Gallery
An 1890s Corset: A Recreation
This 1890s corset was my third attempt at corsetry and my first serious step toward historical accuracy. I drafted the pattern to my own measurements using Stays and Corsets by Mandy Barrington, and I plan to use this piece as the foundation for many future garments inspired by this era. It’s constructed from silk and cotton coutil, reinforced with a 12‑inch metal spoon busk, plastic boning, metal grommets, traditional lacing, and finished with hand‑worked embroidery.
Corsets and Stays: The Backbone of Fashion
Corsets served as the foundational garment for a significant span of fashion history, shaping the preferred silhouette and supporting the layers worn over them. Far from the dramatic myths that surround them today, a well‑fitted corset was often a practical and comfortable garment, offering posture support and helping distribute the weight of multiple skirts and petticoats.
They also acted as a stable base for the bodices and gowns worn on top, ensuring a smooth, structured appearance that clothing alone couldn’t achieve. In many ways, the corset functioned as both an undergarment and a piece of engineering—carefully designed to balance comfort, structure, and the aesthetic ideals of the era.