Lara Corsets custom period millinery, hats, bonnets, victorian, edwardian, tudor, renaissance, vintage style

Lara Corsets & Gowns

Historically Accurate & Inspired Garments for Women

18th Century Corsets & Undergarments

A Price guide and samples of my past work

18th century corsets (commonly referred to as "stays") are constructed to shape the torso into a fashionable conical silhouette, breasts are pushed upward and together, forming a "mono busom". Backs are cut narrow to help pull back the shoulders and expand the chest. Shoulder straps are optional or removable (often being pinned or laced into place). Whalebone, reeds and metal were all used in the period. I prefer to use modern German "plastic whalebone" or 1/4" enameled steel (your choice). The tabbed lower edges can be shaped however you prefer (usually rounded or square). Corsets were spiral laced with a single long corset lace and eyelets are typically sewn (though I can use the metal grommets if you prefer).

Many customers ask me for plain, lower priced 18th century corsets. The construction time and methods are the same regardless of the fabrics. Whether I use one of my brocades on the face of your corset or a plain cotton or linen the starting price is the same since the fabric costs are the same. I much prefer to make something pretty rather than ordinary anyway. The higher prices are shown below should you choose a $100 per yard silk I need to custom order.

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Style

Sample Photos

Price

18th Century stays

Lacing at front and back

(easier to lace yourself)

Fashion face fabric

over cotton coutil,

lined in cotton or linen.