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Authentic Corsets: What Makes a Corset “Authentic”?

Posted on by Rachel Barb
Authentic Corsets: What Makes a Corset "Authentic"?
10
Jun

If you’re new to the world of corsetry, it’s natural to assume that one corset is much like the rest, aside from textile and color options, but this is not the case.  It’s like saying a Honda is essentially the same as a Lamborghini, except that they come with different options for paint and upholstery.  Yes, they will both take you from point A to point B, but one offers much better performance, power, aerodynamics, styling, and so on.

When it comes to corsets, you’ll find that there are two distinct categories: fashion corsets, and authentic corsets.  We’re not even going to get into waist cinchers, which some kooky celebs insist on erroneously calling corsets, or how they use them for what they call waist training (i.e. exercising while wearing a waist trainer).

For now, we’re simply going to discuss what constitutes authentic corsets, versus fashion models, and why you need the real deal when you decide to start waist training the right way (i.e. creating semi-permanent waist slimming effects with steel boned corsets).

Pricing for Fashion vs. Authentic Corsets

The first thing you’re likely to find when you start searching for corsets is vast differences in pricing.  While a fashion corset could cost you as little as about $20-30 and won’t likely exceed the $100 mark, an authentic, steel boned corset designed for waist training could range from a couple hundred dollars for off-the-rack models to several hundred dollars for custom made.

Pricing will depend on a variety of factors, including textiles, the complexity of the garment, and added embellishments.  However, if you find a corset for under a hundred dollars, you’re likely looking at a fashion model that doesn’t have the components needed to engage in waist training.  If you’re unsure, all you have to do is ask.

The Importance of Steel Boning

Authentic corsets, and I cannot stress this enough, will have steel boning.  This rigid, durable framework is necessary to cinch in the waist line and deliver significant slimming (of 2-4 inches off your natural waist size).

Fashion corsets may appear to have boning, with some type of stiff material sewn into boning channels in the garment, but these are typically cheap plastic that will bend or break as soon as you add tension by pulling laces tight.  They will not provide the cinching and support required for successful waist training.

Material Differences

Both fashion and authentic corsets come in a variety of textile options.  The important difference lies primarily in the quality of fabric.  Fashion corsets may feature silk, satin, lace, and a range of lovely materials, some of which are also used for authentic, waist training corsets.

What separates them is that steel boned corsets use sturdier, higher-end textiles and reinforce them to ensure that they can deliver the performance and longevity waist training customers expect.  The construction is also higher quality, as is every detail of the garment.

The long and short of it is that you know what you’re getting when you buy a Honda versus a Lamborghini.  If you want a quality product that delivers the performance you need, you’re going to spend more for the high-end goods, in this case, steel boned, waist training corsets.

Stay up-to-date with weekly blog posts, waist training tips, and the chance to win one of our monthly corset giveaways, like us on Facebook & subscribe to our mailing list today! Want to find the perfect steel boned corset? Shop some of our favorites: underbust corsets, overbust corsets, corset dresses. You can also shop our corsets by material: cotton corsets, denim corsets, leather corsets, mesh corsets, pvc corsets, and satin corsets.