Not sure which type of corset is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the different style options we offer.
Remember, you can select any of these style options to be made in the fabric of your choosing! So if you see a fabric you like but you want it in a different style, we can make that happen! Just send us an email to get started.
Renaissance Bodice
Our most classic style in true Renaissance fashion, this is the iconic style of corset you will see at Renaissance Faires. This type of corset looks great on everyone. This corset curves around the shape of the bust, rather than flattening it, which creates a rounder bust shape than our Tudor or Elizabethan style. This style features a low, scooping neckline and a pointy waistline. If you want maximum cleavage and bust support, this style is for you!
If you are plus sized, we recommend choosing a stronger/thicker fabric for this corset. This style has a light amount of boning, so you will find more support in thicker fabrics. Think linen, corduroy, and cotton canvas. Avoid silks and satins. Send us an email if you’re unsure about your fabric choice.
Underbust Bodice
If you’re going for a “Classic Tavern Wench” vibe, this is the style for you. This style features a neckline that scoops under and around the bust instead of over it. Unlike our other styles, this corset does not compress the bust at all. So if you are looking for a more modest style, or you have a large bust and don’t want to create any more cleavage, this is a great option. The slight scoop around the bust provides enough support that most folks feel comfortable without wearing a bra, but you may want to wear one for extra support or modesty.
Elizabethan Stays
Our Elizabethan stays create the classic Shakespearean aesthetic of the Elizabethan Age. Elizabethan and Tudor stays are known for creating a conical, or triangular, shape, rather than the hourglass shape traditional types of corsets are known for. These stays feature back lacing and a structured bodice with a bit more boning than the Renaissance Bodice. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a supportive fit without the look of front lacing. Elizabethan stays do not curve around the bust, creating more of a pushed up bust shape rather than the rounded shape of the Renaissance Bodice. The low scooping neckline still allows for showing cleavage, so if you’re going for a buxom maiden look, you won’t be disappointed.
Plus sized folks, you will love this style for the structured and supportive shape it provides. This style works well with any type of fabric.
Tudor Stays
The classic stays worn by Anne Boleyn and other members of the Tudor family. Tudor stays are just like our Elizabethan stays, except they have more boning and a higher neckline. We recommend picking the Tudor stays if you are looking for maximum bust support in a less revealing silhouette. We have two variations of this style – with and without waist tabs. These “tabs” are little decorative pieces of fabric that come out from the waist, creating a more hourglass shape than the tab-less stays.
Plus sized folks, you will love this style for the structured and supportive shape it provides. The higher neckline provides a bit of extra coverage in the bust area. This style works well with any type of fabric.
Regency Stays
You’ve seen Regency stays before in Jane Austen films like Pride & Prejudice, and shows like Bridgerton. Though this style dates back to the early 1800s, Regency stays are the style of corset that most resembles the modern bra. Designed to support the bust rather than push it up, these are tailored to your cup size for a more comfortable and relaxed fit. Our Regency stays come with both front and back lacing, so you can play with lacing the front fully closed or open and create a variety of different looks.
For plus size folks, we recommend choosing a stronger/thicker fabric for this type of corset. This style has a light amount of boning, so you will find more support in thicker fabrics. Think linen, corduroy, and cotton canvas. Avoid silks and satins. Send us an email if you’re unsure about your fabric choice.
18th Century Stays
Our 18th century stays are our interpretation of stays worn historically in the late 1700s. Marie Antoinette, Outlander, and Rococo fashion are famous representations of this style. These stays are a mix between our Elizabethan and Tabbed Tudor styles. Dainty waist tabs give this silhouette a little something extra, and the low scooping neckline is perfect for showing off a ruffled lace chemise. We offer several different variations of this style – our classic front and back lacing stays, Cinderella stays, and Marie Antoinette stays.
Our plus sized clients love this style for its structured silhouette and flattering shape. This corset is half-boned, which provides a decent amount of support. For a more structured silhouette, we recommend choosing thicker fabrics like linen, corduroy, and cotton canvas. Send us an email if you’re unsure about your fabric choice.
Overbust Bodice
Our overbust bodice is similar to our Renaissance Bodice, except for the straps and the neckline. The term “overbust” comes from the fact that the neckline is tailored to scoop over the bust, much like a sweetheart neckline or bustier. We offer this style in strapless, or a ribbon straps style, or you can custom request normal straps like those on our Renaissance bodice. Front-lacing or back-lacing styles are both available.
Midbust Corset
A midbust corset is the most well-known and recognized style that comes to mind when someone says the word “corset.” Think of that iconic corset lacing scene in Gone with the Wind. This corset is from the Victorian era, and creates the iconic hourglass silhouette. Midbust corsets come halfway up the bust, so it is necessary to wear a chemise underneath. The corset laces in the back, and can be easily put on or taken off using the front busk closure.
Midbust corsets are sometimes used as waist training corsets. At French Meadows, we don’t commonly advertise corsets for this purpose, and we create the patterns for these corsets to fit more as a costume piece. If you are interested in purchasing a corset with a larger waist reduction for the purpose of waist training, please specify this when placing your order.
Underbust Corset
Similar to our “Underbust Bodice'' style, the underbust corset sits directly under the bust and does not compress the chest area. An underbust corset is a true corset, in that it extends past the waist and ends slightly above the hips. This style of corset is more historically accurate, and is often seen in Victorian-era period pieces and films with pirates. This corset helps to create a true hourglass silhouette.
Underbust types of corsets are commonly used as waist training corsets. At French Meadows, we don’t commonly advertise corsets for this purpose, and we create the patterns for these corsets to fit more as a costume piece. If you are interested in purchasing a corset with a larger waist reduction for the purpose of waist training, please specify this when placing your order.
Corset Dress
The Corset Dress is a combination of our Renaissance Bodice with a skirt attached to the waistline. It’s like a Renaissance dress with the structural support of a corset built in. This is a great option for creating a layered look over a linen chemise, or for adding a skirt to your outfit for less than the cost of a skirt separate. You can customize the color combination of the corset dress with any of the corset and skirt fabrics from our shop.
Corset Belt
New to corset wearing in general? This style is the easiest way to introduce yourself into the world of corsets and stays. Our corset belts are easy to add as an accessory to any outfit. We love throwing this style over a dress or a billowing blouse for an instantly elevated look. You’ll love the structured waist and waspie silhouette this creates. Our corset belts are also our lowest priced style, so if you want to dip your toe in the water but aren’t quite ready to commit to a real corset, this is a great place to start. But careful – corset wearing is addicting!
The Right Types of Corsets For You
Still not sure which style to get? Whether you’re just not sure about which style is right for your body measurements, or you want to create a custom style based on different elements from the styles above, we can help! Send us an email and our team can make a recommendation for you. We’d be happy to help you pick out your dream corset!