Corset History

There has been an attraction to corsets by both sexes for a long time - 100's of years. The construction techniques and the shapes they form have changed due to new technology similar to the changes in materials used. In order to develop the correct shapes, you need to have an understanding of the variety of items used in today's corsets.

The Corset Body Shaping Story

The ancient corsets are usually those with the least amount of curves. The breast flesh appears to be significantly pressed down and deliver the appearance of a minimal breast silhouhette. To create this silhouette you have to contain and fight the usual shape and typical curves of a woman's body.

Boning, Busks and Other Corset Techniques

A successful corset design is related to two components: a) the type and strength of boning used, and b) how snug the lacing can be tightened. If you want the corset to feel comfortable when you are wearing it you are only able to tighten the laces to a point, the rest of the support is delivered by the function of the boning.

A fine choice in boning is the use of spring steel cased in nylon that delivers a pale color base and is constructed in a wide variety of thicknesses, lengths, and widths. When specifying the steel boning for your corset the "thickness" is more important than the width. Spring steel, when it is of the proper thickness it is really flexible but it is almost impossible to bend.

You can also use busk fasteners that open and are typically used with the front of corsets to enable you to put on and take off your corset without calling someone in for help. The busks made their debut around 1860 and initiated with a very 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.