Corset History

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 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 items available to you today.

Using Corsets to Shape the Body

The oldest created corsets are typically the ones the a minimal amount of reshaping. Your breast shape appears to be in compression and deliver the appearance of a minimal breast silhouhette. To develop this shape you have to constrain and work against the natural shape and curves of a woman's body.

Boning and Busks

Success depends on two things: a) strength of boning used, and b) the ability to tighten the lacing. In order for the corset to fit you comfortably you can only lace up and tighten so much, you should rely on the boning material to provide the rest of the structural support.

A good boning material is spring steel coated in nylon that provides a light color base and is made in an assortment of widths, lengths, and thicknesses. When you are making a selection for the type of steel boning 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 flexible and pliable, but it is very hard to bend it.

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.