Corsets 18th century were called "Stays"

If the corset was constructed as one piece, usually opening at the back, it was called a "stay".

If the corset was constructed in two halves it was called a "pair of stays" or simply "stays".

The conical silhouette is still popular, breasts pushed upward and together forming a "mono busom". Shoulders are pulled back to expand the chest. Whalebone replaces wood, reeds and metal in upper class stays (corsets). Shoulder straps become optional or removable (being pinned or laced into place). Many corsets of this period are without shoulder straps altogether. Corsets are now a truly separate undergarment worn, in some form, by everyone.

Early in 18^th century, many corsets have a separate decorative center front piece called a stomacher.

Children are corsetted, since they are dressed like little adults (doctors begin protesting).  

The waist line of corsets is starts to rise above the natural waist by the fourth quarter of the century.

*The French revolution starts in 1789*

A dramatic change in silhouette is taking place at this time.

The Pannier appears about 1718 and went through many shapes until the French revolution in 1789. The pannier was round at first, then en coupole (domed) or en gueridon (round table), panniers a coudes (oval), and a panniers anglais had 8 hoops. Around 1750 the pannier was divided into two halves and known to us as pocket panniers.  By 1765 the pannier falls from favor for daily wear in the upper classes and is reserved solely for court wear. However padding and false bums are still worn by the masses.

The above six photos Courtesy of antique-fashion.com

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