This forum has been missing something for some time.
We've always had a definitive goggles thread, and a master pocketwatch thread, but there is one thing that is almost as pervasive in Steampunk as these items.
Corsets.
Wearing them, buying them, making them... Anatomical is always abuzz with talk about them.
And so I present you with the Mastery Corsetry Thread, a thread for doing such things as sharing information about making your own, discussing health facts and myths associated with corsetry, reviewing corset-makers, and, of course, showing off your new pretties!
First up, a glossary of terms. Please post to have me (or a friendly passing moderator) add anything to this; as you can see, it is rather incomplete!
GlossaryBones or
Stays: The strong strips of material that make a corset stiff and give it it's shape. Traditionally these were made of whalebone, though other materials -- including rope! -- were used. In a modern corset, these are generally made of polypropylene (plastic) in various weights (from very flimsy to really rather strong and solid), flexible but strong spiral steel boning, or strong, rigid flat steel boning.
Busk: The front fastening of the corset. Tends to refer to
this style of fastening, though strictly even a zipper closure might be called a busk. Not all corsets have busks.
Corseting: Wearing a corset.
Laces: Are fairly self-explanatory. Whatever is used to lace your corset shut. Usually these run down the back, though some designs put them in the front, or both down the front and back. Depending on personal preference, there are many methods for lacing a corset. Two of the most popular ones, as many people find they make lacing themselves in much quicker and easier, are
this one, recommended by Gallery Serpentine, a maker of "general wear" type corsets, and
this one from Wasp Creations, a maker of tightlacing corsets.
Overbust: A family of corset styles that, unsurprisingly, extend up over the bust.
Example, by the lovely Lyca.
Example, modelled by the wonderful Countessa Lenora.
Tightlacing: The practice of wearing a tightly-laced corset at all times to create often extreme and generally permanent body modification. Corseting for waist reduction of up to several inches is
not the same as tightlacing.
Underbust: A family of corset styles that, as you would imagine, stop below the bust.
Example,
Example, both modelled by the Countessa Lenora.
Waist cincher: Often used simply as an alternative term for an underbust corset, usually for types that give a particularly dramatic waist shape, but is also used to refer to a shorter, somewhat more belt-like style.
Example.
If you have better example pictures, please share! It's kind of hard to find safe-for-work ones, especially for underbusts and cinchers.
ReviewsDesert Orchid Corsets -- Reviewed by
Sweetest Poison.
ResourcesLinks to external resources -- suppliers, guides, etc.
In no particular order.
Information:
Corsetry community on LivejournalLong Island Staylace AssociationUnderbust pattern tutorialMoments In Time -- Victorian Secrets, via Victoriana BlogElizabethan Costume Page -- includes corset patterns and tips, should be adaptable to our interestsBoned modesty pannel tutorialFloating modesty pannel reference imageFloating modesty pannel tutorial, with bonus drama. (Scroll down past the rant.)
Sales:
(Please do not recommend unless you have had dealings with the seller. Please also consider including a review.)
Gallery Serpentine (Australia, ships internationally) Garments only. Made-to-measure available.
Timeless Trends (USA, ships internationally) Garments and some supplies.
Vollers (UK, ships internationally) Garments only. Made-to-measure available.
Harlots and Angels (UK, ships internationally) Garments only. Makers of the famous Lady Adventurer and Swashbuckler styles.
Shameless Fashion (Canada, don't know about shipping, contact for info) Garments only. Custom only. Specialises in underbusts. See also the Facebook page linked from the main site.
Desert Orchid Corsets (UK, ships internationally) Garments only. Custom only? Specialises in extensive choice of fabrics.
Dark Muse Corsetry (Australia, ships internationally) Garments only. Specialise in made-to-measure, off-the-rack also available.
Corsetmaking.com (USA, ships internationally) Supplies only, including patterns.
And finally, a disclaimer. I am not an expert on corsets or corsetry, and it must be borne in mind that any medical advice given by
anyone in this thread cannot be guaranteed. Speak to your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any health concerns regarding corseting.
** Remake, as we had some technical problems with the old one after a thread merge. Sorry, folks! If you were awaiting an answer, the original,
locked thread can be found
over there. **