Corset covers were an essential part of a woman’s under clothing. They protect the corset from rubbing on the bodice of the dress. It was easier to replace a corset cover than the dress bodice. Corset covers also provide added modesty when wearing gauzy summer dresses by preventing the chemise from showing through the sheer fabric. They stop the corset from showing when wearing a lower cut ball gown or evening bodice. A corset cover protects the corset from soil and dirt from the outside, unlike the chemise which is meant to protect the corset from the body oils and dirt. Corset covers also hide the bones of your corset giving you a smoother look. If you do not wear a corset, but instead wear a modern bra, a corset cover is essential to help hide this fact.