Corset Lowdown

Corsets have been idolized by both women and men for the last several centuries. The form and construction techniques have been changing and so have the materials used. If you are trying to develop the desirable shape for you, you may be a better consumer if you have an understanding of the items available to you today.

Body Shaping and Corsets - The Perfect Match

The corsets from earlier times are typically the ones with a moderate amount of curves or reshaping. The breast flesh tends to be flattened and their shape diminished. To attain this straight silhouette you are having to "fight" the general shape and curves of a female's body.

Busks, Boning and Other Corset Facts

A quality corset depends on two factors: a) the properties and type of boning material used. and b) the tightening level allowed by the lacing. To ensure you are comfortable while wearing your corset you can only tighten and lace up to a point, the remainder of the support is done by the boning.

A good choice in boning material is steel covered with nylon that comes in lighter colors and is found in different length, thickness, and widths. When you select a spring steel for the corset you choose the width is secondary to the thickness. The steel boning characteristic makes a perfect corset because it is pliable and flexible, but it is nearly impossible to bend them.

You can construct a corset with busks that open and are usually located on the front of corsets to enable you to slip into and out of your corset unassisted. The busks were created in the 1860's and began with straight busks, the complications of the spoon busk was developed around 1870. These items can be found in either our online superstore or our online auctions.