1880-1890: S-shaped Silhouette

he S-shaped silhouette characterized the Edwardian Period.  The S-shape was achieved by a boned corset, forcing the bust forward and cinching the waist to 18 inches. Balancing the forward bust, the rear was forced backward by a bustle, usually made of braided wire. The severe corset proved not only uncomfortable but also harmful, as it crushed internal organs and weakened back muscles.  A cover lay over the braided wire bustle and upon this laid several petticoats, sometimes as many as seven. Petticoats added to a woman’s hip width.