Corset History

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 changed due to new technology similar to the changes in materials used. In order to develop the shape you desire, you need to have knowledge of the materials and items you can choose from.

Using Corsets to Shape the Body

The really old corsets are usually ones the a minimal amount of reshaping. The breast flesh appears to be significantly pressed down and deliver the appearance of a minimal breast silhouhette. To develop this shape you must work against the natural shape and curves of a woman's body.

Boning and Busks

A fabulous corset depends on two primary factors: a) the properties of the boning material, and b) how much you can tighten the lacing. To ensure comfortable wear you are only able to tighten the laces so much, the boning provides the remainder of the support.

Steel boning is typically coated in nylon that is usually a lighter color and is created in a group of lengths, thicknesses, and widths. When selecting the spring steel boning for the corset best suited to you the thickness gives way to the width in importance. You are sure when you purchase a corset with the best steel boning because it is flexible and pliable, but it is very hard to bend it.

There are also busks which open and are used in the front of corsets to enable you to get into and out of your corset without help. These did not appear until around 1860 and began with the inclusion of a simple busk, the more detailed spoon busk was created ten years later. All of these items can be found in our online corset store.