Corsets are fairly popular among the lingerie selections we have now at any store so you probably know how they look like; but do you know how they USED to look like?

The earliest known corset was worn by Cretian woman somewhere between 3000 and 1500 BC, but little is known about these garments until they were projected into fashion in the Middle Ages. That more recent corset, which holds it's origins as an undergarment in Italy, was introduced to France in the 1500's by Catherine De Medici (pictured here); wife of King Henry II. Traditionally in English these were called 'stays'.

These contraptions were made of layers upon layers of fabric and hardened glue and/or steel cages well into the 16th century. The steel ones are thought to be more for orthopedic reasons than fashion but still neat none the less. This style was used to turn the upper torso into an inverted cone shape and used a farthingale (hoop skirt) to exaggerate the hips.

By the middle of the 16th century, these articles were extremely common among European women. This is around the time the "busk" was incorporated. A busk is a flat, long piece of metal, wood, horn, ivory or Whale bone (hence the term 'Bone-in Corset) and is sewn into the casing in order to hold it's shape.

Corset wedding dresses were extremely popular in this age, as well.

The most common type of corset going forward into the 1700's was the cone shape with full, heavy skirts below and was mainly designed to improve upon posture and raise the breasts.

Well fitting corsets going into the 18th century were a lot better for breathing and allowed women to work but still restricted any bending at the waist.

By the 1800s the corset's main objective was to support the breasts, mainly only synching just below the bust line.

Around the 1830s they resumed their dual purpose of narrowing the waist while also supporting the breasts as the style transitioned itself into the Victorian era.

Around this time, Jean Werly invented a patent for this style to be created on the loom. It was up until this period of time that all corsets were handmade.

For some time, exaggerated shoulders were typically worn with these corsets to further exaggerate the figure. This was a relief for the women who wore them because it allowed for less tightening around the waist. Once the trend of inflated sleeves disappeared, however, the tighter style returned.

In the late 19th century, doctors expressed concerned about the health risks of corsets especially the placement of the internal organs. Some even linked waist training to hysteria and even liver failure. At this time it was almost completely condemned and women who wore them were seen as extremely vain.

In the wake of health concerns, Dr. Jaeger invented a "health corset" that was "wool sanitary" and described mainly as elastic. This style was marketed toward the more health conscious woman.

In 1900 to 1910, there was a rise of a new style. Gone were the days of inverted cone-shapes as a new S shape (or "Swan Bill") was introduced.

This style forced the bust out while positioning the hips out and back. It was popularized by Inez Gaches-Sarraute who had a degree in medicine. This was claimed to be less hazardous to the stomach area however, as you could have probably guessed, it took it's toll on the wearer's spine.

By 1908, corsets were becoming less and less popular as a more naturalistic form was appreciated. Early forms of brassieres and girdles soon took place of most corsets.

Most models of girdles were made with straps to hold up stockings and are also seen in fashion today.

The post Edwardian long line corset was invented to slim the hips in the early 1900's. The use of rubber and plastic changed the direction and comfort of the body shaping fashion industry. These corsets were considered uncomfortable by many who wore them and girdles eventually replaced the corset all together.

After WWI, women were urged to give up buying corsets for the war effort which ultimately relieved enough metal to build 2 warships. After the war there was a slight buzz about "waist-nipping" corsets but that buzz soon faded with the occurrence of WWII.

Since then the corset has slowly been gaining popularity again. Now it is almost impossible to find a lingerie store or website that does not sell some variation of these creations. Corsets can be affordable but the less costly ones are made from cheap metals and materials. With a little digging you can find some upper scale ones but those will cost you at least a couple hundred dollars USD.