Corsets and Underpinnings for Outer and Underwear

In honor of Costumery week in the Artisan Crafts gallery here on DeviantArt, this article highlights the stunning array of corset creations, helpful tutorials, and groups where DA's corset makers gather.

The corset.  Whether it's overbust or underbust, curvy or straight, fancy or plain, historical or completely modern, lightly or heavily boned, it alters the fashion silhouette of the wearer, often providing a dramatically different shape from any that could be achieved without the use of a corset.

In historic fashion, the corset and related underpinnings are an essential part of the costume's foundation.  Without a properly fitted corset and underpinnings, even the most beautifully and accurately constructed costume will look ill-fitting, sloppy, and shabby, making it very difficult to appreciate the time and workmanship that went into the outer part of the costume.

For modern cosplay and fantasy, the corset is a non-essential but delightful option in the costuming repertoire.  They look amazing and take a lot of work to make, so just about any costumer would be proud to show it off on the outside, rather than hiding it underneath the costume.  For the fashion designer or the artist whose work is being cosplayed, the corset provides a distinct visual tool which can be created by no other kind of garment.




Historical 19th Century Corsets
Most modern corsets are based on the fashion stylings of the Victorian, but these corsets are created and adorned for use in the traditional way, as underwear, or in tribute to the historic aesthetic.

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Historical Stays and Bodies
These are conical-shaped corsets, originally worn as foundation for womens' fashions from the Renaissance until the end of the 1700's.

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Cosplay Corsets
These corsets were created based on popular media character concepts and designs.

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Fantasy Corsets
These corsets are created for personal costume, fantasy concepts, and steampunk.

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Hoops, Bustles, Panniers, and Petticoats
As important to the fashion silhouettes of history as the corset, fads in hoops, bustles, and petticoats changed far faster than the corsets themselves.

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Tutorials
There are many resources on DA for those who wish to learn or improve
their skills with corset making.





Groups
There are also a handful of groups specifically focused on corsets and corset enthusiasts.