Originally, corsets were promoted as medical devices in the 16th century, believed to support posture and shape the body. Doctors claimed they prevented back pain and even improved digestion—though in reality, they often did the opposite.
By the Victorian era, corsets became more extreme, with tight-lacing crushing ribs and organs to achieve an unrealistic waistline. What started as "health wear" turned into a painful beauty standard, proving that fashion hasn’t always been kind to women!
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