Cursed Corsets!

[Mrs. V]

While I do have a pattern for a period corset, I do not thnk that my sewing and fitting skills are up to the challenge..the corset that I have been using is an Amazon thing..it has the right profile, but lately it has just been uncomfortable to wear...It was too small when I got it..anyone with a link for a reasonable priced corset out there..and by reasonable I am talk no more than 130..I know the cost of fabric and time..

My ribs thank you.

 

[Georgia]

While I do have a pattern for a period corset, I do not thnk that my sewing and fitting skills are up to the challenge..the corset that I have been using is an Amazon thing..it has the right profile, but lately it has just been uncomfortable to wear...It was too small when I got it..anyone with a link for a reasonable priced corset out there..and by reasonable I am talk no more than 130..I know the cost of fabric and time..

My ribs thank you.

What decade are you most interested in portraying?

Are you wanting an underbust or over bust? Laced with front hook closure? I've found some nice basic ( white) options made by seamstresses with positive reviews on Etsy within your listed budget.

But, share a bit more of the styling which you are wishing and I'll gladly share what I've found. ( I'm personally more up on 1700's needs, but I collect all eras through the 1960's so, I love doing the research. I've also got a lovely period mourning dress and straw filled muff if anyone wishes to look at construction for their own pieces. I love the "mud flap" of an oilcloth like fabric to protect the portion most likely to come in contact with the ground.

 

[lupaglupa]

Makes you glad the fashions of today are more forgiving!

 

[Georgia]

Makes you glad the fashions of today are more forgiving!

This may sound crazy, but I find my Colonial stays really comfortable. Especially when lifting heavy cast iron pots while cooking. It's almost like a back brace of sorts.

Other than the stays getting hot during cooking times when having a roaring fire isn't the norm, I prefer wearing a pair-

 

[Fairfield]

Several years ago, I was maid of honor to a friend who wanted me to wear a specific dress--and only that dress. The problem was that the dress only came in a size small that I wore. So the saleswoman brought into the dressing room an instrument of pure torture called a "Merry Widow". I felt like Scarlett O"Hara clingling to the bedpost as she and my friend tugged at the tabs and latches. When they finished, that dress just slipped on like butter. However, on the day of the wedding, I couldn't breath deeply, daren't laugh and barely ate. The device works but you'd better really want to wear that outfit!

 

[Mrs. V]

This may sound crazy, but I find my Colonial stays really comfortable. Especially when lifting heavy cast iron pots while cooking. It's almost like a back brace of sorts.

Other than the stays getting hot during cooking times when having a roaring fire isn't the norm, I prefer wearing a pair-

What decade are you most interested in portraying?

Are you wanting an underbust or over bust? Laced with front hook closure? I've found some nice basic ( white) options made by seamstresses with positive reviews on Etsy within your listed budget.

But, share a bit more of the styling which you are wishing and I'll gladly share what I've found. ( I'm personally more up on 1700's needs, but I collect all eras through the 1960's so, I love doing the research. I've also got a lovely period mourning dress and straw filled muff if anyone wishes to look at construction for their own pieces. I love the "mud flap" of an oilcloth like fabric to protect the portion most likely to come in contact with the ground.

Civil war is overbust, front busk, back lace system. I'm looking for something between 1862-5. Thanks!

 

[Georgia]

Civil war is overbust, front busk, back lace system. I'm looking for something between 1862-5. Thanks!

So, no back lace with a front hook metal closure? *just seeing that metal closures on your era corsets are considered busks. On the ones I wear, a busk is usually a wooden piece placed down a channel in the front center of the stays and can be carved by a suiter with initials, hearts, etc ...*Thanks for stating overbust as the underbust I found I wasn't certain on ...
I'll need to share in the morning what I've found but the Etsy locations had some really nice options which were within the budget you mentioned. ( Corsets and stays are so critical to getting the proper silhouette for the era, and I do realize there is a great amount of time involved in sewing them- but, goodness, they can really be quite costly. The stays I purchased from a local maker had hand sewn binding and eyelets but the channels are machine sewn. They still seemed quite expensive to me especially once I realized the amount of machine work done on them. I went with both front and back lacing as my needs were going to mean I wouldn't always portray someone who would have had a person helping them dress all the time and I knew I'd need to be able to cinch myself in most of the time anyway. I need to either get wider tape or leather binding and redo the edging or work on some areas that my boning has begun to wear through after all these years of wear. I'm toying with maybe using the pair I have as a pattern to try to make a new pair for myself with a tiny bit lower back to go under a round gown I've got on the mannequin. But, as there are always projects more pressing around the house, I'm not sure if this will ever happen- )

 

[Georgia]

So sorry for the delay. Here are two companies which seem to have high regards and are well thought of. I know these examples are plain, but I thought best to start here- possibilities or shall I keep looking for you?

Civil War Lined Working Corset With Grommets Custom Made 1860's Victorian - Etsy

This Corsets item by TreadleTreasures has 5289 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Middleburg, PA. Listed on Apr 1, 2024

www.etsy.com

Coutil Corset With Busk and Grommets Mid Bust 16 Flat Steel Bones Made to Order Civil War or Victorian Reenacting - Etsy

This Corsets item by TreadleTreasures has 580 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Middleburg, PA. Listed on Apr 2, 2024

www.etsy.com

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

Corsets & Working Stays

tstitches.com

 

[Mrs. V]

So sorry for the delay. Here are two companies which seem to have high regards and are well thought of. I know these examples are plain, but I thought best to start here- possibilities or shall I keep looking for you?

Civil War Lined Working Corset With Grommets Custom Made 1860's Victorian - Etsy

This Corsets item by TreadleTreasures has 5289 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Middleburg, PA. Listed on Apr 1, 2024

www.etsy.com

Coutil Corset With Busk and Grommets Mid Bust 16 Flat Steel Bones Made to Order Civil War or Victorian Reenacting - Etsy

This Corsets item by TreadleTreasures has 580 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Middleburg, PA. Listed on Apr 2, 2024

www.etsy.com

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

Corsets & Working Stays

tstitches.com

Thank you, I will look them up in a bit!