Boned Corsets

Admit it, the words “boned corset” strike a little bit of fear into your heart, don’t they? After all, we’ve all probably seen period dramas with girls being winched into corsets that look horrifically uncomfortable, and Keira Knightley’s character in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actually passed out due to the tightness of her corset. Most of us associate the most unpleasant aspects of corsetry with the boned corset and though its uncomfortable - literally - history is not an entire fabrication, it isn’t a true representative of this staple of a female wardrobe.

A boned corset simply means a corset stiffened with bone, known as ribs or stays. Although soft, or unboned, corsets are now widely available, to create a truly classic shape a boned corset is required. A range of different materials can be used to create the ribs, with history using whalebone and - at one time - straight steel. However, most modern corsets use the far more durable option of plastic for cheap and light corsets, with the more expensive ones using spring or spiral steel.

The advantage of boned corsets is that, unlike a soft corset, they not only suck the body in but also help form a shape. If you want a truly feminine definition to your silhouette, then a boned corset is always going to be your best option. They help make the most of what a woman already has, and if an aspect isn’t there in the first place, they can help create it.

There are dangers associated with wearing a boned corset, and to most people the idea of lacing a corset so tightly that it eventually results in a reduction of waist size (known as “tightlacing”) is a terrifying idea, though it is still in practice. However, if you wear a corset correctly - laced firmly but not overly so - then there are no health risks whatsoever. In fact, a properly laced and fitting boned corset is beneficial to health, as it helps correct posture.

So yes, while I admit a boned corset does sound terrifying, it really doesn’t need to be. The truth is that some garments - particularly long, sweeping evening dresses - will not hang correctly, and therefore not be showcased to their fully glory, without a corset. Very few women have a perfect hour glass figure, so why not create one?

There are so many types and styles of corsets available now, most of which can be worn both as outerwear and as undergarments. As well as being beautifully designed and tailored to be comfortable, the garments themselves are often intricate in pattern and detail and are truly beautiful items of clothing. In addition to the flawless shape a boned corset can create, this makes them a must-have for any woman’s wardrobe.

Just remember, although a boned corset is by design a restricting garment, it does not need to be uncomfortable. The word to aim for when lacing is “firm” but not “tight”. When wearing your corset, you should still be able to breathe easily, stand up and sit down without problems and it should not pinch. Get this right, and that Jessica Rabbit figure can be yours.