Corset Glossary and Corset Care
The construction of a Sinful Desires corset is what truly sets it apart from modern day factory corsets.
Using only the very best materials Sinful Desires corsets are constructed in a traditional hand made way, which incorporates steel boning, strong tight lacings and quality materials from around the world.
We hope that the following terms help you understand more fully the components of a corset so that you can better appreciate elements of the design of your custom made corset.
Terminology
- Boning
- Modern boning is used in a variety of modern day garments however unlike traditional boning it is
made of plastic. The construction of which deforms and over a short space of time warps due to
wear and washing losing the garments shape.
Known as "Stay or Stays" In Victorian Times these would be made of Whale Bone. These have been replaced in traditional corset making by "Sturdy Flexible Spiral Stainless Steel Inserts" and "Flexi Stainless Steel Inserts" which are tipped to prevent fraying when fitted inside the garment. These maintain the control in the corset without the discomfort. The flexi steel is a straight flat steel which is used in the back of the garment to give support without too much deviation. The spiral steel inserts are made of a woven wire construction this is for flexibility and these are used in the side and the front of the garment to allow full movement whilst maintaining shape and form. - Busk
- Unlike modern corsets which use a hook and eye fastening front. Here at Sinful Desires we use a narrow Steel Busk. This is a metal clasp constructed of two full metal stainless steel plates one with metal pegs fixed to it, the second with an overlap hook. These are sewn into the garment which gives a sturdy front fixing whilst maintaining the shape and form.
- Coutil
- This is the fabric normally used in traditional corsets and forms the inner layer of Sinful Desires corsets. It is a very sturdy crisp woven fabric made in a herring bone pattern and is referred to as "Traditional Corset Fabric".
- Lacing
- In traditional corsets "Lacing" forms an integral part of the forming shaping and maintaining of the figure. Lacing is made of strong cording which is looped and tied at the rear of the garment. In modern day garments lacing is generally no longer used, this means that the shape of the garment is fixed and cannot be adjusted to the body shape.
- Grommets
- Here at Sinful Desires we use heavy gauge two piece grommet eyelets on all of our corsets which are fixed through three layers of fabric. These are used for the threading and holding of the corset lacing.
- Flossing
- Flossing is the term used for embroidery usually used on the boning castings (Stitching around the boning). It is a decorative feature which can also been anywhere on the corset.
- Cording
- This is an alternative to boning which was used in place of whale bone. For anyone who prefers it cording can be used as a replacement for "Steel Boning".
- Girdle
- This is the old fashioned name for what is now commonly called a waspie. It is a short corset which controls the waist only.
- Modesty Panel
- This is a panel which covers the area exposed at the back of the corset around the lacing. In many cases this is not required and normally is asked for.
- Garters
- Each corset comes with loops so garters (suspenders) can be attached. Should they not be required then this would be stated on ordering. Many people prefer not to have them.
Wearing and Aftercare
- Lacing Up
- For the first fitting it will require a second person to make the
adjustments. Start by laying the corset flat with the back facing you.
Loosen the back lacing sufficient to easily wrap and close the corset
around you. Fasten the front busk starting from the waist upwards.
Once this is done the second person will then draw the lacing to your shape. Once this is done and tied off you will then be able to remove and re-fit the corset without adjusting the lacing. - After wear
- To prepare your corset for wearing on the next occasion. Take a damp (not wet) cloth to the lining, remove any surface body oils and air out your corset in a dry cool place. Then admire it until your next time of wearing.
- Cleaning
- Sinful desires are constructed with metal boning so we highly
recommend specialist dry cleaning only of your corset. The use
of water may cause discolouration and water marks.
Should you acquire a traditional corset cherish it as it is a stylish sophisticated garment which will give you many years of pleasure.