Corsets,
Underbusts and
Waspies are beautiful and intricate garments with long histories and many terms related to them. The following should help you understand the
corsets construction better:
Basque - the section of bodice below waist which was shaped to hips and was also another name for a
corset.
Bust Bodice - This is a covering for the
bust, predominantly with straps and occasionaly lightly boned at the side andfront for giving the 'mono-bosom' effect.
Bustier - Often worn as outerwear it is a long-line brassiere which is often strapless.
Cambric - This is a fine white linen which is used for bodices and
corset lining.
Camisole This was originally a loose bodice worn over the corset to protect it.
Corselette The name for a smaller
corset covering the waist and often
back-lacing and front fastening.
Galloon Lace - A finished lace which has a scalloped edge on either sides which is used for finishing the tops and bottoms of
corsets with a silk thread was embedded in the lace for a
drawstring effect.
Garter Suspender - this refers to the attachments at the bottom of
corsets for the attachment of stockings similar to a suspender belt.
Guepiere - This is a type of short boned
corset, and is similar to a
waspie and is known as a
cincher in North America.
Helanca - This is a stretch elastic fibre that will give two ways and is made of nylon and polyester and is used in flexible panels for a
corset. They are used in 'Merry Widow' style
corselettes.
Lacing or
lace - A woven or twisted cord which is used to secure the
corset.
Lacing Protector - A piece of the
corset the same length as the
corset, and about three or four inches wide without boning. It protects clothing and skin from the lacing. It also allows the lacings to move more smoothly and helps in
self-lacing by holding the lacings tightly. It also makes the
corset look smarter when the
lacings are not totally closed.
Merry Widow - A non-laced
corset with a half-cup bust support and long stocking suspenders.
New Look - This was introduced by
Dior and featured a narrow, nipped waist which was often corsetted and had wide flaring skirts with crinoline propping.
Waist Cincher - This ia a type of
corset that in appearance is a belt and is designed to narrow the waist.
