Corsets first appeared in the 15th century and were worn by women of all classes at all times until the outbreak of World War one. The idea was to change the natural shape of the body in to what ever was the fashionable shape of the time. A very low waist and flat chest for the Elizabethans, narrow shoulders and a small waist for the Georgians to the infamous "S" curves for the Victorians, and numerous variations in between.
All Flitterbat corsets are constructed in a manner similar to how they were constructed originally. I use three layers of fabric; a soft lining of cotton, a stiff interlining layer of calico and a top layer of ornate fabric, silk, velvet, brocade etc. The stitching for the bones is usually done through all three layers of fabric, but some Georgian corsets were made up and then covered in the ornate fabric to hide the lines of stitching.
Boning is either metal or plastic. The plastic stuff is pretty good at holding it's shape, metal only being required for the centre fronts in the form of a busk, to stop you bending at the waist, but any corset can have all metal bones.
Corsets are designed to be tightly laced, and until you become accustomed to them they can be very restricting. Eating, drinking, sitting, standing all are uncomfortable to begin with! It gives an insight into life in the past, but these women wore corsets from a very early age and were used to the tight lacing, we recommend not over doing things until you get used to your corset.
Each corset is made for you to your measurements, please read the measuring guide carefuly, if you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch.