The middle of the last century saw a huge upheaval in women's lives. As the century drew to a close 11 years ago, the modern woman had very little left in common with her century-earlier sister. Some improvments were good, others -not so much. One thing we can all agree with is getting rid of those horrid clothes! The long sleeves, the hig necks and for heaven's sake the corsets! Right?
Well, maybe not.
Corseting can be taken to the extreme, like anything else (think Scarlet O'Hara's 17 inch waist for example), but what a lot of modern women fail to see are the benefits, yes, I said benefits of corseting.
The corset, like most things we wear, originally had a purpose and it wasn't just to look skinny.
Corsets improve your posture
People suffering from lower back issues are often given medical corsets to help them keep good posture and thus reduce the strain and support the lower back. Moms who are holding their babes for great lengths of time can really benefit from the snug back support of a corset.
Corsets help you lose weight
Wearing a corset during heavy activity or simply during your daily routine can shrink several inches off your waist line. Keeping the stomach muscles warmer burns more fat in the area. A snugly worn corset can help restrain your appetite and organs trying to find their was home again after you give birth will be guided along better with a well fitting corset.
Corsets reduce cramping after birth
When you have two, three or more children you know the pain of the "aftershock" contractions as your uterus shrinks to it's original size. These can be mildly uncomfortable or extremely painful depending on the woman. Binding the belly is an ancient practice which reduces or eliminates these pains.
Corsets can mold your body into a sleeker shape
Let's face it, no one wants to look lumpy! In our day and age it seems as if it's become perfectly tolerable to "let it all hang out." Bellies, bellies everywhere! Flopping to and fro! I would love to bring back the era of taking a little ore pride in ones personal appearance and a nicely fitting corset can help do exactly that.
But, you say, corsets are uncomfortable! Not true! A well made corset should compress only your waist and allows for easy breathing. A proper fitting corset should never be painful to wear.
Our great grandmothers just may have been on to something! What do you think? Would you wear a corset?
I love corsets! Just they're difficult to find in my size, and very expensive if tailor-made. Glad I'm not the only woman who sees benefits!
ReplyDeleteI just ordered a waste thing after having my 7th child. I wish I had gotten one after my horrid c-section. I'm really hoping it helps. And I hope I got the right size!
ReplyDeleteAyla, i have been reading your blog for over a year now. I am constantly inspired by you! You give me hope for a balanced and more loving world.
ReplyDeleteAs for corsets--i have a stomach condition called gastroparesis, it's basically a gradual paralysis of the digestive system. It is terribly painful! However i do have a good corset, heavily boned and nicely laced. It DOES help in a significant way, and i have far fewer stomach pains or nausea when i wear it.
Thank you for all you do. God bless you and your lovely family.
Love,
Leah