The corset is a garment that has changed so much over the years. In the 16th century, the garment we now know as the corset was a simple bodice, with tabs at the waist, stiffened by horn, buckram, and whalebone.
The center front was also reinforced by busks made of ivory, wood, or metal. Corsets were often laced from the back, and were, at first, a garment reserved for the elite or prominent citizens.
Finding a well-fitting corset among the many fakes can be challenging. The customer must ensure they purchase a quality corset otherwise they can cause damage to the ribs and pinch nerves.
The most common and well-known use of corsets is to slim the body and make conform your body to a fashionable silhouette. For women this most frequently emphasizes a curvy figure, by reducing the waist, and thereby exaggerating the bust and hips.