting dress, such as a bodycon or bias-cut dress, for a modern look. You can wear a satin, silk, or cotton corset under your dress. These fabrics will not create creases or lines.
- Layer a corset or corset over a white button-down shirt: This classic look can be dressed up or down. This outfit can be styled with leather pants and heels or a pair of the-the-knee boots. As a nod towards the Middle Ages, layer a corset on top of a blouse with puff sleeves. For extra warmth, layer a turtleneck sweater underneath a corset in winter.
- Wear a corset under a dress: To emphasize your hourglass figure and show off your creativity, wear a corset underneath a dress. For extra flair, it can be worn over a flowing piece like a maxi or bodycon dress. Layer a corset on top of a T-shirt and cover it with a blazer to add some style. You can also style a corset with any of the many jumpsuits you have, from fitted and billowy to fitted.