When did wrist corsages come into style?

Corsages have been part of formal wear for centuries. Originally, a corsage was considered to be a small grouping of flowers worn on the center bodice of a dress. It is derived from the French term "bouquet de corsage," which translates to bouquet of the bodice. Corsages were commonly worn to weddings because, in ancient times, it was believed that the flowers and herbs placed in the corsage were essential to warding off evil spirits. Corsages were worn by special participants in these ceremonies.

In the 20th century, corsages evolved into something that served as a gift for women attending special social dances, like their high school proms. The corsage worn in this manner was part of the courting process. The gentleman would show respect to his date's parents, including bringing flowers or a gift. The gentleman would then take a flower out of the bouquet and present it to his date and attach it to her dress.

As prom dresses evolved to feature spaghetti straps or no straps at all, pinning the corsage to the dress bodice was no longer practical. Therefore, corsages soon morphed into small bouquets that were attached to an elastic band. The result was something that could be worn around the wrist. Nowadays, there are various styles of corsages that can be worn at the waist and even in the hair.

Late 20s 30s or early 40s