Corset

a close-fitting underwaist made of stout cotton, linen, or silk, and stiffened with narrow bands of steel, whalebone, or similar substance. It is worn by women to insure well fitting gowns, and to support the skirts. The origin of the corset is unknown, but it is certain that the garment was worn in Cleopatra's time. For many centuries, the corset was little more than a bandage wound about the body. In the fourteenth century a corset was introduced which adapted itself to the figure. It was not worn, however, as an undergarment, but outside the other clothing. It was laced across the front, the edges being far enough apart to show an embroidered waist beneath. This garment was very popular, and in France was worn by both men and women. A hundred years later, a wooden corset made in two parts was worn for a time. Toward the close of the sixteenth century a corset made of thin metal slats in the form of lattice work was invented, and called the "iron corset."

During the reign of Catherine de Medici of France lacing became fashionable. Catherine de Medici was vain and foolish. She prescribed thirteen inches as the proper measure for a woman's waist, and introduced a corset in the form of a steel cage or vise, which proved efficacious not only in compressing the waist, but in holding the body absolutely rigid after it was compressed. Queen Elizabeth's court was ever ready to ape the French; and men and women of both countries tortured themselves with these garments, in spite of a rapidly increasing death rate. Not until Henry IV of France issued an imperial order forbidding the use of these corsets was the injurious fashion stamped out. Many women evaded the law by having their dresses made with steels in the sides, and on the death of Henry IV corsets again became common among all classes. Early in the eighteenth century, the whalebone corset was introduced, and after that improvements were rapid.

At the present day there are more large corset factories in the United States than in any country in the world. The manufacture is interesting. The corsets are designed, cut, and fitted by men. The stitching is done by girls and women. The sewing machines are marvels of ingenuity. Some of them work with ten needles, often making from 1,600 to 1,800 stitches a minute. The corset is boned by hand. It is then trimmed, washed, starched, ironed, and shaped over heated blocks or forms. The best corset of today is not the rigid steel cage of Catherine de Medici's time. It is light and pliable, constructed with due regard to the different positions ordinarily taken during a day's work and recreation. It permits deep breathing, and in many instances is specially designed to enable the wearer to engage in the athletic sports so fashionable as well as healthful. The corset should not be a support for the body, but for the clothing, and if properly made and fitted is an easy and comfortable garment.