The truth behind the actresses who wore corsets

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ACTRESSES WHO WORE CORSETS TO PREPARE FOR HOLLYWOOD ROLES

 

 

When you watch actresses in period pieces on screen, you may not really think about how they prepared for their appearance in the role. But many historical films, as well as modern stories, feature women in corsets, and actresses had to train to wear the costumes for long hours before and during filming.

 

Since wearing a corset is not as common today as it was back then, it can be difficult for an actress to wear a corset for long periods. But the results are impressive, as some of them have commented on how the costumes can change the shape of their bodies.

 

Seeing these celebrities in corsets can be a source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to follow a corsetry regimen, or even to use a corset occasionally for dressing. Here is what you need to know about wearing a corset and how to achieve this Hollywood look.

 

Related: Kim Kardashian's Waist Secret Revealed

 

CORSETS IN PERIOD PIECES

 

Historically, there is reliable evidence of women wearing corsets starting around the 15th century. Originally, corsets were designed to sculpt women's bodies into an inverted cone shape to highlight their bust. In many styles, the corsets were not hidden under other fabrics and were showcased with beautiful patterns and trimmings.

 

Here are some actresses who showcased this style in various period pieces before around the 19th century, when corset styles moved away from the conical shape.

 

Lily James in Cinderella: Her iconic blue ball gown used a particularly tight corset that helped her move delicately on screen. In an interview with Time, she said: "...In this blue dress, I felt completely transformed. And that's what characterizes fairy tales: transformation. When I put on this dress, I felt like I could be a princess."

 

Emma Stone in The Favourite: Even though she had to lean over instead of sitting down when her corset was very tight, she was elegant as a servant under the reign of Queen Anne.

 

Saoirse Ronan in Mary Queen of Scots: Wearing a corset for 12 hours a day gave this actress's naturally straight silhouette hourglass curves for the role of the rival of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

 

Margot Robbie in Mary Queen of Scots: To keep up with Ronan, Robbie showcased many layers of royal costumes over her corset, which helped her capture the resemblance to the queen. She said that the tightness of the corset helped her act.

 

Natalie Dormer in The Tudors: In her role as Anne Boleyn, which made her famous, she wore beautiful period outfits that highlight her silhouette. She starred in other period pieces that required wearing a corset, including Picnic at Hanging Rock.

 

Keira Knightley in The Duchess: She showed an hourglass silhouette in the chronicle of the life of an 18th-century aristocrat. Knightley is also accustomed to wearing corsets in other pieces, including the series Pirates of the Caribbean and Anna Karenina.

 

Elle Fanning in The Great: Bringing the infamous Russian monarch to life, Fanning is stunning in this Hulu series. In an interview with Variety, she explained how corsets changed her body: "I was like, 'My breasts are not big. What is that? What have they done? They are gorgeous, but wow.'"

 

 

 

CORSETS IN PERIOD PIECES FROM THE 19TH CENTURY ONWARD

 

In the 1800s, corset styles began to move away from the conical shape to adopt a more natural hourglass shape, well known during the Victorian era. In the 1900s, underbust corsets became fashionable, so that women could dress more versatilely in the iconic styles of each decade. You can see part of this evolution in the costumes of recent movies and television shows.

 

Rachel Brosnahan in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: In this comedy series, she showcases the best of 1950s and 1960s fashion, especially figure-sculpting undergarments.

 

 

Dakota Fanning in The Alienist: She showcases the fashion of the late Victorian era, with corsets that give dresses their shape and structure.

 

Cara Delevigne in Carnival Row: This fantastic Victorian world is complemented by corsets in her costumes. Delevigne's winged character adopts a unique look with an hourglass base.

 

 

 

HOW A CORSET WORKS

A corset is a classic women's undergarment that flattens the stomach and lifts the bust. Corsets have been worn for centuries and can be styled in many ways.

 

Many women have always worn a corset every day to "train" their waist to stay slimmer - and you can imitate this practice today! For the best results, you should consider wearing a corset 8 to 12 hours a day, although some women choose to wear it even longer.

 

Corsets maintain their shape thanks to long boning strips. In the past, they were made with long reeds or whalebone. Today, high-quality modern corsets use steel boning. Traditional corsets are fastened with laces in the back of the garment, which makes it tight and rigid.

 

To prepare for their role, some actresses have to train to wear a corset until filming. Otherwise, it can be uncomfortable to spend long hours on set in a tight corset.

 

If you want to try wearing a corset yourself, we recommend starting slowly. New corsets must be broken in before you can tighten them. Wear the corset two hours a day for two weeks to soften it. You can tighten it a little when you feel good, but do not force it.

 

Once your corset is broken in, you can start tightening it as much as you want. Wear it gradually for longer periods each day if you want to practice a daily corsetry regimen. After a few weeks, you should be comfortable wearing it all day.

 

Some people find it easier to start wearing a latex corset before moving to a steel corset. A support corset can still give you slimming results before you try to achieve more dramatic curves with tight lacing.

 

Even if you do not plan to wear a corset every day in the long term, you can benefit from daily practice if you plan to wear a corset for a special event, such as a wedding. This is the approach adopted by some actresses: follow a daily corset-wearing plan for a certain amount of time, until the end of filming the role.

 

 

 

 

IMITATE CELEBRITIES WITH THE BEST HOLLYWOOD-STYLE CORSETS

It is easy to achieve the hourglass look of your favorite Hollywood starlet with modern steel-boned corsets. These underbust-style garments can be worn under your everyday clothes or for special occasions, and can even be worn as outerwear if you wish.

 

Do not forget to break in a new corset before wearing it and getting used to it slowly. Then watch your silhouette transform into an hourglass shape, inspired by the classic corsetry styles you see on television and in movies.

 

Hourglass Angel HA202 Cotton Underbust Corset: This cotton underbust corset provides a natural and comfortable feel on your skin while sculpting your abdomen. It uses flexible steel boning for powerful compression without pain, pinching, or discomfort, while the underbust design gently lifts the bust. The cotton material, available in black, nude, or white, gives it a lightweight feel.

 

Customer Stephanie M. wrote: "It was simply perfect! It gives me an hourglass silhouette, that's for sure! and it also lifts my bust! I have also always had bad posture and even though I tried to stand up straight, I couldn't always do it, but with the corset, I was able to keep control!"

 

Hourglass Angel HA208 Rapid Fit Fan-Lacing Corset: In this beautiful fan-lacing corset, you can enjoy the benefits of slimming without the hassle. The steel boning and tight laces work together to create a tight waist cinch and a beautiful hourglass shape. Unlike classic corsets, this corset tightens from the sides using a belt. It is as easy as adjusting your bra straps, and you get a tight and even fit.

 

Customer Sharine Z. wrote: "I love this corset! It is comfortable and so easy to wear, you just slip it on, close it, and pull! POW, you are SNATCHED! No lacing, no need to tie, easy prayers!"

 

Black and purple silk underbust corset: This new addition to our corset collection is a fashionable maximum control corset that will flatten your stomach and sculpt your silhouette. Two inner layers of cotton twill offer superior resistance and durability, while the outer layer is a metallic purple with a solid black satin trim. The corset is completed by 26 spiral steel bones, a steel busk closure, and six flat steel bars. It is the perfect piece for a costume or special occasion.