Don't Get Sucked in by Corsets

It is one of the hottest trends to sweep the fashion world and promises to give women the perfect figure, but at what price? The corset has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including deep vein thrombosis, and has been criticised for sending women back to the 19th century. Yet the garment is enjoying one of its biggest revivals in centuries, thanks largely to the popularity of performers such as Dita Von Teese and the Pussycat Dolls.
The most recent intruder on Big Brother, corsetiere "Zach" has used the show to display his designs. But the vice-president of the Australian Medical Association' s NSW branch, Brian Morton, warns that wearing corsets or "body shapers" based on the same technology, particularly for long periods, could cause fluid retention, gastric reflux and deep vein thrombosis.
Dr Morton said corsets and body shapers could restrict blood flow in the main vein in the abdomen, potentially leading to DVT, the formation of a blood clot that could cause death if untreated. DVT has been linked to long-haul flights or sitting for more than eight hours.
Women who smoke, have a history of cardiovascular disease, are on the pill or aged in their mid-50s or older have the highest risk of developing the condition, Dr Morton said. He warned consumers to consult their GPs before wearing a corset or full bodysuit. "You have to balance vanity against necessity. The health message would be: start doing some abdominal exercises and watch your diet," he said. "For those women who want to wear one, don't be overambitious.
Some women see themselves as a size 10 when they're a size 12. You had better be realistic. Often these things are fads, so when women find they're bloody uncomfortable to wear, they won't wear them all the time." Sydney psychologist and convener of Women in Psychology, Dori Wisniewski, said the trend was a swing from the freedom women gained during the feminist
era. "It is a step backwards because (corsets) are all about confining and restricting people," Ms Wisniewski said. "These clothes limit your movement and limit your freedom. They bind you. We gave up girdles."
Contemporary culture and fashion expert Jennifer Craik said the trend was yet another message from the fashion industry that thinner is better. "There has been a very deliberate campaign that says women can never be small enough," the University of Canberra professor said. "Clearly, all these things are part and parcel of that continuing pressure on women to become tiny." The large number of corsets and body shapers on the market include the Xtreme Plunge Bodysuit launched on June 2, which makers claim will help women "lose a dress size". Other brands include Body Nancy Ganz and Naomi and Nicole.
The maker of the Xtreme Plunge Bodysuit, Bruno Schiavi, said the product stopped women from resorting to far riskier cosmetic surgery. "What we're trying to do is discourage women from having plastic surgery by giving them an alternative, " he said. "I believe plastic surgery is a lot riskier than wearing a bodysuit. All our garments are quality tested."
He said while corsets and "shapewear" had been on the market for some time, the industry had recently grown by 300 per cent due to fashion trends. Television shows such as Oprah, Dr Phil and The View had all sung the praises of corsets and body shapers, helping to make them more popular, Schiavi said.
The designer, who collaborated with singer Delta Goodrem on her lingerie line, said he was working with Hollywood plastic surgeon Dr Robert Rey, the star of US television's Dr 90210, on a new range of control garments. Product manager for Body Nancy Ganz, Janine Anggara, said modern shapewear products were more comfortable and flexible than control garments of the
past. "Compression and support underwear can aid in faster recovery for certain conditions and therefore many medical experts recommend our products," she said. "We recommend consumers be aware of poor quality imitations and suggest they purchase respected brands."
[SMH]