Corsets have had more comebacks than your favourite 90s band. Once the absolute ruler of women’s wardrobes, the corset went from everyday essential to “isn’t that a bit outdated?” faster than you can say flapper dress. But don’t worry — this story has a dramatic rebirth (and a lot of eyeliner).
Period Inspired Nina Overbust Ivory Steel Boned Bridgerton Corset
By the time World War I was over, women weren’t exactly interested in lacing themselves into restrictive silhouettes anymore. They were working, voting, moving — basically doing things that required breathing room. Suddenly, the rigid vintage corset, once hailed as the pinnacle of femininity, was labelled fussy, uncomfortable, and oh-so-old-fashioned.
Designers like Coco Chanel were quick to sense the mood. Out went the hourglass waist, and in came loose, boyish lines that screamed freedom. Flapper dresses of the 1920s practically laughed in the face of steel boning. For a while, corsets were traded in for girdles and bras — less structure, more flexibility.
The Matrix Black Leather Corset
Fast forward to the 1970s and guess what? The corset made a surprise re-entry — but not in the way you’d expect. This time, it wasn’t about fitting into society’s mould. Quite the opposite. Punk and goth subcultures claimed the corset as their own, turning it from a tool of restriction into a badge of rebellion.
Leather, buckles, studs — forget delicate pastels, this was corsetry with bite. Instead of being tucked away under dresses, corsets were thrown boldly over ripped tees, sheer tops, or nothing at all. They were no longer about shaping femininity; they were about defying conformity. Suddenly, a piece once dismissed as oppressive became armour for those who wanted to stand out.
Playgirl Isabella Black 24 Bone Waist Training Mesh Cincher Corset
Then came the 80s, where “more is more” was the entire vibe. Enter designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier, who gleefully put corsets front and centre. Westwood gave us historic drama with a punk twist, while Gaultier redefined the corset as provocative outerwear.
And then there was Madonna. Need we say more? Her corseted looks — particularly that cone bra moment — made headlines and proved the corset was no longer a relic of the past. It was bold, modern, and a little dangerous.
Playgirl Eve Steel Boned Dragon Brocade Cincher
Fast forward again, and the corset is living its best life. Today, a womens corset is more versatile than ever. Want high fashion? Designers still love them. Festival-ready? Throw one on with jeans or skirts. Everyday chic? A layered corset top works wonders.
The corset’s 20th-century rollercoaster ride proves a point: fashion never really throws anything away. It just waits for the right time to reinvent.
So yes, the corset did disappear for a few decades. But like all true icons, it refused to stay gone. From being rejected after WWI to being resurrected by punks, goths, and 80s fashion rebels, the corset has gone from restrictive to rebellious, from hidden to head-turning.
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