Tightlacing: Past and Present

Writer Caitlin takes a look at the popular fetish of tightlacing. What are its roots, how has it changed over the years, and what does it look like now?

The first corsets became popular in 16th century Europe and were believed to have originated in Italy. Corsets began relatively simply and evolved dramatically. They went in and out of fashion more than once before the 1840s and 1850s when tightlacing became a popular trend.

Tightlacing, or corset training, is the act of modifying one’s appearance and posture with the assistance of a rigid and tightly-laced (hence the name) corset. It is often referred to as corset training because it can take years of training one’s body to bring the waist down to the desired size. This needs to be done daily and over time, since bodies are not capable of sizing down so significantly from the start.

Tightlacing has been around since the 16th century

History of tightlacing

Historically, tightlacers were derided for endangering their health. Especially those who suffered enough to achieve extremely small waists. These people were considered to be slaves to fashion!

“Tightlacing, or corset training, is the act of modifying one’s appearance and posture with the assistance of a rigid and tightly-laced corset.”

While medical and clerical warnings circulated, tight lacing endured as a forerunning fashion for young and especially wealthy women until the turn of the century. These types of corsets can be aesthetic. They can create a dramatic hourglass figure, making the wearer hold themselves straighter, and resulting in other desired visual effects.

For some people, the pleasure of tightlacing can also be in bodily restriction and the obedience aspect of the training itself.

A form of medical fetish

Tight lacing may also play into medical fetishes for some people. Medical corsets were and occasionally still are used to correct spinal irregularities. However, the obedience and restriction aspects are the more common attraction these days for people who try tightlacing (though it can be for aesthetic reasons as well). Nowadasy tightlacing can be seen regularly in burlesque, fetish scenes, and haute couture fashion.

Be strict to restrict: obedience is necessary in tightlacing

Tightlacing as a type of body modification

People of all genders enjoy tightlacing. In fact, one of the most famous tightlacers, who also makes extremely beautiful corsets, is designer Mr Pearl. Another notable figure is Dita von Teese, who has a 15-inch waist when corseted.

Tightlacing can also be seen as another form of body modification. One that takes dedication over time and can dramatically alter the shape of someone's body. Although these days people are more likely to use 'corsets' that involve very little compression, there are some who are entranced by this beautiful form of training. •
Main image: shutterstock/Elisanth

Caitlin is a writer, sex educator, consultant, and product reviewer who focuses primarily on issues of sex toy and accessory safety, pleasure, sexuality, gender, and more.

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