Are Corsets Bad for Your Health? Facts and Myths

Corsets are a trend that began in the late 1400s and continues to be an influential fashion statement around the globe to this date. The form-fitting article can be worn under or over clothes for many reasons. However, recently there’s been a debate on the aftermath of wearing tightened corsets around your waist on your overall health. You’re wondering: are corsets harmful to my health?

This article talks in-depth about myths, benefits, and detriments of wearing waist trainers, so let’s jump into it!

If your corset is making you feel unwell or light-headed, it’s a sure sign that the corset is either not the correct size or that it is laced too tightly. You should immediately loosen your corset off under these circumstances. However, if your corset is the correct size, you have seasoned it correctly and it is laced with a 2 - 4" gap, then your corset will not make you feel unwell or lightheaded. 

Women in history and the present wore corsets while doing extensive physical activities such as farm work, hiking, skiing, jogging as well as weightlifting. A waist trainer was made to help support to your back and bust whilst you lead an active lifestyle.

When we talk about past medical procedures, we have to remove the presence of modern-day anesthesia and surgical tools that help doctors conduct successful procedures. So no, women in history did not go through torturous procedures to wear corsets.

For the most part of history, women were workers in the household and helped with heavy labour such as tending to farms, cooking over pyres, and even being merchants. 

Corsets were worn both by men and women alike due to their ability to provide long-term support to your back and bust, helping you maintain a fit figure and a straight posture. Women chose to wear corsets and were not forced by men or to do so

The Corset has been a part of the medical world for the past decade. It holds many benefits for different types of patients that need posture support. Corsets are a great tool to use; however, a slight misuse comes with many drawbacks, which notoriously defame the works of a corset.

Here are some ways corsets are beneficial to your health:

• Provides back support
• Helps with poor posture
• Helps to alleviate migraines and headaches
• Alleviates back pain
• Support for breasts
• Helps reduce weight
• Boosts self-esteem
• Overcomes excessive eating disorders

If you are looking to purchase a corset for any medical condition or to ease symptoms and pain of any medical condition, then we strongly advise you to consult with your doctor before doing so as all conditions, people and bodies are different and your doctor is the best person to first consult with.

With the benefits of wearing a corset covered, it is time to explain some obvious and common do’s and don’ts of wearing a corset.

Choosing the correct size is really important. Corsets are tight fitting, waist reducing garments. An ill-fitting corset can be very uncomfortable. To avoid disappointment, it is best to take a little time to get an accurate waist measurement before selecting your size.

 
The majority of the tension in a corset will be running through the waist, this make the waist the most important measurement when sizing a corset. 

Traditional corsets are fully adjustable across the bust, waist & hips. Once you have the correct size corset for your waist it is easy to tension or loosen the bust & hip regions for the perfect fit.

You can find your waistline by tipping your torso to one side, when you do this a fold will appear. This is where your waist is, usually just above the belly button. We have created a video on "How to measure your waist" which you might find useful. 

Some of our corsets are sized in dress size, whereas some are sized in cm/inches. To save confusion we have developed a sizing app which can be found at the bottom of our sizing page.

Simply select your Natural Waist size from the dropdown and the app will display the correct size for you in each of our ranges.

Once you have successfully seasoned your corset (please see our blog "How to Season your Corset") you will have perfected the fit and comfort to your body and your body alone. We are all different and if you allow a friend to wear your corset, it will need to get to know the new wearers body and start to mold to their contours and shape. This is why we do not recommend sharing your corset, no matter how much you buddy begs you. 😉 

The is a common misconception that you can not eat, drink or move around in your corset. This is not the case. Just make sure the corset is not too tightly laced, (we recommend a 2 - 4 " lacing gap) and you can eat and drink exactly as you would in your snuggest pair of skinny jeans!

Seasoning essentially refers to ‘breaking in’ your corset, much like you would a pair of new shoes. Seasoning is carried out slowly, and over time will ensure your corset becomes more comfortable and better fitted to your shape. This process allows the steel bones within the corset to slowly mould to your shape. Doing this will ensure your corset fits like a glove and will help it stand the test of time as you will be putting less pressure on the bones and fabric.

During seasoning, it’s important to wear something under your corset. This will make the entire process of seasoning more comfortable for you, and will also deliver better end results. A corset liner is perfect for this. 

False myths have damaged the reputation of wearing corsets and their lingering effect on your health. Anything can be detrimental to your health if misused, and corsets are no different. In this article, we addressed some common concerns about wearing corsets and their benefits and drawbacks. 

Wear a corset responsibly and in line with our guidance and advice and you will feel confident, comfortable and fabulous!

If you need any help or advice with sizing or choosing your perfect style, then please contact our customer service team as they are always happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction. Feel free to contact the team below.