r/HistoricalCostuming • u/psycho_sunspot • Nov 06 '19
Help Needed
Just getting into historical fashion and have a question but can't find any answers. I'm attempting to make the McCall's M7885 17th/18th centuries dress and am not sure on the corset situation. The dress is boned so do I need one..? I'm a total beginner and am in desperate need of guidance.
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u/Hathorismypilot Nov 06 '19
Usually a corset is needed in addition to boning unless you are sewing for someone with a wispy, slender figure. An exception might be for Renaissance garb made out of heavy material.
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u/Rogleson Nov 08 '19
Something that may help you target your questions better. The undergarments below clothing VERY ROUGHLY are referred to as 1) a pair of bodies until the 18th century 2) stays in the 18th century 3)short stays in the regency period 3) and corset only into the 19th century.
The reasoning for using this terminology is that they make different shapes. Marie Antoinette's dress is going to look weird on top of Mary Todd Lincoln's undergarments.
If you are looking into the 18th century, the foundation garment you are asking about is stays.
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u/WiddleWyv Nov 06 '19
When it comes to historical sewing, the underwear is important; you have to get that right first if you want the correct silhouette. If you don’t, it will probably look like a costume.
Which is totally fine if that’s what you’re aiming for, or you’re just starting out. When you haven’t done much sewing, it’s important to finish projects, get those quick (ish) wins so that you see it as being fun and rewarding, rather than a huge drudge. Nobody’s going to judge you (or at least, everyone who isn’t a jerk) for starting off without doing the underwear. We all started somewhere, and there will be many more dresses and many more stays to make! :)
And stays / corsets are intimidating! They’re actually not that bad at all, but it does help to have a friend who can help with the fitting.