Corsets For Men, Past and Present

We produce corsets for all genders and body types at Dark Garden Corsetry, including more tailored, masculine designs such as the Edward, Beau Brummell, and our Signature Tailored Cincher. In fact, although corsets are traditionally associated with womenswear, historically they had a place in menswear as well.

Photo: Nicole Simone. Rav wears the Tailored Cincher and Finishing Belt

Early corsets, called boned pairs of “bodies” or “stays,” were essential for achieving the ideal feminine silhouette of the late 1500s through the 1700s. (You can check out our previous blog posts for a more complete general overview of corset history, including when and why corsets became fashionable!) But it wasn’t just women who wore stiff bodices — children wore them too, as the rigidity was believed to encourage growing bodies to have the correct proportions. Young children were all dressed in gowns, as they belonged to the women’s sphere. Boys wore gowns and corset-like bodices until they reached an age, usually around 7, when they were “breeched,” and began wearing menswear.

Visual evidence, mostly in the form of satire, informs us that some adult men wore stays in the 18th and early 19th centuries. These satirical prints are clearly exaggerated for comic effect but were surely inspired by some level of truth. One British etching done in 1786 depicts a man, called “Captain Cork Rump,” being tightly laced into a pair of stays and wearing a false, padded rump. In combination with the overflowing fabric at his chest, the effect on the Captain’s silhouette is extremely feminine. Society held very negative attitudes towards men who acted effeminately, which is also visible in satires and descriptions of cosmopolitan “macaronis.”

Another British etching from 33 years later exhibits a very similar theme. The caricature depicts a “dandy,” a Regency-era term that described fashion-obsessed men of leisure. Like macaronis, dandies were teased for their effeminate ways and artificial appearance. In the 1819 image, a dandy is being laced into a pair of stays with the help of two other men, while shouting at them to pull tighter. It is also revealed that he wears hip and shoulder pads. Yet another etching from the same year depicts a “dandy midshipman” being tight-laced, with an onlooker shouting, “These Dandies are a disgrace to Great Britain.” This summarizes how society viewed men who were obsessed with their appearances: as a threat to society. 

In addition to men wearing stays and corsets to achieve a slimmer or more feminine silhouette, there were also corset-like garments worn for more traditionally masculine activities. An 1838 issue of The Workwoman’s Guide includes illustrations and descriptions of belts “worn by gentleman in the army, hunters, or by those using violent exercise,” providing support for posture and the abdominal muscles. Similarly, an 1896 corset catalog from Madame Dowding advertises multiple corset models for men: The Carlton is described as “a great favorite with military gentlemen,” and The Kitchener is marketed as “most suitable for hunting and cultivating the figure.” The Buller is described as the “most popular belt for gentlemen inclined to obesity.”

At Dark Garden Corsetry, we offer bespoke corsets constructed for your comfort and your unique body. Whether you’re looking for a menswear-inspired corseted waistcoat, a full-body corset with tails, or something curvier, don’t hesitate to reach out to us about placing a custom order!