Conical stays with tabs were historically used throughout the 1600′s and 1700′s. The simplest designs are created with the price-conscious reenactor in mind. Fancier designs and subtle variations in silhouette are possible when using complex panel piecing and decorative elements.

This is a bespoke conical corset for Renaissance reenactment.  It has a brown dupioni silk cover, busk pocket, and leather edging.

Brown Silk Renaissance Stays

Fabric: Two core layers of hemp/linen canvas, dupioni silk cover, and cotton muslin lining
Boning: 1/2" flat spring steel bones fanned for the front panel and 2 1/4" flat spring steel bones per tab
Piecing: Five panels total - one front panel, two side panels, and two back panels
Edging: Leather, hand stitched
Busk Pocket: Dupioni silk lined with hemp/linen canvas
Busk: Oak, 2"x12", hand made

These stays are constructed using modern materials and techniques to provide a beautiful foundation garment for modern reenactment.

These corsets are styled after the fashion profiles of the late Victorian and Edwardian. Underbusts come up to right under the bust, or just a bit below. Waist cinchers usually just cover from the bottom of the rib cage to the top of the hips.

This corset is a light lacing underbust I made for myself.  It uses two layers of unbleached corset coutil, covered along the waist and at the front and back with leather, grommeted in place.  It is also edged with leather, is flossed, has a lacing panel, and is front lacing.

Leather and Coutil Grommeted Underbust

Fabric: Natural color, unbleached coutil
Flossing: Buttonhole thread
Edging/Belt Overlay: Lightweight leather
Grommets: 108 total brass #00 grommets
Boning: 1/4" wide flat spring steel bones
Piecing: Six panels per side

This corset is inspired by some of the "health" corsets of the late Victorian, where mesh, grommets, and other open designs were used to make corsets lighter weight and decrease heat retention.

I made this corset for myself without a mock-up. It has a 3" gap in the back and a suspended lacing panel.