The Edwardian Corset

The straight-front corset, also known as the swan-bill corset, the S-bend corset, or the health corset,

was worn from circa 1900 to the early 1910s. 

Its name is derived from the very rigid, straight busk  inserted in the center front of the corset. 

This corset forced the torso forward and made the hips jut out in the back.

The straight-front corset was popularized by Inès Gaches-Sarraute, a corsetière with a degree in medicine. 

It was intended to be less injurious to wearers’ health than other corsets by exerting less pressure on the stomach area. 

However, any benefits to the stomach were more than counterbalanced by injury caused to the back due to the unnatural posture forced upon its wearer. 

At this time, the bust lowered and corsets provided much less support for the breasts.

By the end of the 1908, corsets began to fall out of favour as the silhouette changed to a higher waistline and more naturalistic form. 

Early forms of brassieres were introduced and the girdle soon took the place of the corset. The girdle was more concerned with reducing the hips rather than the waist.

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In the picture Edwardian women enjoying a race from @kentuckyderby on Pinterest.