The Hourglass Figure and Corsets

The idealization of "The Hourglass Figure" is one of the many body types that humans have coveted. The ideal body types have changed several times throughout history, from very thin with no curves, to curvy and thin with a large bust, to curvy and plump.

However, The Hourglass has been ideal for many generations and has been present since ancient times. So why is it we go to uncomfortable measures such as using corsets to achieve this look? Even our children's Barbie dolls have projected these expectations and ideals.

Scientists claim that there is a theory to all this. Studies have been done and much evidence points to the fact that this is a common ideal with many. Furthermore, it is said that men are more attracted to this body shape, whether it is a conscious or subconscious decision. This is based on the fact that women who look healthier, the ones with a smaller waist, prove to have better reproduction potential. But it is good to note that having an hourglass shape doesn't 100% guarantee this. Since men are hardwired to find an ideal mate to conceive with, they will likely have the tendencies to look for these qualities. That isn't to say that all men think like this but it is a common phenomenon throughout history.

So is this a good and healthy ideal to have and try to achieve? Well, yes and no. Of course, it is commendable to want and achieve a healthy body. However, if one has a history of any eating disorders, then this is something you should discuss with your doctor and therapist before doing so. This includes waist trainers as well; anything that will cause compression to your stomach and therefore causes you to eat less and alter your natural shape.

Moreover, if you have any Body Dysmorphia symptoms (avoiding mirrors, constantly looking in mirrors or reflections, hiding parts of your body, constantly exercising, asking others how you look, and comparing yourself to others are just a few of the obvious symptoms.) then you should also avoid using this as a way of achieving an hourglass figure. But again, if you are still considering this, talk to your therapist, tell them the reasons behind why you want to do it, and talk to your physician to see what is best for your health. Regardless if you already have these symptoms or not, there is a chance of being at risk of developing these disorders and or mental issues concerning your body image.

It is important to be self-aware of what you may be at risk of developing. With anything that one may be at risk for, it is important to not be consumed in it, in the chance of developing an addiction or obsession. For example, if one is at risk of becoming an alcoholic, it is crucial to not over-drink or drink too frequently at the risk of developing a bad habit.

Corsets themselves are not bad, but they can become bad if it is overdone. They are safe and healthy only if they have been sized or fitted properly to your body. It is also crucial to not over-tighten the lace and or use a corset too small to fit. It's a rare occurrence for one to do this but it does happen. This occurs when one becomes obsessed with body image and develops a dangerous addiction to lace tightening or over-compressing the body.

Another thing to be aware of is to not wear the corset 24/7. When it is worn all the time, one can lose the muscle and support in the body to keep them upright which causes the body to eventually depend on the corset to be able to stand up straight. Again with everything, there is an extreme but the corsets and or waist trainers themselves are not harmful if used properly.

If one researches how to use it correctly and uses it safely, it can give you many benefits other than just the attractive shape (improves posture, reduces back pain, reduces appetite, supports the bust, lowers menstrual cramps, avoid back injuries, prevents headaches and migraines, and strengthens core).

There are many reasons why one would go to extreme measures and overdo the use of a corset. I would argue that one reason for this is the idea that this is what one must look like to be the ideal beautiful woman. This idea is projected in many things that our society tells us such as the clothing manufactured for only certain body types, and the skinny models portrayed in media and magazines.

And more on the societal topic is the Barbie Doll's hourglass shape. The shape of the doll creates high standards for the impressionable minds of little girls. This was recognized by Mattel the creators of Barbie. So, in 1997 as a result of the controversy, they widened her waist a little and brought down the dramatic size of her chest. Even though they made a small effort to bring down the extreme shape, it still was not enough. A study done in 2006 indicated that Barbie's image caused children to have lower self-esteem when they played with or were shown her image. Although interestingly in 2016, Mattel came out with curvy, petite, and tall Barbie dolls that come in different hair colors, eye colors, and races to better suit diversity.

Nevertheless, it took a long time for Barbie to implement this, and has caused dangerous idealization in young girls who can't relate to how the dolls look. It's interesting to note that Mattel is also the creator of the Monster High Dolls which came out in 2010. These dolls are diverse in the way that they are different colors like blue, green, pink, and also some normal skin colors. The dolls are mainly based on mythical creatures such as Dracula and Frankenstein who go to high school together. Even so, these dolls are extremely skinny and these also create an extreme idealization for young girls. I was personally affected by these specific dolls as a little girl and I wanted to be just like my dolls. I had presented with lower self-esteem at the time because of it. Companies such as Mattel have such a strong impact on society and have forced their ideals on others and families. This is just one company, one example of how society affects others' mental health on being good enough for beauty standards.

Being healthy is the most important, mentally and physically, and just because this is what is desired, not all desire this. This should be a personal choice made by each person, this excludes children and should not be pushed onto them as it can scar their minds into thinking this is what is beautiful and how they look is not. And it is important to not put beauty in a box because it is completely objective. No one body type is the most beautiful or the most ideal. There is no one way to define it. So whatever one decides, corset or no corset. It is an adult's right to make that choice while considering one's safety and health.