In Victorian times, corsets were more than just clothing; they reflected the social, cultural, and fashion norms of the era. The primary function was to cinch the waist, creating an exaggerated hourglass figure using tight lacing and stiff materials like whalebone and steel. Corsets provided support to the bust and back, improving posture. They served as the base over which other clothing items were layered, smoothing the body and creating a structured silhouette. 

Women typically put on their corsets in the morning, with help, lacing them tightly at the back. Corsets were worn throughout the day under various layers, essential for both everyday and formal attire. For special events, more elaborately decorated corsets with lace or embroidery were worn. Tight lacing could cause issues like difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and fainting due to restricted blood flow and organ compression. 

Despite discomfort, many women became accustomed to daily wear. Some corsets were designed to be more flexible for activities like horseback riding or housework. Corsets symbolized femininity and social status, signifying propriety and refinement. Wearing a corset was often a societal expectation, reflecting adherence to fashion norms. 

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fashion shifted to more relaxed silhouettes, and rigid corsets fell out of favor. Dress reform movements advocated for more comfortable and practical clothing, contributing to the decline of corsets as everyday garments.