Katastrophe incarnate

Ladies, Gentlemen, and assorted other preferred designations, a question has occasionally come up and that I happen to have both Practical and Academic experiences to accurately explain. 
  CORSETS! 
  Now let’s be upfront on a few things, I rarely tightlace, though when I do it’s a dramatic experience for all involved. Tight lacing can indeed cause serious complications, breathing impairment, and internal organs shifting unpleasantly from excessive use. Disclaimer now given, let get to the fun stuff. 
  The hourglass figure that’s so very appealing is a product of the Victorian ideals, coming on the heels of the Regency preference for a more natural silhouette. Some breed of support garment was worn throughout these times, save for a very brief time when embracing the natural form was the fashion. But the hourglass corset, where the waist is nipped in, the breasts pushed up and together, and the flare of the hips accentuated is what I’d like to discuss today. 
   Today the corset itself is a popular option for the top, though if you choose to wear one long term, be informed an undergarment was worn throughout history for a reason. My preference is with an underdress or loose peasant sort of top, because cotton is far easier to launder than silk. 
  Now with the history and my preferences out of the way let’s move on to types you can find today. 
  The underbust or waist trainer is pretty much on the nose. Easiest to make in my opinion, these are some of the easiest to find and  can be an attractive addition to the wardrobe for play as well as mundane. There are varieties that lace up to a full back in a vest style that are excellent for posture training when properly laced. 
   Next we have the full corset, providing support to the bust as well, these can run expensive for custom jobs. I generally wear these through the cooler months, not because the pull things in really, but because they layer so well to be perfectly honest. 
    Finally an honorable mention to the bodice we see so often. Lacing alone does not a corset make, and while these less supportive garments are often attractively laces, these make a nice alternative for the individual who can’t manage the more restrictive cousin. 
    A note to finish up here, on why corsets. I already noted the curves I already have, and any garments that accentuate that? Sold! But not every one has a ten-fifteen inch difference between their hips and waist, not to mention bust measurements. If you’re already sort of squishy, those numbers mean very little, and for me I enjoy the corset hugging my body and the attention it brings to the curves I enjoy so much. 
   Any other corset enthusiasts out there?