What is a corselette?

A corselette is the ultimate all-in-one foundation garment, combining the smoothing power of a girdle with the support of a bra. It’s designed to create a streamlined silhouette from bust to hip, making it ideal for wearing under tailored or close-fitting vintage-inspired clothing.

What are the benefits of wearing a corselette?

Corselettes are designed to shape and smooth the body while eliminating visible lines between separate garments. They create a clean, uninterrupted silhouette, making them especially effective under tightly tailored or lightweight fabrics.

Are corselettes good for fitted dresses?

Yes, corselettes are one of the best foundations for fitted clothing. Their all-in-one design prevents bulges or gaps at the waist, helping dresses and skirts sit smoothly against the body for a polished finish.

When were corselettes popular?

Corselettes first gained popularity around 1914 as a practical alternative to wearing a separate bra and girdle or corset. They became increasingly common through the 1940s and 1950s, before gradually declining in the 1960s with the rise of tights and more casual clothing.

Are corselettes still worn today?

Yes—corselettes continue to be worn today, particularly for vintage styling and special occasions. They are also embraced in modern fashion; notably, Madonna wore the What Katie Did Glamour Corselette in December 2025, highlighting their enduring appeal.

What is the difference between a corselette and a body briefer?

There is no real difference in the garment itself. In the UK, the term corselette is traditionally used, while in the US, the same style is more commonly known as a body briefer. Both refer to an all-in-one foundation garment that combines bra and girdle elements to create a smooth, streamlined silhouette.

vintage 1950s corselette body briefer worn with nylon stockings

Glamour Vintage Corselette L3021

£109.50 GBP

Choose your colour

Choose your size

★ Madonna's Favourite ★ Our Glamour Vintage Corselette smooths and defines your silhouette in black or vintage peach for an effortlessly authentic 1950s shape.

At a Glance:

Colour	Black or Vintage Peach
Fastening	Hook and eyes at front
Waist Tape	Internal elastic waist tape to cinch
Suspenders	6 attached, non adjustable, metal suspender clips
Fabric composition	– Satin: 100% Polyester - Powermesh: 88% Polyamide, 12% Spandex
Country of manufacture	India

Primarily sized by bra size, this style benefits from a little vintage know-how: you may need to consider sister sizing to achieve the perfect fit. Once you do, it will quickly become the most reliable piece in your lingerie wardrobe – just as it has for countless others over the last decade.

📏 We're a small and friendly team here at What Katie Did, and we're always happy to assist you with sizing questions. Our goal is to ensure you find your perfect fit the first time around!

Size	Waist Measures	Designed to fit waist	Designed to fit underbust
32	23" (58.5cm)	23-26" (58.5-6cm)	28-29" (58.5-63.5cm)
34	25" (63.5cm)	25-28" (63.5-71cm)	30-31 (76-78.5cm)
36	27" (68.5cm)	27-30" (68.5-725cm)	32-33" (81.5-84cm)
38	29" (73.5cm)	29-33" (73.5-84cm)	34-36" (86.5-91.5cm)

Approx. length: 13” / 33cm (underbust to hem), 15.5” / 39cm (centre back)

This retro-style vintage body briefer is designed to create a sleek, hourglass silhouette under your most fitted dresses, with no rolling, riding, or fuss. Featuring a traditional front hook-and-eye fastening—just like original 1950s designs—this corselette is easy to slip into without any awkward wriggling. The secret to its shaping power? A firm elastic waist tape that adds subtle definition to your waistline without the discomfort of boning or lacing.

The body is made from corsetry-grade powermesh to smooth and support, while a satin tummy panel enhances control and adds a glossy vintage finish. Sheer side panels provide visual interest and breathability, keeping you cool and confident all day.

Six non-adjustable metal suspender clips are built in, meaning this vintage corselette is designed to be worn with stockings—just as it would have been in the 1950s.

Whether you're slipping into a wiggle dress or recreating a pin-up photoshoot, this vintage corselette delivers the perfect blend of function, comfort, and timeless glamour.

Complete Your Look

5 stars: 9 (75%)
4 stars: 2 (17%)
3 stars: 1 (8%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

The Perfect Silhouette!

I have this in black and wear it all the time! the cinch it gives at the waist while giving the bust the vintage shape is picture perfect. It's really comfortable and pretty seamless to wear under tight clothing. I wear this with a skirt as outerwear too! It's so much more efficient than a three piece set. 10/10!

Beautifully crafted piece that fits like a dream

Beautifully crafted piece that fits like a dream. Comfortable too. Miracle lingerie

would have perfered a longer option

this is really beautiful, however I have quite a long torso and I would have prefered to have this sit a little lower on my hips like in the photo. if in the future a 'tall' version would be made i would definitely repurchase!

Excellent service

Lovely quality, efficient service

Magnifique guêpière

Le modèle le plus confortable que je n'ai jamais porté
Elle est magnifique, les détails des coutures vous font ressentir exceptionnel
Elle ne comprime pas l'abdomen et elle tient les bas très bien, ils ne roulent pas et la couture des bas reste bien dans l'alignement de la jambe
Assorti soit avec la petite culotte ou la plus grande le résultat est fantastique
On se sent très à l'aise dedans car aucune gêne dans les déplacements et la vie de tout les jours car elle se fait oublier
Je l'ai acheté couleur pêche mais je vais pas tarder à la commander en noir
Acheter sans hésitation

Merrynonwidow

I generally like it but the sizing is a bit small. I've noticed this before in English designed clothing.

Very Pretty

Can’t wait to buy more

Lovely high quality

Lovely item, but despite using

Lovely item, but despite using the sizing chart, it is a little small. Liked the packaging too. Will be a bit wary about buying anything else because of the sizing.