We tend to think of fashion as something for the ladies but that has not always been so. They say the pendulum swings in terms of trends and nothing is truer when it comes to men and the subject of looking your best. In fact a quick perusal of history shows us that the period we have just passed through, where men took no notice of appearance is atypical. Items to enhance the male physique, such as men’s corsets, have enjoyed a long and glorious history.
An Age To Regret
It seems that only in the last 100 years or so has it been seen as undesirable even effeminate for men to take a deep interest in their appearance. Prior to that time it was perfectly acceptable for a male to use whatever was around to present his best side to the public. Common sense seems to dictate that this is the way it should be. Why should only women have the advantage of products to enhance attractiveness?
The first mention of men and makeup dates all the way back to the bible with reference to it Old Testament (Ezekiel 23:40). Men and corsets used to achieve a more attractive shape also enjoy a long relationship. There is a corset pattern at the London Museum, it was reportedly given by Queen Mary to the Museum and it belonged to a corset made for George IV.
Only in recent times has it seemed that men must allow everything to hang out for fear of ridicule.
The Pendulum Has Swung
Luckily with the advent of the metrosexual and other sensible male fashion movements it is now very much back in vogue for men to look their best. Part of that is accentuating the perfect male form of broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow and firm waist. Some of us are not perfect in that department, so mens corsets are again all the rage.
Stars such as Brad Pitt and George Clooney have led the charge for this change in male fashion fortunes. Both are big proponents of men’s grooming and given their obvious charms no one is questioning their masculinity. It is certain that they would not hesitate to wear a mens corset if it showed off what they have got to advantage.
A very good thing for the rest of us who breath a sigh of relief at being given permission, once again, to look our best. Even if we do sometimes need some help.
