corset notes
CORSET STYLES
Ready-to-Wear corsets made ethically in the US and the UK.
Curvy Cinchers and Waspies under $200.
Longline Corsets for the Short-Waisted
Longline Corsets for the Tall and/or Long Waisted (under $300)
Custom fit Corsets under $200.
S-Bend Traditional Edwardian Corsets.
Corsets that Correct Shoulder Posture/ Waistcoat Corsets.
Mesh, Net and Sheer (Summer) Corsets.
Extreme Hourglass and Pipestem Corsets.
Conical Ribcage (wasp silhouette) corsets for training the ribcage.
Modern Slim Corsets for Starters who are apple-shaped or dislike the tightlaced look
Plus Size/ Full-Figure Corsets (corset sizes over 40″).
Masculine Corsets for Gentlemen.
Feminizing Corsets for Cross-Dressers and MTF Trans Women.
Overbust Corsets with Cups.
Conventional Overbust Corsets for the Large-Busted.
Teeny Corsets for Petite or Advanced Tightlacers.
Asymmetric Corsets (for Scoliosis or other issues).
Pattern-Matched Corsets
Corsets with Fan-Lacing:
Corset Dresses:
Lattice Corsets:
Pairs of Bodies, Effigies, and Stays:
Corset-Bodies and Bodysuits.
Titanic-Era (19teens) Reproduction Corsets.
Corsets with Multiple Ties / Adjustment Systems
Corsets with a High, Square Hip-Shelf
Custom Corsets with Zipper Closures
Hardware
Busk: A specialty closure that is comprised of metal loops and studs, mounted to a pair of steel bones - the standard front closure.
Variations: the curved "spoon busk." having a separating busk creates a much quicker (un)dressing experience than closed front, it is critically important to loosen the back lacing before unfastening the busk in front.
Bones: Thin slats responsible for maintaining the vertical tension of a corset. Bones do not create shape, but support it. Most bones are either "flats," flat pieces of spring steel, or "spirals," which resemble a flattened coil and have more flexibility. Though high quality plastic bones are available, including "synthetic whalebone," the type of plastic bones used in mass-produced corsets are generally flimsy and warp easily.
Grommets / Eyelets: Metal rings that strengthen the holes through which the corset lacing is threaded. Corsetry requires "two part gromments," the main part being a shaft with a rounded flange, which, on the other side of the hole, grasps a flat washer.
Dollymop for Dark Garden "Antoinette" corset | Model: Hailey Johnson | Photo © Herm Pugay
Construction
Binding: A strip of fabric that encases the top and bottom edges of a corset. Because of their thickness, created by the layers of construction, corsets rarely have a turned-under hem as would other garments.
Bone casing: An additional layer of fabric that is topstitched in place to create a bone channel.
Bone channel: The path between layers of fabric that holds each bone in place. Bone channels often, but not always, follow seamlines.
Panel: Each piece (or stack of pieces) of fabric, cut to a specific shape to create fit. Most corsets commonly have six panels on each side of the body.
Waist tape / waist stay: A sturdy "tape" (non-decorative ribbon) that reinforces the waist to minimize stretching.
Pop Antique underbust corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © Ava Photo
The Lacing Area
"Bunny ears": The most popular way of lacing a corset creates loops at the waist level, to provide greater leverage where it is most needed. This is sometimes called the "bunny ears" method of lacing and the loops themselves are the bunny ears in question. Ideally, the waist loops should create an extra cross-over, such that pulling on the lower portion of the loop tightens the top, and vice versa. This provides additional support to the area of greatest strain.
Lacing gap: The space between edges of the center back panels. A lacing gap allows for flexibility in fit, though some may choose to lace their corsets closed. A standard lacing gap is 2"; larger sizes may wear their corsets with a gap of up to roughly 4".
Modesty Panel: An extra piece of fabric that sits behind the laces. A modesty panel serves several purposes, but is most commonly desired to cover the skin crease created by tightening a corset.
Pop Antique "Valentine" corset | Model: Threnody in Velvet | Photo © Scott Chalmers
Fabrics
Coutil: A specialty fabric designed specifically for corsetmaking --- tightly woven with a minimum of stretch. There are various types of coutil, including the classic herringbone, spot broché, and brocades. Coutil can be used as a fashion fabric as well as a strength layer, or in a single-layer corset.
Fashion fabric: The outer fabric of a corset, which need not be as strong as the inner layers. Fashion fabrics may be very sturdy or delicate and chosen purely for their aesthetic value, be it color, pattern, or texture.
Strength layer: The "load bearing" layer of a corset, if you will. Coutil is a popular choice for this layer. Other fabrics such as canvas, duck, and poplin are also often used. This is particularly the case in America, where import fees can make good quality coutil cost-prohibitive.
Lining: The layer closest to the skin. Some corsetmakers may also refer to their "strength layer" as the lining. For others, the "lining" would be an additional layer that protects the strength layer from your body's oils and sweat.
Interfacing: A lightweight layer of specialty fabric that is heat-fused to the fashion fabric to stabilize it. With the use of a dual-sided interfacing called Wonder-Under, a fashion fabric may also be fused directly to a strength layer fabric for maximum reinforcement.
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