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The inside of a Corselette

Historically a piece of plate armour covering the torso.

In biology, the thorax of an insect, or a protective band of enlarged scales in the shoulder region of a fish.

In female clothing, a corselet, or corselette, is a type of foundation garment, sharing elements of both bras and girdles. It extends from straps over the shoulders down the torso to stop around the top of the legs. It may incorporate lace in front or in back. As an undergament, a corselet can be open-style (with suspenders attached) or panty style.


The missing-link between corset and corselette from 1914

The origin of the English word for the piece of armor comes from cors, an Old French word meaning "bodice". The modern term probably originated by the addition of the diminutive suffix "-ette" to the word corset, itself of similar origin to "corselet".

The corselet as an item of women's clothing began to gain traction in 1914, as a substitute for wearing two separate pieces (a bra with either a girdle or a corset). The bust uplift cups were first introduced in 1933, but did not become common until 1943. [1][2]

Merry widow[edit]

A corselet was released by Warner's in 1952,[3] named after The Merry Widow, a 1905 operetta which has been adapted several times into feature-length films.[4] "Merry widow" remains a common generic term for a corsetry type garment in the United States, or a "basque" in the UK. It is usually strapless, and stopping on the hips, rather than extending below the hip line, like the typical corselet. A merry widow type garment is normally fastened by hooks and eyes at the rear, and because it is strapless, it needs to be well boned to prevent it from rolling over, the boning helping to support the demi-cup section. A merry widow / basque would also incorporate suspenders/garters for attaching to stockings. This type of lingerie is also known as a torsolette, and is used in bridal lingerie, much like the bustier.



Interval and rebirth[edit]


Variations and relatives[edit]

  • A soft corselet is a slip.


  1. ^ Bust Uplifts
  2. ^ s:Spirella Catalogue (1933)
  3. ^ Store Operations: Cinch Bra Gets Glamour Treatment. (1952, March 18). Women’s Wear Daily, 84(54), 67.

External links[edit]