Corset Story

There has always been a following for corsets by both sexes for quite some time going back several centuries. The shapes formed by the various construction methods have been able to be modernized and so have the basic types of items used. If you are trying to reproduce the shape you covet, you need to have knowledge 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 have to constrain and work against the typical shape and inherent curves of woman'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 lace up and tighten so much, the remainder of the support is done by the boning.

A good choice in boning material is steel covered with nylon that is typically a light color and comes in a group of thicknesses, widths, and lengths. When you are making a selection for the type of steel boning for your favorite corset style the thickness is of primary importance. When the right spring steel is used it is pliable but it is really hard to bend.

You can use busks that open and are sometimes used on the front of corsets to allow you to slide into and out of your corset without another person's help. The busk type fasteners were invented around 1860 and allowed construction 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.