All Volancia corsets are constructed using the highest-quality components from corsetry and costuming supplier, Vena Cava Design.

Boning

I use only high-quality sprung and spiral steel bones in my corsets - never plastic.

A typical underbust corset will contain 7mm-wide spiral steel on and around the side seams and 1.18mm thick 5mm-wide sprung steel in the front and back.

A typical overbust corset will have the same boning as above, but the bust seam will have 11mm-wide spiral steel rather than flat steel.

Most corsets are constructed using a minimum of 22 bones. Lite-Wear corsets contain 14 bones.

Busks

Steel busks are used in the front of most corsets to make it easier to get in and out of them. The busks in stock all have nickel chrome fastenings, but gold-look fastenings are available upon request.

Corsets can be made with front lacing too, if desired, replacing the busk.

Grommets & Lacing

All corsets lace up at the back and have sturdy two-piece grommets that won't tear out of the fabric. Black or silver finish grommets are used, depending on the colour of the corset. Coloured grommets are also available.

Waist Tape

Waist tape is used on all corsets to stop stretching around the waistline, where the most strain is placed on a corset. This is inserted between the strength and lining layer to make it more comfortable to wear and for interior aesthetics.

Fabric Layers

Corsets are constructed with a minimum of four layers of fabric: outer 'fashion' fabric, one layer of fusible woven interfacing, one strength layer of thick, sturdy cotton drill and one lining layer of thinner, soft cotton drill. This makes the corset very sturdy, long-lasting and extremely comfortable to wear. Some corsets (particularly overbusts) are recommended to be made with an extra strength layer and a loose lining. This is available for all corset styles.

Pattern

All corsets with busks are made standard with 12 panels; six per side. More panels can be added if desired on custom corsets (this is often the case for overbust corsets for larger-busted women).

Custom corset patterns are designed totally from scratch, according to your exact measurements. I draft my patterns so that there is no compression around the ribs and hips, to make your corset more comfortable. With a custom-made Volancia corset you should not encounter any discomfort or breathing difficulties.