A corset is a close-fitting, usually boned garment worn to shape and support the torso, typically designed to cinch the waist and accentuate the curves of the body. Traditionally made of stiffened fabric and reinforced with boning or steel rods, corsets have been worn for centuries for both fashion and medical purposes. They can range from simple and functional to elaborate and decorative, often featuring lace-up closures at the back for adjustment. Corsets come in various styles, including overbust (covering the bust) and underbust (sitting below the bust), and they have been a staple in fashion history, evolving in design and function over time.