Corsetry
from wikipedia: a corset is a garment worn to mold and shape the torso in a desired shape for medical or aesthetic purposes." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corset
Hourglass corsets circa 1890 (atleast the first one)
again wikipedia: " the busk was intended to keep the front of the corset straight and upright. It was made of wood, ivory, or bone slipped into a pocket and tied in place with a lace called the busk point. These busks were often carved and decorated, or inscribed with messages, and were popular gifts from men to their sweethearts." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busk
A few interesting things here. One is the rigidity that the boning gives to the corset. the corset is made of a flexible material and then given shape by placement of the 'bones" This is similar to the stays used in the back suppport products. Is this something that might be useful to adapt for the chest binder? Perhaps it would give a bit of a tin man look making the chest look too flat? Explore. Most corsets were worn with an under garment of some sort...cotton, linen "chemise" or "shift." It looks as if some contemporary models are lined with satin for better comfort.
Also the use of the hook and eye fastener. The boning and fastener are combined i think. Used in the front it is easier for the wearer to put on without assistance but potentially gives the front a bulky look?
Again Lovely...
Less frilly and fantasia like. A bit more straightforward. I love the palette here as well. Tan and brown. I've never been a big fan of the Victorian look so this appeals as a more practical approach more reminiscent of armor in its look/fit?
Ribbon Corset... or Waist cincher 
"The waist cincher was in fashion from 1860 to 1907, particularly 1900 to 1907 and was very rare from 1911 to 1947 and from 1960 to 1985." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waist_cincher Ow.
The corset and the unnaturally thin waist was brought back into fashion in the 40s with Dior's New Look. Although this image might incite immediate outcries regarding the sadistic demands that the fashion industry makes of women's bodies etc I also noticed that this context changed my reading of this engraving of Joan of Arc so that for a moment her armor seemed less masculine and more feminized and corset-like...