Corset Chronicle

There has always been a following for corsets by both sexes for hundreds of years. Shapes and construction techniques have varied. similar to the modernization in the materials and items used. For you to develop the correct shapes, you need to have an understanding of the materials available to you on today’s market.

Using Corsets to Shape the Body

The oldest created corsets are typically those with a minimal amount of curves. Your breast shape looks to be extremely compressed and create the appearance of a minimized profile. To attain this shape you must work against the natural shape and curves of a woman's body.

Busks and Boning

A successful corset design is related to two components: a) the characteristics of the boning material used, and b) the level of lacing tightening. If you want the corset to feel comfortable when you are wearing it you are only able to tighten the laces to a point, the remainder of the support is done by the boning.

A useful boning material is nylon cased spring steel that delivers a pale color base and comes in different widths, thickness and length. When choosing a spring steel for your corset the "thickness" is more important than the width. The steel boning characteristic makes a perfect corset because it is pliable and flexible, but it is nearly impossible to bend them.

You can also use busk fasteners that open and are typically used with the front of corsets to enable you to put on and take off your corset without calling someone in for help. The busks made their debut around 1860 and initiated with a very simple busk, the more complicated spoon busk was developed in the 1870's. These items can be found in either our online superstore or our online auctions.