Corsetería

Corsetería refers to the art, craft, and industry of making corsets and related garments. A corset is a rigid or flexible garment that shapes the wearer's torso, primarily to alter the silhouette. Historically, corsets were worn by both men and women, though they are most commonly associated with women's fashion from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. The primary function of a corset was to create a desired shape, often emphasizing a small waist and a rounded bust. This was achieved through the use of boning, typically made from whalebone, steel, or plastic, sewn into channels within the fabric. Laces were used to tighten the corset, allowing for adjustable compression.

The practice of corsetry has evolved significantly over time, with different eras favoring distinct shapes and styles. The conical corset of the Victorian era, for instance, aimed for an extreme hourglass figure, while earlier styles might have been more about providing support or modesty. In modern times, corsetry has seen a resurgence, not only as a fashion statement and in historical reenactment but also in specialized contexts like medical corsetry for posture support or body sculpting. The term corsetería also encompasses the shops or businesses that sell corsets and related undergarments. The skill involved in creating a well-fitting and aesthetically pleasing corset requires specialized knowledge of patternmaking, fitting, and construction techniques.