Photography by: Meghan Olson Image Enhanced by: Intimatology
I feel like the trend of waist trainers are not actually a trend. Because they are always a topic of discussion especially in the spring/summer. On any given day, the Kardashians are promoting wearing them and you look at their waist thinking, hey does that ACTUALLY WORK? For me, it’s quite confusing because DUH who doesn’t you want that hour glass figure but is it bad for your health? Doesn’t it like, crush your bones?
My friend Stella, runs her own company called Champagne and Corsets, and I’ve been wanting her to come on the blog for quite some time now to discuss what exactly a corset is, does, and if it in fact is healthy for you or not.
I should mention, I have NOT tried a corset or waist trainer because DUH I am pregnant. And Stella is not a doctor, she is just VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE as she has been in the industry for MANY years. So if you do have questions, definitely reach out to Carol and consult with your doctor.
I also think its super important to note that our bodies are ALL different. What works for some, does not work for all. But given the right size and fit, Stella gives us a variety of health benefits that corsets provide. Grab a kombucha and read on!
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Photography: Marie Cancellieri Image Enhanced by: Intimatology
CORSETS: ARE THEY BAD FOR YOUR BODY? By Carol Stella
The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of fashion! Yes, corsets have been around for centuries, actually some 500 years, but the days of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind holding onto a bedpost and enduring terrific pain in exchange for a shapely form are over. As a matter of fact the corset has had a rebirth; and in the process, has gone from being whalebone uncomfortable underclothes to high fashion.
A corset is a garment worn to hold and train the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purposes (either for the duration of wearing it or for a more lasting effect). Both men and women are known to wear corsets throughout history, though this item was for many years an integral part of women’s wardrobes.
People with spinal problems, such as scoliosis, or with internal injuries, may be fitted with a form of corset to immobilize and protect the torso. Supportive and corrective corsets can be made for those with moderate to severe scoliosis or lordosis, or for those with back pain who need the support of a properly fitted corset. Fun fact: Artist Andy Warhol was shot in 1968 and never fully recovered; he wore a corset for the rest of his life.
Please read along for some of the many Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Societal Beneficial Effects of Corsetry including the following:
Corsets Control Back Pain and Muscle Tension, and Help Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain
If you’re suffering from poor posture, back, neck or shoulder pain, a properly fitted custom corset can alleviate the discomfort you have.
Wearing a corset helps prevent wear and tear injuries, including heavy lifting or long hours sitting in front of a computer, to car accidents, vertebral fractures, and slipped discs.
Corsets Correct Posture while Helping Improve Asthma
With very poor posture the upper lungs and bronchi may not be fully open or utilized, however correcting posture by using a corset may help to open up the chest, relax the windpipe and allow for easier breathing.
Photography by: Intimatology
Corsets support Heavy Breasts (those with a larger bustline)
Large breasts weigh you down in the front, pull your shoulders forward and round your back if you don’t take preventative measures. Wearing a corset helps pull your shoulders back naturally, open up your chest all while maintaining good posture.
Corsets can help reduce the Intensity of Headaches or Migraines
Many people suffer from headaches that are a side effect of neck and shoulder tension and strain. Distributing weight evenly and correcting your posture can reduce or even eliminate strain in problem areas and more.
Corsets minimize Menstrual Cramps in Women
Many women temporarily relieve pain by lying in the fetal position. Corsets mimic this position by exerting pressure on those same organs, also known as deep pressure therapy and reduce cramping while the woman’s posture remains upright. Some women are even able to avoid painkillers while wearing a corset.
Corsets help correct Diastasis Recti
The separation of the outermost abdominal muscles is very common among pregnant women. If a corset is worn postpartum, it helps hold the muscles together while preventing them from separating further.
Corsets help with Weight Loss
Corsets do not allow much expansion of the stomach, therefore helping to control appetites and reduce food portions.
A corset helps control your appetite by acting like an external, less invasive gastric band, because it puts pressure on your stomach so that it’s not able to expand as much, especially during a meal. You feel full faster and if you eat too much, it becomes uncomfortable. So if you consistently wear a corset with your meals, you will quickly learn that it’s not quite as easy to overeat in a corset. This encourages better eating habits and an appreciation of quality foods.
Furthermore, corsets allow you to instantaneously fit into smaller or more fitted clothes that perhaps you couldn’t fit into before. They smooth out any bumps under an outfit and makes your clothing hang differently; and for some people, that gives them a boost in confidence and high self-esteem. Just imagine a woman/man walking into a room with straight posture, chest high and her/his shoulders back. This body language silently commands respect from others and results in positive feedback of higher self-esteem and assertiveness.
Photography by: Alyssa Michel Image Enhanced by: Intimatology
Corsets help with Body Positivity
Women are able to overcome eating disorders, learn to celebrate their bodies and embrace their curves all by wearing a corset. Corsets can boost the self- image of those with low self-esteem, poor body image and those who have been emotionally abused. Corsets also help act as a coat of armor for people who have been physically or sexually abused. People tend to feel “safer” by wearing a corset, as it is a rigid garment made with steel boning and many layers of fabric, making it difficult to feel physical contact by anyone. The rigidity of a corset can help to make the wearer feel as though there is some structure in their lives, especially for those who feel “lost”. Some individuals have even noted that wearing corsets have helped them to stop self-harm.
Corsets help Stimulate the Intestines
Wearing a corset helps those who have slow bowel movements and constipation issues. On the other hand, corsets can also help those who have issues with diarrhea and faster bowel movements.
Corsets help with Low Blood Pressure
Corsets can help to raise and stabilize blood pressure and prevent it from dropping too quickly.
Corsets help with Anxiety, Depression and Panic Attacks
The pressure that corsets put on your abdomen is naturally comforting to many people. Corsets provide a deep pressure therapy that feels like a secure, body hug that helps reduce levels of anxiety in people.
Corsets help those with ADHD
With a corset constantly “around them” it can help keep people’s minds present, therefore helping improve concentration and productivity.
Corsets help give an Hourglass Shape
Waist Training is a safe, effective and fashionable lifestyle choice of wearing a corset consistently over time in order to reduce your waistline and change your silhouette even when not wearing a corset. Waist training enhances your posture, improves your health and reduces those pesky “love handles”.
Corsets also help reshape the figures of transgender individuals who want a more feminine silhouette, often making the ribcage narrower and hips fuller.
Corsets help with Diaphragm Support
Do you ever wonder why Opera singers find it useful to wear a corset during their performance? Corsets provide resistance against which the diaphragm can push, helping the singer achieve higher and more powerful notes.
Corsets are also worn for Medical Purposes
After spinal surgery the patient has to wear a medical corset to protect that area. The purpose is to redistribute one’s weight to areas other than the spine.
As in all things, misuse or overuse can become a problem. Many of the misconceptions around the negative effects of wearing corsets are related to improper use and extremists. We at Champagne Corsets & Designs will guide you to ensure you are lacing properly and responsibly so you can benefit from the truly amazing effects the corset can offer.
*Please note this information is based on my own extensive research and experiences of wearing a corset over-time. Please speak with your doctor before managing any of the above with a corset.
Photography by: Marie Cancellieri Image Enhanced by: Intimatology
Award winning designer Stella has had a love affair with lingerie for as long as she can remember. Stella studied Intimate Apparel at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the heart of New York City’s garment district and received her BFA in 2003. After graduating, Stella spent years designing lingerie for many well-known labels. With a passion for design and a desire to learn, she would deepen her expertise in fit and design techniques for both mass produced and hand made pieces, though bespoke corsetry always remained her true passion.
After working 11 years in New York as a fashion designer, Stella opened her own corset and lingerie boutique in 2012 in neighboring New Jersey, finding immediate success. The boutique offered a collection of specialty lingerie brands in hard to find sizes and (of course) a large sewing studio completely dedicated to bespoke custom corsetry. But being in the shadow of New York meant being in the shadow of big city prices, so after two years, she hooked and laced up her corsets and returned to her native Connecticut. Stella decided to concentrate on what she knew and loved best: corset making…thus Champagne Corsets Designs, LLC was born.
Stella is the first Corsetiere in Connecticut to have attended the Oxford
Conference of Corsetry. She had the privilege to be a part of this experience and, for anyone interested read her recap blog posts “Champagne Goes to Oxford” Part 1 and Part 2.
At Champagne Corsets Designs we believe that every piece we create is as beautiful and unique as the wearer and we believe in the impact we make in the lives of our clients. Once you go bespoke, you’ll know the difference.
Learn more about Champagne Corsets & Designs, LLC
VISIT: www.champagnecorsets.com
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