Corset Story

Corsets have been worn by both women and men for a long time - 100's of years. The various shapes and construction methods have come from a variety of backgrounds. and so have the basic types of items used. In order to reproduce the correct shapes, you need to have an understanding of the items and materials you can select from.

Body Shaping and Corsets - The Perfect Match

The oldest corsets are typically those with a minimal amount of curves. The breast flesh looks to be extremely compressed and create the appearance of a minimized profile. To attain this profile you have to contain the curves and shape of of a woman's body.

Busks, Boning and Corset Construction

A corset of high quality depends on two main factors: 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 fine choice in boning is the use of spring steel cased in nylon that typically is rendered in a lighter color pallette and is delivered in a variety of thicknesses, widths and lengths. When looking for a particular type of spring steel for your choice in corsets the width gives way to the thickness in what is most important. You are able to judge when the correct spring steel boning is selected because it is very pliable but it is difficult to bend.

You can use busks that open and are sometimes used on the front of corsets to allow you the freedom to get into your corset without requesting help from anyone. The busk fasteners were developed near 1860 and launched with simple 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.