The corset is traditionally a leather vest that is tightened behind the back using laces. While tightening the wearer would empty her lungs and suck in her stomach so that it could be tightened as tight as possible. It would be normal for two people to tighten and tie the laces to get it as tight as possible. This would create an illusion of a slimmer waist than usual. The corset is the furst form of "weight loss clothing" that was worn by women to give them more feminine looks. A tighter waist and rounder figure. A wide pelvis was and still is appreciated as a symbol of sexuality.