Corsets

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Corsets

Thank you, Mrs. Lawson, you answered a question I hadn't gotten around to asking. I've been contemplating buying a corset not only for the distant day when I won't be a keyboard campaigner any more, but also to support my messed-up modern back. Now it sounds like an even better idea.

[Homespun Ma]

Re: Corsets

I've been very pleased with the corset I purchased from Kay- I will admit that it was not a custom order, I purchased it from her at an event. If one doesn't have any particular fitting issues, it may be possible to do the same. That way you can get an idea of what a difference it will make in the way your clothes fit. Many ladies envision tightly laced corsets ( complete with visions of Scarlett hanging onto the bedpost while Mammy pulls the strings until she can barely breathe) but I've never found mine to be uncomfortable and I can tolerate sleeping with it on if need be. I find it a bit amusing that women think wearing a cotton corset is unbearably hot and confining, but have no qualms about modern undergarments made from spandex, synthetic padding and underwires.

Lauren Ehas

[Spinster]

Re: Corsets

Lauren is right.

Most folks don't realize that corsets, as part of a period clothing system, make one cooler than doing without one and then putting on all those clothes.

A corset over a chemise supports the petticoats without allowing them to cut into the waist. A little flare on the corset just below the period waist holds those petticoats out from the waist, and allows a bit of air circulation under the corset. My corseted waist is larger than my natural waist measurement--not true for all, but certainly for some.

Becky--when you have someone take your measurements per Kay's chart, have them look carefully to see if you have one hip higher than the other, or if you have a little scoliosis. This information, along with what normally makes your back more comfortable will aid Kay in fitting you better. The fact that you wish to wear it under modern clothes does need to be noted--its going to look funny with trousers, but will do fine with most dresses.

[Marissa]

Re: Corsets

There is nothing more embarassing then someone asking what is actually under the hoop skirt and not having the correct underpinnings to show.
I find that wearing a corset is not all that bad, sure after a weekend it feels nice to get it off but it should be tight enought to form the correct frame yet loose enough to let you breath.
In addition to having a corset, a proper fitting dress is a must to show off your frame.

[Miss_Kady]

Re: Corsets

Aside from the lifting and good lines considerations that the other women have mentioned, a corset will help support all the other underpinnings that you wear. When you have waistbands for your drawers, multiple petticoats and perhaps a crinoline hanging from your waist, the support of a corset really helps to distribute that weight. I was so much more comfortable once I acquired one. I didn't wear a corset my first season, partly due to financial considerations but also due to concerns of how it would affect me physically following a recent appendectomy. In retrospect, I wish that I had worn a corset that season because it definitely helps with lifting, and I think the incision would have felt much better with a corset gently pressing against it.

Kathryn Bourn