Corset Story

There has always been a following for corsets by both women and men for quite some time going back several centuries. The shapes formed by the various construction methods have come from a variety of backgrounds. and so have the basic types of items used. For you to reproduce the shape you desire, you need to have knowledge of the materials and items you can use in today's marketplace.

Shaping the Body with Corsets

The oldest created corsets are typically the ones with a moderate amount of curves or reshaping. The breasts tend 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 great corset design depends on two main factors: a) the properties and type of boning material used. 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 provides a light color base and is made in an assortment of widths, lengths, and thicknesses. When you select the spring steel for a corset that will look like it was designed for you 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.

There are also busk fasteners that open and are used for the front of corsets to allow you to put your corset on and off without help. The first time busks were used was near 1860 and started with a straight simple busk, the complications of the spoon busk was developed around 1870. These items can be found in either our online superstore or our online auctions.