what were corsets used for in the middle ages
When talking corsetry, the most interesting period of fashion is the period from 1820 to about 1910. But the corset is much older than that. In Europe, it has been in general use as an undergarment since the middle ages, but it probably dates several thousands of years back. The corset has at all times been used for shaping the body, most often for compressing the waist, but sometimes for raising the bust. The most widespread use of corsets was in the 19th century. Contrary to common belief, almost all women of every class wore corsets in those times.