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Corset for men to enhance the classic male figure

A corset isn’t considered to be an item of clothing that’s typically associated with men. But fashion student Zdenek Lusk has shown how it could become the perfect solution for those who want to achieve a V-shape appearance.

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    Fashion Design student Zdenek Lusk (right) and a model wearing his corset design

    Corset for men to enhance the classic male figure

    A corset isn’t considered to be an item of clothing that’s typically associated with men.

    But fashion student Zdenek Lusk has shown how it could become the perfect solution for those who want to achieve a V-shape appearance.

    The 22-year-old Nottingham Trent University student has designed and prototyped a corset for men – with designs changing the garment into an item of streetwear.

    “I wanted to take men’s fashion forwards and noticed that many male gym-goers are looking to create big, square shoulders that taper down into the waist,” said Zdenek, of the School of Art & Design.

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    Zdenek's corset prototype

    “That’s essentially what a corset is creating – it pushes out the shoulders and creates a triangular shape. There’s no reason why this item of clothing cannot be appropriated for men, as I see it.

    “It’s not about me saying that all men should start to wear women’s clothing – far from it. Nor is this about simply trying to help men hide their beer bellies.

    “But the corset could serve all men’s interests in the modern day. It’s about accentuating what’s already there and creating a garment which enhances the look many men want.”

    Zdenek’s corset is made with fuse tape with plastic boning which is covered in webbing. It features a toggle elastic band at the back, in place of traditional laces. Alongside his white corset, Zdenek has created three toiles made from cotton drill, heavy cotton and utility wear.

    “There’s a whole world out there we can explore without losing our identity as men,” said Zdenek, originally from the Czech Republic, but who also spent many years growing up in Northern Ireland.

    “I think it’s good for people to be proud of their masculinity, but it can be done in a more intelligent way.

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    The back of Zdenek's corset

    “I like the idea of having the corset in a street style with jeans and a bomber jacket, but my aim is to create a concept here for men to use individually in the ways they feel appropriate.

    “You could wear it to a club or out for drinks, for instance, in place of a formal shirt. It is more wearable than people expect and is designed to comfortable.”

    Zdenek’s work will feature in Nottingham Trent University’s art and design Summer Show, which will see graduating artists and designers displaying their work as part of an online public exhibition on wearecreativesntu.art.

    Other subject area on the site include Knitwear and Textiles Design; Fine Art; Visual Communication; Design for Stage and Screen; Fashion Marketing, Management and Communication.

    Emma Prince, Fashion Design Course Leader at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Although historically men's corsets were worn discreetly under garments in the 18th and 19th century, Zdenek is looking at the garment in a new way to show styled with streetwear which he developed through his final collection research.”

    • Notes for editors

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      About Nottingham Trent University

      Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

      NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

      The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

      It is one of the largest UK universities. With over 37,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University injects £1.6bn into the UK economy. It has been the largest recruiter of UK undergraduates in each of the last four years. With an international student population of more than 6,000 and an NTU community representing around 160 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

      The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019.

    Published on 13 July 2021
    • Category: Press office; School of Art & Design