The corset was an essential undergarment for Victorian women.  The corset developed from 18th century stays, a foundation garment that gave women a conical form while lifting and supporting the bosom, in addition to, producing a rigidly flat front.   

The 19th century corset remained basically similar to the earlier stays in that it accentuated the bosom; but the Victorian corset also minimized the waist by producing a curved hour-glass shape.  

The corset laced up the center-back to achieve the correct degree of tightness to fit the wearer’s figure, thus the term “tight lacing.”  There were hooks and eyes at the center front for easier removal.  The corset was worn over a cotton chemise and not directly next to the skin.

      Corsets were worn by women, young girls and children. Children wore corsets to learn correct posture.  Corsets came in a variety of colors, including white, black, charcoal gray, cream, and even red.

Corset photo courtesy of Meg Andrews

Front view of the corset showing the taupe-colored tape
woven with Y & N Diagonal Seam.

Photo courtesy of Meg Andrews

Side view of the corset.

Photo courtesy of Meg Andrews

The top of the corset is trimmed with a machine-made braid in shades to match the terracotta, yellow and cream twisted silk flowers across the top and the bottom of the corset.

Photo courtesy of Meg Andrews

Back laced closing of the corset.

CREDITS:
Photographs of 1880's corset courtesy of Meg Andrews, British dealer of antique costumes and textiles for 22 years. Visit the Meg Andrews web site specializing in English costume and accessories from the 18th and 19th centuries; Shawls from the late 18th c - 1860; English samplers and silk-work pictures; document and decorative fabrics -- both woven and printed; English Arts and Crafts embroidered, woven and printed textiles; Chinese court costumes and accessories; and European textiles.