Talk:Corset/NewVersion

SCLibrarian's edits starting here!

Here's the new intro...

"A corset is a garment worn to alter the shape of the human torso into a desired aesthetic form, or (more rarely) to support the body for medical reasons. Both males and females through history have worn corsets, although the majority of wearers historically and in present are female. The construction of corsets is known as corsetry, and a corset tailor or seamstress is known as a corsetier(e). Historically, the origins of the corset are in the late Middle Ages, but several other cultures have claimed the distinction of being the first to introduce the idea. Modern usage of the corset, besides historical re-enactment or theatrics, falls mainly into couture fashion or wedding wear, or into alternate lifestyle choices such as dressing for fetish purposes. Despite this, the visual aesthetic of the corset has entered into popular culture, and the term is used commonly to refer to clothing which merely resembles a corset, with no body-shaping function. Lastly, there has been significant medical interpretation, both positive and negative, on the impact of wearing a garment designed to alter the shape and appearance of the human body."

And a first section on construction, which I think should come next...

"In the case of a tight-fitting and body-shaping garment such as the corset, it is important that the garment be fitted to the wearer to minimize discomfort and maximize fashion potential. Corset style has changed through history, leaving few constants in construction. Corsets can be, and are, made from any fabric or leather, provided it is strong enough to stand the tensions of constant pressure against the body. As they are intended to reshape flesh, corsets must be stronger than mere fabric. The ribs or stays of the corset are the bones of the garment, meant to insure that it, and the wearer, remain in the proper shape. Stays are made of many materials, the most well-known being whalebone. Also used are thin steel bars, flattened and meshed goose quills (featherbone), or strips of ivory, wood, cane, or bones of other animals. Currently, featherbone also refers to plastic boning, and sprung or spiral steel boning creates strength with less weight and bulk. Boning is inserted into sleeves or channels sewn into the garment, usually by layering two panels of fabric to each other, leaving the channels for the boning to be inserted. The placement and amount of boning is dependent on the historical style of the corset, or in modern times, by the amount and type of reshaping desired. The second constant of corset construction is some means of tightening and loosening the garment, either for removal or to adhere to fashionable standards. This is usually accomplished with corset lacing. Many corsets also have a front wide section of boning known as a busk, which can be solid, or in two sections designed to be snapped together and apart for easy removal. Due to the strain on the garment while worn, the corset still needs to be loosened first by other means. Laces are most commonly in the back of the corset, although corsets can have lacing in the front center (in place of the busk) or the sides under the arms. Other fasteners used for this purpose include hooks and eyes, buttons or fabric frogs, zippers (modern use), or buckles. All of these are rare, with the majority of corsets simply using very long (often 3’ to 6’) laces, similar to those used to tie dress shoes. Tightening and loosening the laces can result in localized or evenly distributed pressure and release. Even the method of lacing has changed through history, and many corset wearers and designers offer conflicting modern advice. When seen as a garment employed to often radically change the frame of the wearer, corsetmaking is revealed as a complicated and time-consuming job. As such, the price of a quality corset bought now or in the past can be high. Much like any other item, the price reflects the time and expertise involved.

Corsets come in many styles. A prominent difference is seen between over-bust corsets and under-bust (occasionally known as waist-cincher) corsets. As seen in the names, the first covers the bust of the wearer, providing extra reshaping ability (to either ‘push up’ the breasts to create cleavage, or to smother them to a pleasing flatness, depending on the historical era) as well as providing a degree of modesty if the corset is worn alone. The latter type is intended to reshape the lower ribs and waist, and be worn either over or under a separate garment. An underbust corset can begin directly under the chest or near the bottom, ‘floating’ ribs. Either of these major types of corset can end at the hips, slightly below or above the hips, or extend down to the upper thighs to provide fashionable shaping in those areas. Beyond the basic two differences, myriad options exist for the style and historic period referenced by a particular corset. Occasionally a corset, historical or modern, will have extras attached: garter hooks, tassels, decorative stitching or fabric covering, detachable sleeves or skirts, or modesty panels. These can and do enhance the look, but usually not the utility of the corset.

Those are my first two "new" sections, so it would be great if people let me know of corrections, citations, or typos before next week!165.166.3.170 23:11, 6 June 2007 (UTC)SClibrarian

Problems

I'll insert my responses directly below each of yours, as follows. - SCLibrarian.

• Corsetier(e) is French: corsetier (woman), corsetière (man).

You've got it reversed there, the extra e is the feminine, Also, how do you get the accent on the e in wiki?

• Corset in French language, mean body clothing, and the French language is common used in English clothing today. The correct use in English is narrower: a stiff body.

I'm thinking of adding a dictionary description in the intro, actually. That would clear things up.

• "Corset And Crinolines" of Norah Waugh, has got on the frontispiece a Spanish mediaeval painting of a stiff body by farthingale. Its generally accept as that is the first certain corset.

Useful, but more for the history section than in construction and introduction. I'll copy your info (if you don't mind) and add it to the history section when I get to it.

• A properly corset stop all breathing in the abdomen, as all breathing go in the chest. If you have a small breathing in the abdomen, that will pain you, as a tight belt.

That info seems to go with medical information, so I'll save it for that section. Also, if you deliberately breathe in your chest, it doesn't hurt your stomach.

• The fashionable corset from 1830 to 1914, was only a foundation of the big fashionable dress. The corset was primarily a necessary foundation of fashion in the upper classes. The real lady used corset, and the rabble was a other species, that vulgarly breathing in the abdomen, and bend in the waist for master and mistress.

Again, that will work good for history, so I'll add it there.

--Håbet 11:42, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

165.166.3.170 12:51, 7 June 2007 (UTC)SCLibrarian