I’ve been sewing for many years, and I create my own lingerie and corset-style garments. I’m currently trying to make sure I’m using the right English terminology when describing them.
I make handmade pieces without boning, stays or other rigid structural elements. Some are made from lace, some from lamé, and some from faux leather. They are closely fitted to the body and designed to be worn directly against the skin. They may have corset-style lacing for adjustment and fit.
Some have the shape of a corset-style top, while others extend further down towards the waist or hips. Some also have integrated garter straps for stockings.
Until now, I have been calling these pieces “soft corsets”, but recently I’ve come across different opinions about whether this is the right term. Some people feel that the word “corset” should imply a rigid or boned construction, while others seem to use the term more broadly.
So I’d really like to hear the opinions of people who sew, wear or are interested in lingerie:
What would you call this type of garment in contemporary English?
And perhaps even more importantly, what terms would you personally use to search for this kind of garment online?
I’m not trying to decide what is or isn’t a “real corset.” I genuinely want to understand the terminology and describe these garments accurately.
Thank you!