Steel Boned Vs Plastic Boned

There are 2 types of corsets, Steel boned and Plastic Boned, depending on the look you want to achieve, what the corset is for, and for the most part - price.

Steel Boned

Otherwise known as waist training corsets, steel boned are precisely that, inside the seams of these corsets lie either plastic coated steel boning, or spiral steel boning (i prefer the latter as the are better quality) Corsets made from these are what I like to call 'suck in or push outs' in that you can give yourself a nipped in waist by 'training' it by tightening up the lacing on the rear of the corset - known as Tightlacing.  Burlesque performers are tranditional fans of the steel boned corset as my heroine, Dita Von Teese - she can tightlace down to an 16" waist... pretty tiny! but you dont have to go this small... when buying a waist training corset, be completely HONEST about your actual waist size (no... i would like to be measurements!!) and order a corset 4-6" smaller and no more, this gives you enough room to whittle that waist with the addition of the modesty panel (the piece of fabric that goes under the lacing at the back) without it looking like youve clearly bought a corset thats too small with a big gaping space at the back.  Here is a picture of a typical waist training corset:

From http://www.fairygothmother.co.uk

Plastic Boned

Also known as Fashion Corsets, as they do not offer any waist training capabilities.  the boning is made up of one single or sometimes thin multiple strands of plastic that gives the look of a steel boned corset, but you mustn't try to pull it in too tightly or the fabric will likely tear.. this is because fashion corsets are not reinforced with the inner Coutil fabric that gives steel boned versions much of their strength.  plastic boning is also used in the majority of underwear type 'corsets' and many wedding dress bodices... again, for shaping and defining the wearers natural figure.  Fashion corsets will often come in standard dress sizes, or small, medium, large etc...  Also Fashion corsets will not have the same longevity as a steel boned corset, wearers often find that the plastic boning will poke through the seams of the fabric after a while.  These are good if you want the look of a steel boned corset, but dont want it to pull you in...or for use as a nice piece of sexy underwear!  A typical example of a fashion corset:

 

From http://www.corsets-uk.com/

I bet your all hoping i'll stop prattling on and get on with making one soon... and i will!