Corset Chronicle

Corsets have been used as a fashion item by both men and women for the last several centuries. The form and construction techniques have been on a continual pattern of change similar to the modernization in the materials and items used. For you to develop the best shape for you, you might be better informed if you have an understanding of the types of materials used in today's corsets.

Corsets for Shaping the Body

The ancient corsets tend to be ones with the least amount of reshaping. The breasts look to be contained and give the look of a minimized profile. To develop this profile you have to work against the curves and shape of of a woman's body.

Boning and Busks

Success depends on two things: a) the strength and other factors of the boning material, and b) the ability to tighten the lacing. In order for the corset to fit you comfortably you are able to lace and tighten up to a point, you should rely on the boning for providing the rest of the support.

A good boning material is spring steel coated in nylon that provides a light color base and comes in a group of thicknesses, widths, and lengths. When you are making a selection for the type of steel boning for a corset that will look like it was designed for you the width takes precedence over thickness. You know when you have selected a corset with the correct steel boning because it is clearly flexible but is is extremely difficult to bend.

You can also use busk fasteners that open and are typically used with the front of corsets to allow you to dress yourself in the corset without assistance. The first appearance of a busk on a corset was near 1860 and began with straight busks, the elaborate and intricate spoon busk was invented a decade later. The entire collection of thse corsets can be found in our online auctions or superstore.