Corset Story

Corsets have been worn by both men and women 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 greatly 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 type and material used in the boning, and b) the tightening level allowed by the lacing. In order for the corset to fit you comfortably 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 is found in different length, thickness, and widths. When you select a spring steel for the corset you choose the width is of minor concern while your primary focus should be on 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 often used 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.