Single vs. Double Steel Boned Corset: What’s the Difference?

In our “more is better” society, two is always better than one, especially if you’re keeping up with the Joneses, or their modern counterparts, the Kardashians.

So, when you learn that you’ve been missing out on double steel boned corsetry, you might be understandably keen to upgrade.  After all, double the boning equals double the results. Right?

The truth is that double steel boned corsets, while a popular choice for serious waist training aficionados, may not be the end all, be all of the corseting world.

In some cases, single boned corsets could be just as effective. So which corset style is better?

What differentiates one from the other?

Here’s what you need to know to make up your own mind about the single vs double steel boned corset debate.

What is a Double Steel Boned Corset?

If you’re already familiar with corsetry, you know that steel bones are fitted into channels in the garment at evenly spaced intervals to hug your body, cinch uniformly around your torso, and provide the perfect fit.

Sturdy fabric panels are stretched between boning channels to hold the whole kit and caboodle together.

If you only had boning in the front, back, and sides, instead of all the way around, you wouldn’t get uniform tightening.

Instead, you’d put stress on the boning, potentially warping it and hurting yourself in the process, and you’d probably rend the fabric panels in between. Hence, regularly spaced channels for steel bones.

With a double steel boned corset, the power of each bone is doubled thanks to side-by-side channels for twice the boning between each fabric panel.

This equates to extra support and cinching power, helping you to get the most out of every hour of wear.

Comparable Options in Single Boned Corsets

It has long been believed that single boned corsets simply can’t be as strong and effective as double boned counterparts, and when you perform an apples-to-apples comparison, this theory is essentially true.

However, single boned corsets can offer the same benefits as double boned options when more steel bones are added.

I know what you’re thinking: isn’t that the same as double boning? No.

What we’re talking about here is adding more single channels, bisecting panels rather than placing additional steel bones right next to existing ones.

An easier way to present it would be to say you’re not only adding more boning, but also more fabric panels in between.

It has been found that adding more channels to single boned corsets is not only just as effective at increasing strength as double boned options, but it’s also more comfortable since pressure on the torso is more evenly distributed at multiple points.

Consider the difference between flats and high heels. There’s a reason why the former offers greater comfort – it’s because weight is spread evenly, whereas a heel puts a lot of pressure on your heel and the ball of your foot.

Still, when choosing between single and double steel boned corsets, your best bet is always to try on different options and see what feels right for your body.

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