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Originaly, a corset was a garment worn to mold the shape of the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purpose. In recent years, the term "corset" has been borrowed by the fashion industry to refer to tops which, to varying degrees, mimic the looks of the traditional corsets. While these modern corsets, or corset tops, often feature lacing and/or boning and mimic the general style of corsets, they have very little, if any, effect on the shape of the wearer's body. Genuine corsets are usualy made by a corsetmaker and should be fitted to the individual wearer.

The corset has undergone many changes. The corset was originally known as "stays" in the early 16th century. It was a simple bodice with tabs and the waist stiffened by horn, buckram, and whalebone. The center front was further reinforced by a busk made of ivory, wood, or metal. It was most often laced from the back, and was, at first, a garment reserved for the aristocracy.

Source: wikipedia.org
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