Wikimedia Commons
Source:
Wikimedia Commons

Corsets were all the rage in the 16th century. Catherine de’ Medici, wife of French King Henry II, was said to have banned women with thick waists from attending court. She inadvertently created beauty standards that had corsets becoming common and popular during the Renaissance up until the 20th century.

Women went for small waists that accentuated their bosoms, wearing corsets to their own detriment. Read on for more about corsets. They may be no longer in style but small waists are still a trend to this day.