All About 1830s Corsets - ft. Redthreaded Corsets & Stays

For today's episode we wanted to chat about our different Redthreaded corsets, their shape, fit, some customization options, etc. We also want to help give everyone an idea about what a corset in the 1830s is supposed to feel and look like. (Hint: It's not about a wasp waist y'all.)
As with all boned support garments, the right corset is crucial in achieving the correct historical silhouette (time for tea y'all!), and we're happy that we were able to invest in buying a great corset from Redthreaded instead of ugly crying in the bathroom trying to make and fit our own.
Both of us purchased our corsets from Redthreaded (redthreaded.com/) and we are extremely happy with them. This isn't a paid advertisement, we just genuinely believe in Cynthia's business and products.
Lauren's corset is the Sylvie which is here: redthreaded.co...
Abby's is the Standard 1830s/40s corset here: redthreaded.co...
If you're feeling extra sassy, Cynthia also offers a DAR reproduction 1830s corset in her Atelier line, too! (It's cut all on the bias, so it's really cool!) redthreaded.co...
Support us on Patreon! / americanduchess

[@pheart2381]

First time I put on a properly fitting corset i was like,hello,where did you two come from!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

LOLOLOLOL

[@MrsCelesteB]

OOOOO I want one😍😍🤩🤩🤩. abbys hilarious! I love tea!!!

[@bettsamyj]

Those sleeves are ridiculous, and AMAZEBALLS!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

That fan lacing is AMAZING! (The caps were needed). It looks so easy and so awesome.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

The fan lacing makes a huge difference. It makes getting dressed SO quick!

[@AdirondackRuby]

I was thinking so before you said it, but yes it does make you look very long. I've noticed that Edwardian foundations do that too. Really love the look of that fan lacing! Must be so helpful too, when dressing yourself.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yes the fan lacing is great! working on a blog post with diagrams now...

[@Hpalindromeprojects]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Can you fan lace later century corsets? Even with hook steel busks? Because I hate having to walk my boyfriend through lacing every time I need to put mine on!

[@louiselill1528]

Eve though they are plain in colour they are still very pretty

[@mimidoll13]

Heck yeah that fan lacing is awesome!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I LOVE it. Makes getting dressed SO easy and fast

[@conniechretien1797]

I wore a bask with my wedding dress in the 1960's. Quite similar to these corsets. 😂😂

[@AmericanDuchess1]

cool!

[@conniechretien1797]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Sorry I misspelled bask 😃😃😃s/b basque...for the record.

[@jennhill8708]

I love that wooden busk... Use for making a bunch of cookies, smack one of the kids when they're eating too much of the cookie dough! Steel husks that snap together will never multitask as well! Lol

[@AmericanDuchess1]

hahaha, I love that!

[@louise-yo7kz]

Nice ladies

[@ndrva]

so im really wondering, if youre not tight lacing, how much waist reduction would that be? i know you said half an inch at most here but im asuming that changed through the ages aswell? im very petite over all and thus look tightlaced to others very quickly but, and especially in stays i feel like im swimming in them so im guessing its not only a small waist reduction that id need to apply but also some bust reduction? hihi this became a very vague question so sorry for that, but maybe you know some source material thatd be usefull for this? as always great stuff thank you so much guys :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

ninasmolders waist reduction depends on the persons body as much as the corset. Someone who has a long torso that is squishy will reduce more easily than someone with a short torso and/or athletic build. For this era, waist reduction isn’t a big thing. It’s not until later on in the century and early 1900s that it’s more common, but even then it could be only a couple inches. Bust reduction is also body and era specific. Abby can squish down in her bust more than Lauren can. Some will find that comfy while others not so much. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Proportion is so important with historical fashion, and corsets and padding were used to create the illusion of the ideal figure. I hope that helps...and that I answered your question. 😊

[@RoseKB22]

I'm hoping to make one of these, but will this work with a somewhat less fancy, 1840s work dress?

[@Sadmanmcgee]

Would you recommend ready-made or a custom 1830s corset for a very busty lass? I wear a G cup and I want to know what the best option is so I'm not spilling out completely lol

[@frockups5931]

Custom. I wear a GG and I got mine custom because even though the measurements look like they should almost fit into a standard, the proportions are -- understandably -- all wrong for that cup size.

[@darlasparrow]

So you ladies said 1830's stays aren't for waist reduction. I'm looking at getting a red threaded stays, If say I have a belly/mummy tummy going on will my belly squish into one? Or is that going to be uncomfortable? You ladies said you don't mind wearing them and find them comfortable enough.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Being squishy is always an advantage with wearing corsets so you'll be fine. :) Just compare your measurements to the size chart and order the right size, and you'll be fine. Redthreaded also has a returns/exchanges policy, too. :)

[@bun04y]

your other social media links would be wonderful! :D

[@AmericanDuchess1]

bun04y totally thought I included them! Oops! You can find us @americanduchess on Instagram and Facebook. Http://blog.americanduchess.com and www.blog.americanduchess.com 😊

[@kyleleen_]

nightcap! 🥰🤣

[@atelierpiquetiere6061]

oh god, I bet young ladies used to bump shoulders like that all the time back then. I can just picture it.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

lol! we certainly ran into things - we were a yard wide!

[@jofantioch]

Would working class women wear this? A laundress, maid, cook, etc?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yep, but she might pull the wooden busk out

[@123goldenlily]

i'm not very curvy, so for the measurements, would it be better to get one that matches my waist measurement, or my bust/hips?

[@Lolibeth]

I...do not have that much room in between my breasts so those busks look massively uncomfortable.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

They're surprisingly comfy, but they're also not required. The cool thing about Redthreaded corsets is that you can take the busk out (there's a little pocket it goes in), even while you're wearing it.