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Are Corsets Still Relevant? We certainly think they are!

Who still wears corsets? Are they still relevant?

You’re not alone if you think of corsets as a relic of the past. It’s true that most women have swapped corsets for bras in the 21st century, but they still have a significant place in the modern world. There are plenty of women that wear corsets on a regular basis. Some may even prefer them to bras - and for good reason!


Not sure how you can fit a corset into your modern lifestyle? Allow us to share five instances where corsets are still extremely relevant. 

When can you wear a corset?

You may not realise it, but there are plenty of occasions when you can wear a corset and at Corset Story, we are trying to design corsets which are relevant to the modern world of work and play. 


The corsets we create here at Corset Story are a versatile garment that can work as underwear or outerwear, depending on your mood and preferences. 


1. As outerwear

Corsets have been used to make fashion statements since Madonna began donning them in her 80s music videos. The ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend gained traction well into the 90s, and has once again resurfaced in the 2010s. Celebrities, fashion editors, and influencers began experimenting with the look, making corset tops and corset dresses a stylish option for day or night. You can dress your corset down by styling it over a t-shirt and jeans, or create a chic evening look by pairing your corset with a blazer and heels. 

2. As lingerie

Very few pieces of lingerie are as alluring as a corset. It’s a style often associated with bridal wear, but anyone in relationship status can wear a corset to give their partner a sensual surprise. 

Whether it’s a romantic holiday or a spontaneous date night, a corset will be a visual delight for everyone involved. It provides support and shape that a bra and pants set simply can’t compete with, leaving you feeling sexy and confident on your special evening. 

3. Instead of shapewear





Corsets are the original shapewear. Designed to nip in your waist and smooth out your figure, they’re a completely valid and relevant alternative to Spanx and compression style shapewear. You won’t have to worry about any lumps or bumps when you wear a corset. Plus, with their intricate details and luxurious fabrics, they’re considerably more visually appealing than plain old black or beige shapewear. 

INSTANT SHAPE WHITE SATIN OVERBUST - LONGLINE

4. As part of a costume

Depending on who or what you’re dressing up as, a corset can be an essential part of a fancy dress costume. From Halloween parties and burlesque shows to LARP or cosplay events, there are plenty of costumes that require a corset. Maybe you’re dressing up as a pirate queen, or you just want to make sure you’re getting the right silhouette for a Pink Lady from Grease. Whatever the case, a corset will be the perfect finishing touch for your costume.  See our Collection of Costume Corsets but also browse our full selection to spark your imagination and create your own unique look. 

5. For special occasions

Wearing a corset gown will make you feel like a princess during special occasions. This ultra feminine style will look incredible for proms, weddings, or galas. You can opt for a premade corset dress, or create your own two-piece set by pairing a corset with a tulle or satin skirt of the same colour. 

The benefits of wearing a corset

Now that you know that corsets are still relevant in the 21st century, you know the how of wearing a corset, it’s time to discuss the why. 


Corsets have historically been linked to discomfort, but modern corsets are still very much relevant and have come a long way from their antique counterparts. In fact, they’re unbelievably comfortable nowadays! 


Easy to put on. You won’t have to worry about your corset being so tight that you can’t breathe. Modern corsets are designed to fit your body, not the other way around. They’re also simple to wear. Our corsets are laced to the middle with lacing known as bunny ears. The lace is knotted at the bottom of the corset and then laced to the centre. This means putting on the corset yourself is much easier when tensioning. 


Easy to disguise. Corsets won’t create any unattractive lumps underneath your bust like bras do, giving the illusion of perfectly smooth skin. And as they’re strapless, you can wear tops and dresses with any type of neckline! Your corset will hold everything in place while staying out of sight. 


Easy to clean. Finally, corsets are incredibly low maintenance. You won’t have to stress about choosing the wrong setting on the washing machine or spend time handwashing. We recommend dry cleaning corsets due to their metal components. You can reduce dry cleaning costs by wearing a Corset Linerunderneath your corset, or styling it over t-shirts and blouses as much as possible. 

Are you ready to try a corset?


Sizing - If you need help with sizing, we have a page dedicated to advice and finding your size on our website. 

Getting your waist measurement correct is really important, so please take some time to accurately measure your waist. 


If you are new to corsets and this is your first purchase, we have a written a blog for our new corset customers 

New to Corsets - A Guide for the new Corset Story Customer


We have also created a useful video to help you find an accurate waist measurement as this is the most important measurement when sizing your corset. 




So, are you ready to introduce corsets into your wardrobe? Shop our selection of fashion and lingerie corsets today! 


If you need any help with deciding what kind of corset is right for your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team who are happy help. 

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