The Surprising Benefits of Wearing Corsets: More Than Just Fashion
What if one simple garment could transform your posture, boost your confidence, and even alleviate chronic pain? Corsets—yes, you heard me right—might just be the secret weapon you've been missing in your wardrobe. I know, crazy, right? Aren't corsets torturous and outdated? Before you jump to conclusions, let me share why corsets are worth a second look today. Not just as a historical relic, but as a powerful tool for body support and wellness.
Hi, I’m Katherine, and for years—even through pregnancies—I’ve worn corsets daily. The benefits have been life-changing in ways I never imagined. This isn’t about tight-lacing or nostalgia for the past—it’s about rediscovering a garment that supported cultures for over 400 years. In today's article, we'll dive into the six surprising benefits of wearing corsets.
First, let's talk about some things that corsets don't do. First of all, a well-fitting corset should never cause discomfort, or pain. In fact, you should be able to breathe completely normally in a corset - if you can't, it doesn't fit properly!
Second, the type of corsetry we're discussing here is not tight-lacing. Believe it or not, most women in history who wore corsets didn't do that, either. Most women in history had much closer to average size waists than we give them credit for, and were typically only reducing their waists by 1-2 inches, if at all, in their corsets. So how did their waists look so tiny? A large part is optical illusion. Corsets were paired with padding, petticoats, and large skirts, all to give the illusion of a smaller waist in comparison to larger hips and/or bust. I know, because in order to film this video, I did the same thing! The hips on my corset were made much larger than my actual hips, and I padded them up. The waist actually wasn't compressing my own waist very much - no more than 1-2".
So let's jump into the 6 surprising benefits of corsets!
1. Improved Posture
One of the first things you'll notice in wearing a corset is improved posture. Corsets provide a ton of natural back support, and help you maintain proper alignment. As a teenager, I had a huge problem with slouching. When I started wearing corsets, my slouchy stance was corrected almost immediately. Not only this, but I felt more confident too.
Over time, wearing a corset can create postural muscle memory, so even when I've gone for a stretch without corseting, my posture is still much better than it ever used to be. Imagine how nice it can be to have a gentle reminder to sit and stand taller throughout your day!
2. Core Strengthening and Support
Corsets act as external support for your core muscles, alleviating strain on your spine. This can be a game-changer for people with weak core muscles, back pain, or conditions like scoliosis. I know this firsthand. During my fourth pregnancy, I wore custom-fit maternity stays (an 18th-century style of corset designed for pregnancy). It was transformative—suddenly, I could move with ease without feeling like I needed to push my belly on a cart in front of me, ha!
Even postpartum, I turned to techniques like Benkung belly binding and later transitioned to loosely laced corsets, which offered gentle support as my abdominal muscles strengthened. Corsets can help maintain good posture and reduce strain while your muscles recover.
3. Waist Shaping and Body Contouring
Now, let’s talk about waist shaping. Forget the exaggerated waistlines you see in movies. Corsets offer gentle, gradual body shaping over time. When I first started wearing corsets, I noticed a subtle change in the visual size of my waist, even though I was only lacing my waist down by about an inch. Despite having five children and gaining weight, my waist is now slightly smaller than it was when I was 17 years old. I'm pretty shocked!
Corsets are all about moderation and wearing them consistently for natural, gentle shaping—not extreme waist training. And that’s the beauty of it: you can achieve natural contouring without discomfort or risks associated with tight-lacing.
4. Pain Relief and Medical Benefits
Corsets can be a lifesaver for those managing back pain, scoliosis, or conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I’ve personally experienced this relief during two significant injuries—one to my neck and another to my lower back. The pain was so severe that even simple movements as a mom became difficult. Wearing a corset gave me instant relief, allowing me to move more freely and heal faster.
Of course, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using corsets for medical purposes, but many have found them to be an effective tool in managing pain and providing spinal support.
5. Appetite Control and Mindful Eating
Wearing a corset during meals can help foster mindful eating. Corsets create a sense of fullness by gently reducing stomach capacity, which can help with portion control. After my fifth pregnancy, I found myself keeping extra weight on longer than I had before. Wearing a corset helped me tune into my body’s signals and eat to satisfaction without overindulging.
This isn't about dieting—it's about fostering a healthier relationship with food and encouraging moderation. Corsets can help you eat mindfully, but remember, they're just one tool in a larger lifestyle strategy.
6. Confidence Boost and Emotional Well-being
Corsets are more than just a physical garment—they can also enhance your emotional well-being. When I wear a corset, I feel more put together and empowered. There’s something about that structure that gives me a sense of grounding and protection. It’s like a subtle armour that boosts confidence in daily life.
For some, the constant deep pressure of a corset acts as a form of deep pressure therapy, which has been shown to help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. I've been surprised at how calming and stabilizing a well fitting corset can be to my emotions.
Ready to Give Corsets a Try?
To recap, corsets offer six incredible benefits:
Improved posture
Core support
Body contouring
Pain relief
Appetite control
Confidence boost
Corsets aren’t just relics of the past—they’re timeless tools for support, confidence, and self-expression. So why not try one and see where the journey takes you?
If you’re curious about wearing corsets or even making your own, I have a beginner’s corset-making course where I walk you through everything you need to know to create a beautiful, custom-fit corset.
Your Turn
Have you ever considered wearing a corset? Or do you already have experience with one? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments—I’d love to hear about your corset journey!
Thanks for reading, and remember—sometimes, the most timeless solutions are the ones worth revisiting.
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Contact me at katherine@katherinesewing.com
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