Ways to Lace a Corset in History | 16th to 19th Century

[@LynneFairchild]

Thanks for watching! ☺️ Which way is your favorite way to lace a corset or bodice?

[@melaniestringer550]

I present late 19th century, so the hourglass/S-shape is essential. The best way to achieve that is to have the ties end 2/3 of the way down (or thereabouts) at the natural waist, so the tightening goes from top down AND from bottom up. I always lace myself (mirror and doorknob are a big help to get exactly the right shape) and remain comfortable enough to breathe, eat, digest, present a program, and cart my program equipment while fully dressed in 1890s clothing.

[@heidipope811]

Thank you! Love the background information, and all the examples, and especially the very detailed way you showed all the styles...VERY helpful.

[@LynneFairchild]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MoMadNU]

Huge thanks to the person that compiled the data.

[@LynneFairchild]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@katarinadankova2949]

Thank you so much, exactly what I was looking for. Extremely helpful

[@LynneFairchild]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@innergothicmelon4274]

Really good info

[@LynneFairchild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@helenw6594]

Fascinating stuff! I was aware of spiral lacing & standard/shoe lacing - but have never noticed cross & ladder lacing. You didn't mention fan lacing - how prevalent was this? And how often would stays/corsets have been front laced rather than back laced? I suppose the need for do-it-yourself tightening was far less then than now - if (like most people) you didn't have a maid, there would always have been a sister, mother, daughter - or fellow servant! - around to help out if need be...

[@LynneFairchild]

From what I have found, it looks like fan lacing didn't become a thing until the 19th century. For more information about fan-lacing, please check out: sidneyeileen.com/sewing-2/sewing/corset-detailing/regency-fan-lacing/#.X7nIUVBOkdV Regarding the front laced versus back laced, I think part of that depends on the time period as well as station in life (for example, a queen vs. a servant) and the item being laced. If you look specifically at Henrician gowns, you can find front-laced gowns that are then hidden by a panel (like a stomacher). An example of this can be found here: adamselindisdress.blog/tag/henrician-dress/

[@lornalowe7554]

How do you tie off once laced?

[@LynneFairchild]

It's personal preference. I usually make a loop and then knot it. To help visually explain this, please see m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0QAxnz6m4b7HRpimKT8crqHxUNoPC529PyBYBJU2dPCKUdgmd3hRrej5RkxjFicx7l&id=100063001851866&mibextid=Nif5oz

[@AngharadMac]

Thank you! Would you recommend top down lacing for those of us who are chubby?

[@LynneFairchild]

You're welcome! I think it depends on the build of your body and what you're looking for. If you're looking for bust support, I would recommend lacing from the bottom up to the top. If you're looking for lacing that is easy to loosen up (but does not provide as adequate bust support, in my opinion), then I would suggest lacing from the top down to the bottom. I did lacing from top to the bottom when I was pregnant, as this helps to loosen the lacing around a growing belly.

[@sarag1158]

I'm trying to tie a corset with a cat. It's not going so well

[@LynneFairchild]

Wishing you luck!

[@joshdobs9772]

Lol, lock yourself in the bathroom!