Pink Tabbed Stays

This corset was made with scrap materials around the costume shop where I worked. It was not made with any show in mind, but rather to have more corsets on hand for future shows. It also gave me the ability to hone my skills on binding the tabs and pattern matching.

This is the default tabbed corset pattern we used in our costume shop. Although not the most historically accurate, it worked well for 16th-18th century shows and fits a variety of sizes and body types. It also stores well since it lays completely flat and can roll up easily. The boning does not go all the way into the tabs, so they are really more decorative. There are two alteration points at the sides, one at the grommet tabs, and one at the straps — so it could be let out even as much as 5 inches (12.5 cm).

It was later featured in a production of "The Belle's Strategem" costume designed by Sophia Grose, April 2023, Scene Dock Theatre. (Production photos by Craig Schwartz)