18. Corsets were physically dangerous for the wearer
The term “loose woman” evolved from the practice of not wearing a corset during the Victorian Age, with those women who did wear them referred to as “strait-laced”. It is probable that loose women were of better physical health than those who were strapped into the corsets of the day. The tightly tied device increased pressure on the lungs, disrupting breathing, and other internal organs were forced into unnatural positions. Corsets were causes of accelerated heart rates (as a result of the disrupted breathing), constipation, indigestion, and even fainting. Over a period of 25 years the distinguished British medical journal The Lancet published at least one article each year discussing the hazards of wearing tightly laced corsets, but fashion ruled over sense, and the corset trend continued.
More than ninety illnesses or other medical conditions were attributed to corsets during the 1870s, and nearly all of them were avoidable. Organ damage was common, and some medical professionals identified mental health issues associated with their use. Female “vapors” and fainting spells were often caused simply because they were unable to take a deep breath, their lungs and diaphragms prevented from performing their simple reflexive tasks because their owner was encased in an unyielding cocoon. That women became lightheaded while wearing the devices is easily explained by their being unable to breathe properly, move properly, or eat and drink properly, all because of the necessity of appearing to be proper.
Where do we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
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