Silk corset, Europe, 1871-1900

Corset, unsigned, Europe, 1871-1900

Corsets were once very fashionable items of clothing, designed to be tightly pulled to give women an hourglass shape or show off a military man’s rigid and straight back. Unfortunately, excessive use could be damaging to the internal structures of the body.

Judging by the floral silk design, this corset was probably owned by a woman. Corsets were also worn for orthopaedic conditions where the spine needed support.