Time to put an end to the myth that corsets are uncomfortable. A well fitted and constructed corset can be more comfortable than your favorite pair of pajama pants, but the key is the fit and the materials that are used.

All proper corsets consist of two main items: the foundation fabric and the supportive boning. These two items are what give the corset its structure, shape and waist-shaping capabilities. These two items also allow us to put more delicate fabrics, such as silk or lace, on the outside of the corset for aesthetic purposes. Are we ready for a lesson?

The foundation fabric is ideally a 100% cotton non-stretch fabric, such as coutil (optimal), twill, drill or duck. We use 100% cotton as it allows the skin to breathe, which is the most important issue (besides fit) when comfort in a tight-fitting garment. Using a stretchable material as the foundation fabric would completely defeat the purpose of having a corset, you may as well get a bustier if the materials are not correct, as the rigid fabric is the sole determination of the corsets waist-shaping powers.

The supportive boning in a proper corset is spring and spiral steels. The boning's sole responsibility is to have the foundation fabric maintain its shape. As a tight-fitting garment is put on a person, there is a tendency for the fabric to wrinkle and bunch. As the fabric "pulls" on the boning, it will not be able to bunch, keeping the fabric in its intended position. The use of plastic boning will cause the corset to bunch at the waist, which defeats the purpose of having a corset and does not look good on anyone.

There are a few other items which make the corset perform best. Grommets or lacing loops can be used to lace the corset onto a person. A busk can also be used in the front of the corset for easy "in and out", eliminating the need to completely lace in and out of the corset every time it is worn.