Repro Civil War Type CORSET 48-50" Waist Steel Boning & Enameled Steel Busk

Description

New Civil War era style corset sized for a 48-50" natural waist (see fitting details below). The first three pictures show the actual corset being sold. The last pictures are of a similar corset to show details of how it is worn.
A
ctual measurement at the waist level is 44", it is 15 1/4" at the center front and 13 3/4" at the center back. The corset is made with enameled steel busks and
14 flexible steel, enamel-coated corset bones.
The corset's exterior is made of prewashed and preshrunk 100% off-white cotton brocade with leaf designs. It is lined with prewashed and preshrunk 100% cotton or high percentage cotton-polyester blend fabrics.  It shapes the waist and supports the bust as well as  supporting the weight of skirt, petticoats and hoop skirt. The corset has brass spur grommets down the back opening, designed to give better "grip" to the fabric. The corset is laced with high quality corset lacing cords.
A properly fitted corset is essential to completing the correct period silhouette of a stylish and well-dressed woman. Of course, not all women of the period wore corsets, but not a single woman wore a brassiere in the Civil War era! (Since the brassiere was not invented until the 1920’s, if you choose to skip the corset, please skip the bra. Boned under-waists  or padded working stays are another period correct option.)
Fitting a corset is not an exact science, sizing depends on body shape and composition (soft or muscular) and not on modern dress sizing.
Fitting is most important for your comfort and for the correct look. To determine the correct “starting size” measure your waistline snugly over your period chemise (not too tight, not too loose.) Your corset size will be approximately 2-6 inches
smaller
than your actual waist
measurement
, this allows for a 2 to 6 inch gap at the back closure for weight fluctuation and breathing room.
“Fluffy” ladies will be able to cinch in more than “hard-bodied” muscular women.
I have found that this style of corset fits most bust sizes, the adjustment is simply to tighten or loosen the back laces.
The corset of the period is designed to shape and pull in the waistline, lift, and support the bust. Since the chest is pushed in and up, frequently a higher and more rounded cleavage results.
The top of the corset should be worn at nipple level, it may be necessary to lift the breasts up into a higher, more comfortable position as the corset is being tightened. The bottom of the corset should ride comfortably at the hip, and not gouge or cut into the hips. The corset is adjusted by tightening or loosening the back laces.  The long ties can be pulled from the front and tied at the front waist  for those times when you don't have help with dressing.
I have  also found that it is much easier to wear a hooped petticoat over a corset, it keeps the hoop skirt well supported, so it stays put and does not slide down the hips.
“
Tight lacing” was not then, nor is it now recommended!
To make fastening easier, hook the center waist post first, pivot the posts above and below to hook the remaining posts. It will most likely be necessary to loosen the laces to put the corset on, then the laces should be GRADUALLY tightened to the desired fit.
DO NOT JERK ON THE LACES AND GROMMETS!
The stress and strain on the grommets can cause them to be pulled from the fabric. We are not responsible for grommets that are lost due to excessive force used in over tightening or jerking on the laces. If a grommet does pull out it can only be repaired by hand stitching the opening with buttonhole stitching.
Always wear a chemise under the corset to protect your body from irritation and to protect the corset from perspiration and body oils. A corset cover is also highly recommended for the same reasons.
Corset care:
It should not be necessary to wash your corset too frequently but when it does need washing, the corset may be machine washed .
Do not use bleach. Do not machine dry the corset, simply lay it out to dry. Prolonged banging in the dryer will crack the enamel of the corset bones and can lead to rusting.
After wearing your corset, be sure to lay it out to dry before storing to avoid rusting.
All corsets come with a pretty fabric bag for storage.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I have multiple sizes available for immediate shipping and I also accept special orders.
Thanks for looking and Happy eBaying!