>(I recognize that corsets in their "native" form are hideously
>unpleasant garments that serve no useful function, and I would never
>wish one on anybody. The purely decorative variety, however, I find
>quite... well, decorative. Not sure what that says about me.)

I have it from an old friend who makes her own period-piece costumes (including quite a lot of corsetry) that a properly designed and fitted corset is very comfortable, arguably better at breast support than a modern bra, and does not interfere with breathing or motion. The corsets that legendarily squished one's innards until one was liable to collapse from lack of oxygen after one or two ballroom dances, she says, are mostly exaggeration. To the extent they were ever real, they were the Victorian equivalent of ridiculous modern high-fashion outfits that aren't intended to be worn by anyone but a runway model.