Corsets in the 16th century were light, flexible garments intended to support the torso and provide shape to, as well as distribute the weight of, heavy dresses that were fashionable at the time. Prior to the 1500s, most clothing was tailored to fit the body. Any adjustment to the silhouette was made by a kirtle worn underneath dresses and other garments such as "breast bags" or underwear like the Lenberg bras . It's likely that the corset began as a kirtle with the bodice stiffened with buckra
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