Fashion trends may come and go, but wedding dresses are almost always rooted in the past and tradition. Brides regularly turn to princess-like ball gowns with hoop skirts, elaborate lace veils, and long trains for their wedding day. After all, this is one of the only events in their life where it is socially acceptable to dress way more dramatically than anyone else on the guest list. But one, more unexpected vintage silhouette that has become a favorite of bridal designers this past season? The corset, which appeared everywhere at New York Bridal Fashion Week in October.
This waist-whittling style may have been abandoned from everyday attire in the Roaring Twenties, but it’s seen a resurgence in recent years across both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections as coquette and BDSM-inspired fashion have become major trends. With the ability to be sexy, nostalgic, romantic, and modern all at once, the corset is a versatile garment that can transform both the vibe of an outfit—as well as, of course, the body’s shape. More recently, a desire for that snatched look has slowly translated into the bridal world. As designer Jackson Wiederhoeft puts it, “It truly takes a level of expertise, much like speaking a long-forgotten language.”
Wiederhoeft notes that incorporating corsetry into his bridal designs is “a need or biological requirement,” especially given it’s already a signature of his ready-to-wear collections. “I have the pleasure of seeing clients put on a beautifully fitting corset for the first time, and the look on their face says it all. The corset is such a powerful tool to help someone open a new chapter of themselves. The wedding day can be such an intense moment—of course, everyone wants to look and feel their best. And if I can assist someone in feeling confident and strong and like the best version of themselves, my work is successful.”
While corsets of the past were seen as a symbol of patriarchy and constriction, designers today are bringing a new mindset to the silhouette. “Any kind of corsetry, whether it is a separate or part of a gown, offers the wearer incredible support and is a true celebration of the female form,” says Kyha Scott, founder and creative director of KYHA Studios. “That combination makes almost anyone who wears them feel like the very best version of themselves.” Plus, these new wedding dress corset designs won’t prevent anyone from breathing once laced in. “Today with modern fabrics and construction techniques, corsets are far more comfortable and easy to wear,” shares Sohil Misty, founder and creative director of Enaura. “We are now using softer fabrics, intricate detailing, and modern silhouettes, evolving the trend into something that feels both fresh and timeless.”
Another feature of corsets is their ability to serve as statement pieces on their own. While they can be an inherent part of a gown’s structure, designers also are offering them as individual garments to brides looking to change up their attire throughout the big day. “It makes sense—separates, including corsets, offer a flexibility and cost-effectiveness that I think will stand the test of time,” says Scott. “We are predicting brides will look increasingly to separates to create multi-layered looks for their day, and corsets form a critical part of this trend.” After all, a corset paired with a full ball gown skirt can easily transform into a chic top when worn with a party-ready mini or tailored pants.
While some designers like Galia Lahav embrace corsets in their collections with exposed boning, grommets, and lacing for a lingerie-inspired approach, others—like Vivienne Westwood—infuse them beneath the bodice of a dress to secretly cinch in their wearer behind the seams. “For me, this provides an opportunity to focus on the textile or embroidery, creating a really clean effect,” says Wiederhoeft. “It’s somewhat cybernetic.” Enaura created a “shell” corset for its last two seasons, which allowed the designer to incorporate extensive embroidery and beading. “One of our corsets, inspired by Portuguese tiles, took four of our artisans a cumulative 60 to 80 hours of embroidery, making it a true labor of love,” says Misty.