"His" Story and the Male Corset

Alec Baldwin before he needed a corset and now 

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about a new fashion trend that has developed in England: the male corset. I wasn't talking about cross dressing. Although that may be a growing trend or simply a relatively common occurrence. I was reporting about male sliming items akin to those available to women. They are becoming quite popular. I'm a stickler for facts and a lover of history and in this blog I do mean "His" Story. So, I wanted to set a few things straight regarding recent reports (as new as a few hours ago regarding this trend). 

The folks reporting on the male corset are all saying that this is something new. That men have never before worn corsets. Ummmm, not true. Not true at all. I did about 60 seconds of research (I know, it's a lot of work, but it is a labor of love since I do adore history) and I discovered that men have been wearing corsets, off and on and mainly in England (ironically, since the latest trend emanates from that jolly old chunky monkey island). 

      Just fine and dandy in a corset 

The fact is that "dandies" (aka: men too concerned with appearance who often display effeminate characteristics) used to wear corsets in the Island Country in the early 19th centuries. The trend also continued into the mid and late 19th century but this time it included men who were considered to be more masculine than the dandy. 

    Prisoners of the ultimate body image 

So, although the latest male slimming agents may signal a new trend it is NOT an original one. The new corsets are said to make guys a good 1.5 inches slimmer. However, they don't eliminate fat, lower blood pressure or out less stress on the heart. No, only losing weight would do that. 

For me this latest focus on deceptive fat reduction says perhaps what a lot of men really need to do is lose some weight. If there is a market for these items, it should be of concern for everyone. Especially for the men who are buying them.

It is New Year's Eve tomorrow. Anyone will to make a resolution to join the gym of their choice, putting the cash towards actual weight and fat reduction and better health rather than the illusion of such? In a future blog, I'll be discussing Alec Baldwin and the skinny and fat in the very funny movie It's Complicated. 

Comments

[Dean]

if you want some great mens shapewear, checkout www.underworks.com - great prices, great styles and super fast delivery

[poppapo]

Corsets were even more popular in the military - especially in France, Italy and Austria-Hungary - in the 19th century. Take a look at, for example, this French Lieutenant
link

or these dudes, who probably put their wive's waists to shame.....
link

link
Imagine these men going to war, all cinched in like that....

[Paul]

Dean, thanks for the info on underworks and poppapo for the links and history regarding military corsets. Very interesting.