Nowadays the corset responds to fashions or fetish trends
A corset , a term that has its etymological origin in the French corset , is a women 's undergarment that fits the body from the hips to the chest . It can be used for aesthetic reasons or for medical reasons , as it helps shape the silhouette.
History of the corset
The origin of the corset is found in the ancient civilizations of Mycenae and Crete, although this garment began to become popular in Western societies around the 16th century , particularly after its use at the court of the Medici family , known for its power and influence. . These were metal structures that the women of the court used to stylize their torso and give it a conical shape, although they were uncomfortable and limited mobility.
The material used for this first wave of corsets was metal, and this explains their rigidity. Over time these frames acquired other characteristics. Already in the 17th century , most corsets aimed to reduce the waist and lift the bust . Lace and embroidery as ornamentation became frequent.
The evolution of the corset opened the doors to increasing complexity, not only in designs but also in structure , to achieve better results by reducing the discomfort that wearing it would involve anyway. It is worth mentioning that it was not the only garment created to shape the woman's silhouette, but it was combined with the crinoline, the pannier and others.
Changes in aesthetic preferences led to the corset losing notoriety. Currently its use tends to be limited to haute couture and cabaret , in addition to being part of a fetishism. This does not mean that society no longer pursues perfection in the silhouette, especially for women, but rather that the demands are different.
orthopedic corset
An orthopedic corset , meanwhile, is a device that is used for the prevention and correction of deviations of the spine . These devices promote the immobilization of the thoracic sector of the spine, keeping it in the appropriate position.
Another name by which the orthopedic corset is known is a trunk orthosis . The problem for which it is most frequently used is scoliosis , which is characterized by deviating the spine and arching it to the point that instead of being straight it adopts a shape similar to that of the letter S. Although the cause of this disorder is not precisely known, it is quite common in people with muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy , although there are also cases of mothers who develop it when carrying their children in their arms, if they are too heavy.
The objective of the ancient corset was to shape the female figure in a conical shape
It is important to note that the effectiveness of this type of corset is linked to the stage in which the patient is, because it only works during growth . In fact, the doctor cannot prescribe it until he has carried out the necessary checks to be sure that the patient continues to develop fully. The procedure usually includes questions to the adults responsible for the child and various x-rays.
Another limitation of the orthopedic corset is that the angle of curvature of the spine should not exceed 40 degrees . It is also not recommended if it is less than 20, so the requirements for its operation are very specific.
Another meaning
In a figurative sense, finally, the idea of a corset refers to the restrictions that are imposed in certain areas or circumstances. For example: “The corset of prejudices does not allow you to see the situation clearly” , “The tax regime puts a restraint on the growth of micro-businesses” , “There is a legal restraint that prevents us from going further” .