They had entire newspaper articles that were just lists of "things that cause tuberculosis", including such things as naps and the color of the room. Apparently tb sucked the fun out of EVERYTHING.
@@NicoleRudolph Nothing much changes! The UK newspaper The Daily Mail is well known for listing things that cause cancer, including flip flops, hairdryers, fruit juice, children, childlessness, etc etc. Such fun!
@@Thelmageddon so children cause cancer but so does childlessness??? 😭 That literally just mean having/not having children means nothing... but they just like put it in there anyway??? the literary equivalent of just liking the sound of ones own voice..
That's true, it's just interesting that the OC seemed to see "squishy" as a "bodyshape". In sewing it's definitely interesting to see how things never fit the same way on a firm dress form as they do on a living human body though, haha. @@thegirlonpointe9866
When wearing stays, if I want them to be at a comfortable tightness for me (gives support, doesn't feel too lose, won't shift around) I get quite a bit of reduction to my waist (don't remember really how much)
I am watching this video during a break from my desktop work wearing something like this 1880ies corset and being happy about knowing that when i take it off in the evening i will have no packbain and that i can cure my lower back lumbago and sciatica pain alone by wearing a corset which now in the times of lockdown in even more important since i cannot see a physioptherapist right now. Why have corsets ever been abolished and the bra was invented. Can someone tell me who had this absolutely MAD idea?!?!
The underbust measurements, and you demonstrating the amount of space by sticking your hand down the front of the corset, shows that the answer to "how did they breathe in that?" is "quite easily, Janet".
Additionally, as a person with a long torso/waist and lots of squish, I can easily reduce 6-7" and still have the space for my lungs to be able to sing, run, etc. I've jumped hurdle-height items, broken down tents, scooped a terrible twos tantrum off the ground, and more.
@@Yrie27 I was wondering about that as well. Even with my rather *ample* bosom, there have been some modern corsets and bras that would leave a strange gap and I didn't know how to make them fit. lol
I would love love love to see a series of research papers on the change of body movements with different clothing styles. Corsets (obviously) don't stop people from moving, but they do change the way people move. Like mini-skirts do. Like flip flops do. Like freaking collared shirts do. Basically I want my historical costuming content to have babies with my biomechanics content. This video hit such a sweet spot.
Well, I know of at least one thing: you out your shoes on first. Before all your clothes. If I ever time travel that would be the hardest thing to remember lol.
@@sophiejones7727 damn I never even thought about that... but of course it must be really hard (if not impossible) to reach your feet beneath a hoopskirt
I am old enough to be most people on this forum's grandfather and let me clue you in about women in the "old days." When I was a child women were tough, smart, extremely capable and powerful. I suspect that has ALWAYS been the case and will always be the case. There is a great difference between what the law and society says and what actually happens in the real world. This smart woman's well researched and well presented video about an article of clothing that many see as a "tool of subjugation" shows the disconnect between what people "think" is real and what actually is. Well done, and I subscribed based on this video alone.
As a fellow short-torso person, thank you for such a detailed look at these corsets. Can there be too many videos about historical corsets on the internet? No, because there are different perspectives when you consider all the different body shapes.
@@LualaDy That's why I can only wear skirts and dresses with a waist that's below the natural waist. If it has a full skirt and sits at the natural waist or higher, I look like a pregnant teapot.
As a classical musician, I’ve generally loved your music choices for your videos. But this time you’ve outdone yourself by lining up the pieces to the decades...chef’s kiss! I learned so much about corsets and because of my profession could picture what music they were listening to in those garments which was such a cool added layer to the video. 💛💛
@@NicoleRudolph It's always amazing that things that are SOOO out of print copyright could still be copyrighted by sound! Keep up the awesome content creation!
@@NicoleRudolph I know that literally no one credits classical music anymore, but I've decided to just kinda go around to nice people's channels and ask: "if you know the names of the piece and artist, could you put it in if it's not too bothering, please?" I'm a classical musician with the memory of a goldfish so it really helps me to know what I'm listening to instead of like spending 60 hours thinking "omg I definitely know this piece aaaargh." Also, even those these composers are all dead, I feel like it'd be nice to make people aware of their existences if it's not to hard for you. If you've read till here just know that I love your channel!! I'm so done hearing people talk about historical fashion as if they are torture devices. People really gotta understand that beauty mostly always comes with unpleasantry, but at the same time historical people also tried to balance out the two like we do today.
African culture (in Kenya at least) was also obsessed with big boodie and called the bum padding "mahando" and in traditional dances they are still worn. I wore them to dance every day even just dancing with friends.
I have to say I've been into underwear history and fashion history more generally for years, and knew all about tight-lacing as a misogynistic myth, but it was only recently that costubers introduced me to the idea that if you don't have a corset those heavy skirts will really hurt your body . . . Now when I read a historical novel that uses "she doesn't corset" as some kind of shorthand for "she's free and liberated" I just think of petticoat ribbons digging deep and uncomfortable into her waist.
BIG yes to well-informed, nuanced information regarding the evolution and influence of corsetry (and, "textile architecture" is such a delightful way to describe it)!!
I desperately want that ribbon corsets in my modern wardrobe! 😍 Also love 1910 one, looks so much more breathable and comfortable than modern shape wear.
You could check out AraneaBlack here on youtube. She made a 23 part series about the making of her ribbon coset: ruclips.net/video/J9Gt1OZCXVM/видео.html
My Edwardian grandmother lived with us while I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. She wore her original whale-boned corsets even then. They were silk and were very expensive when they were first purchased as her family were very well off. She tenderly repaired them as needed. But nothing could convince her to give up her beloved corset. I think she eventually migrated to a long line brassiere later on. Grandad laced her up each morning and brushed her long hair which was to her knees. I was privileged to witness first hand this morning dressing routine. Even tho I was just a child, I had an amazement about it all as my mom was a very modern woman so I grew up seeing both styles in my home. Not sure if I could have done the corset. I was athletic and muscled when I was young. I love the corset lacing scenes in Gone With The Wind and James Cameron’s Titanic movies. Great video.
@@bookbeing , Exactly! It is so beautiful. Very loving. If I were her grandmother I would not give up my corsets either. Not with granddad taking care of everything. 😂
Those scenes were very sensationalized and have added a lot to the misconceptions around corsets. I love your story about your grandmother and the contrast of modernity/the past in her and your mother! What an experience most of us didn't get to have!
Quite likely as spanx works by being elasticated and elastic is always trying to get back to its smallest unstretched size. And when it squeezes you a bit smaller it is actually able to exert a larger pressure over the same area. Which allows it to squeeze tighter... hence why you can be comfy in something at the start of the day and then find the elasticated waistband is digging in by the end. Whereas a corset is not stretchable and only goes smaller to the degree you choose and then stays put. That allows your body to reach equilibrium as the pressure exerted by the corset remains constant. Whereas with elastic the pressure keeps on increasing.
Before I got my first corset, I would wear some type of Spanx that went from hip to bust. After spending many hours in it for a couple concerts, I accidentally managed to roll the entire thing together around my waist. I swear I was about to get the scissors to cut myself out of it, took me like an hour to get it off me. Thank god for my corset.
I love how open and straight forward you are with your body and how the corsets change your shape and measurements. You are beautiful and shouldn’t feel insecure in any way, but especially when talking about a garment meant to alter the appearance of a body to its “perfect image”, I find you so inspirational. So often we see these images of “perfection” and are led to believe it’s natural and we are the other, and you just blatantly were like, “I’m athletic, sorry, not sorry, I have abs, not gonna happen!” I wish more woman (myself included) had the self awareness and confidence in their body’s that you have. This truly made my day. 💜 The dancing at the end didn’t hurt either! 😆
The way Nicole talks about her body in relation to the "ideal" shape from different eras really helps me internalize that my body is exactly what it should be, *my* body. Different fashionable shapes should have no more bearing on me than fashionable clothing. The outside appearance is what's fashionable, and the flesh and bone and blood that keeps you going is doing its thing completely independent of that. A lot of body positivity stuff doesn't quite hit home for me because of how carefully it treads, and while I understand why it does so, Nicole's compassionate objectivity is so much more comfortable and reassuring. "I have abs, not gonna happen" - "I have belly fat, not gonna happen" - I have short legs, not gonna happen" - letting your body meet you where it's at and making fashion decisions to build on top of it, instead of making fashion decisions first and then altering the body down. Even corsets don't fundamentally alter anything, they move mass around physically just like all fashion does visually. I'm restating myself and rambling at this point, but your comment put into words something I've always found comforting about Nicole's discussion of bodies and fashion, so I'm screaming it back at you in solidarity? joy? understanding? no clue at this point, but I like it :)
As would I! I made one for myself for an Incroyable outfit many years ago using a Laughing Moon Mercantile pattern, I still use it infrequently though it's showing its age now. Absolutely vital garment for getting a really nice smooth finish to the front of well fitted lightweight garments, like silk waistcoats. It's not that dramatic a garment until you put the layers of outer garments over it and then it really works its magic. Also fantastic for undoing desk job slouch and the associated back pains that brings.
Me too! I like reading the Erast Petrovich Fandorin book series. It's set in russia in the late 1800's. Its about a man whose a bit of a aristocrate who works with the police. In one he gets stabbed and the metal in his corset deflects the knife. He's a bit embarrassed when his boss finds out what save his life.
It is amazing how much amazing, well-reaserched, well-contextualized, entertaining content there is regarding historical dress on RUclips. I feel so blessed to be able to learn so much and experience talented, intelligent and beautiful people like Nicole. Thank you so much!
I appreciate that you included cm measurements ❤️ so many American RUclips channels, blogs, websites and recipes never include metric conversions, so it's really nice to see it here. Thank you.🙏
I wear a corset daily, even at my manual labor job.. Even to Thanksgiving.. I love it. It helps my back and my gait and makes me feel more feminine and confident
I would love for somebody to talk about corsetry for “huge tracts of land,” as most styles and discussions out there seem to focus on the waist and lower torso. With support, sometimes feels like I should be mounted on the prow of a ship. There has to be a better way!
I've also wanted to see some examples of this! As someone with a dramatically large bust, these lower bust corsets scare me a little lol. I wonder if there was additional support for those large-busted ladies?
I would LOVE to know what shape corset would hold pendulous sagging large cup breasts, at a level similar to modern bras. No ship prow. Coverage and support cupping over and above the nipples. And not sitting under my chin like pin-up art. Surely there must be a way to use corset technology to distribute the weight of saggy large breasts off of JUST my shoulders and back. Bra bands are fairly narrow, corsets spread out that pressure. and keep them from sloshing around. The earliest one looks to have kind of the right idea, in terms of the breasts being round. But if it provides vertical support, I feel like I'd still be shaking them side to side like jello. I really enjoyed the video. I don't have a squishy waist, so seeing how they work in those terms is helpful. As was seeing how some shapes I thought had promise, probably would help my posture, but not the breasts.
As somebody who-back when we worked in offices-had to run up and down stairs with great regularity, the closest I could manage was an underbust corset worn with a separate, underwire bra. There was often pinching where they met.
Alright... did some research on the regency stays. Apparently, they're supposed to do approximately the thing I think I want. Or can be made to. Where I'm lacking confidence is that the stays cup the breasts from underneath to nipple. Spillage is prevented by the drawstring in the shift (outer layer). And they can be made long line, which provides more bust support by spreading out over the body and does the spanx thing with your lower fluffy lumpy bits. But I really don't like empire waists or regency styles at all - let alone on me. Ick. I know no corset I make is going to likely be good for putting under a t-shirt, but a quality blouse or sweater? Some dress bodices? It seems like regency stays would be beneficial to me at home, but is there a better solution?
Short waisted ladies unite! I have a very difficult time with many silhouettes being short waisted, and rather tall. Thank you for producing quality, educational, and visually stunning videos!
Let me join you. Today I learned that I am a shortwaisted, never thought about it. My hip bone and the lowest rib are barely touching each other, i have almost zero reduction, just to compensate corset's bulk
I am too, and I have the hardest time with anything “highwaist” because it just goes in pressing my stomach and rubs on my ribs. And I can’t find my what I want in the shops.
I can't thank you enough for this. My bust sits naturally very high and it NEVER occurred to me that I could leave the front of my corset "empty". You just resolved my biggest corset sewing issue. :)
You can add padding inside if you need it to get adequate bust support, but there’s no need to pad out every bit of empty space; a small crescent on each side may very well be all you need - if you need anything at all.
As someone who wears an overbust corset every day, it was rather life changing for me. I would deal with daily migraines, neck and back pain. I ran a short experiment to see if wearing a corset would help. It did and I stopped wearing bras totally a couple months back. I can totally breathe in it, walk, and haul groceries up two flights of stairs.
This video is fabulous! I love how she actually went through the timeline of corset history with actual corsets, lots of other videos just show you one corset from a certain era and maybe mention how they are different from the previous but it is so nice to see it visually how there are differences!
I am but a simple girl. I see Nicole post corsetry content. I click. Edit: hooooooly crap that corset collection is to die for. I've been looking into purchasing a historical corset to add to my rotation. What era would you recommend for the best back support? I'm looking on Red Threaded and I'm going to be wearing it sometimes under modern-ish clothing.
I personally prefer from the 1860s (the gored bust corset will give a more natural bust shape) to the 1880s. Because the front isn’t too straight, and the back has natural curve, nothing too drastic. For reference, I’m disabled with a degenerative spinal condition. So I definitely use corsets as a back brace. I also have a multi level spinal fusion (basically my entire lower back), so I find S bend corsets really uncomfortable, because they try to put a curve in a part of my spine that simply cannot curve at all anymore. Or you could go for regency long stays- they provide a little support, in the same way that a spanx provides a little bit of support for the spine, but not as much as something a bit more structured. They’ll definitely give you the push up bra effect if that’s what you’re after, though it is a bit more “lift and separate” than the usual “lift and squoosh together” of modern push-up bras.
@@katherinemorelle7115 Thanks for pushing me in the direction of looking into regency long stays being actually useful for bust support. The look like they'd provide about as much support and anti jiggle as a bikini top, but apparently they can do a decent supportive job by cupping and lifting the lower part. To which I say, spillage, and the internet says it's the drawstring in the shift that solves that. Which explains a lot. Unfortunately not being a history bounder, and having a serious dislike of regency fashion I'm not sure how to solve that. But my point is, you got me to take another look at a thing I apparently didn't understand. COOL!
Omg I’m not jealous at all, I don’t know what you’re talking about 😭❤️ that 1880s corset is so beautiful I can’t I want one so much ❤️❤️ I mean they are all so beautiful, but the black and the teal 😍😍😍
Thank you for showing the 1910s corset. Seeing it on an actual human has given me a hugely increased understanding of how they were constructed and functioned. I have always wondered how and where the structured part ended. The length has always had me confused as to how a woman would have been able to sit and move freely, but seeing your garment has clarified that immensely. I think it was a combination of a lack of clarity in the text I was reading, and a failure on my part to visualise a 2d image into 3d properly.
I am getting ready to sew my first corset so this video was good to see. Especially loved the ribbon corset. I have my great grandmothers ribbon corset and enjoyed hearing about this style. Thx!!
this was so interesting, not only in the sense that corsets don't always change your measurements drastically but also to see and learn how silhouettes and fashion changed and corsets accommodated for that
Subscribing for loving this video, and for the “whole story for another day” when you talk about the 19th century perspective on men “guiding women through life so they didn’t hurt themselves due to their vanity”. So looking forward to whenever you do that!
This is one of the greatest videos on corsets I’ve ever seen. Busting so many myths while showing the true beauty, comfort, and illusion of these garments! Love your channel!
I'm so so happy to find out you are a fellow short waisted lady with very similar measurements! I have at most an inch between my lowest rib and hips so have been wronged by many a mass produced corset.
Thank you Nicole, this is exactly the kind of instructive video that I'm here for - I loved this one in particular because it gave me such a better understanding of how corsets in different eras affected the body . . such a treat!!
all those corsets look so beautifully made. Such clean handsewing on the first ones, so much details, such clean finitions. I'm really impressed. Are you a professional ?
Really thanks for including your measurements. I really think it is funny that we have nearly the same measurements (except at the hip) but I'm smaller and all squish so I look really different. Bodys are funny things.
I just started wearing a corset and it has helped my back immensely. I had been wearing back braces that were bulky but they didn't give me the support that a corset does.
I'd love to find out more about corsets for activity... did they have specific designs for walking and horse riding? At what age would a girl "move" into wearing a corset? Was there an equivalent of a training bra or was it more to do with marriage/motherhood?
hearing that we have pretty much the same measurements is so comforting. I always feel like my body isn't good enough, but I think you're beautiful so mine can't be that wrong, either. my hips and waist are the same, my chest is a little bigger (about 39-40")
Fantastic video! I also loooooove to see another short-waisted person! Most people don't talk about that, and I find modern clothing doesn't take into account that some of us are short-waisted.
You have some really beautiful corsets, but that ribbon corset is so gorgeous!! Ug, that just racheted up my corset wish list. Do you have any pattern or resource recommendations?
I just did a very simple underbust corset pattern and laid out ribbons on top of it to match the curves the best I could. You can only control length and angle of the attachments, so there's not many variables.
@@NicoleRudolph Thanks! What did you do for the sides? It looked kinda like just a few rows of bones or cords in the ribbon going verticle to keep it from collapsing? The ribbon you used is a beautiful colour, it kinda has a Wonder Woman's belt feel.
Thank you for this video! I too am short waisted, and was totally confused as to how I was ever going to make a corset fit! You are the first person I've heard talk about being short waisted, and how to even begin to consider how to corset that shape.
I have no torso... all legs then neck. I’ve ordered an under bust corset that covered my bust completely. I returned it promptly. I’m grateful to see my short waisted family getting some love in the corset information department. I’m going to look into the ribbon corset... looks comfortable
Finally I think I understand how corsets created illusions by adding width to hips while sligthly reducing waist. Like in my head it has always been about waist reduction and hips would have been just smoothly covered. Thank you for this amasingly clear presentation! 🙏
They say freeways are the cathedrals of our times. I think corset boning and seeming channels are the cathedrals of the early 20th century. Wow these are all so intricate and beautiful. This is also incredibly educational. I had no idea about the variety of shapes and just assumed a proper corset would be sucking you in 3-4 inches at the waist. I'm kind of shocked to see that's not the case for everyone..e
I love corsets & never could afford to buy a real one. so in the late 90's I made myself a bootleg ribbon corset out of webbing & used a thick piece of wood as a busk- I love tightlacing (haven't done it in a while, but I do enjoy the feeling) & I found the ribbon style actually gives the smallest waist, tbh. I think it's because the angles the ribbons are at actually provide an unexpected rigidity to the structure & gives a more firm "hold" on the waist reduction. I love the ribbon style! Thanks for this awsum video!
Omg short waisted gals unite! I literally don’t get a real waist reduction more than an inch even in the curviest gothy corsets I’ve worn (though I’ve always felt corsetry is more about the illusion anyway)
Oh, I know! I'm with you!! I am as short waisted as Nicole, and having 6 kids has wrought HAVOCK on my ribs. Regardless, every time I sit down, my skirts ride up. Everything I wear, skirt wise, at some point just becomes a Regency dress. XD
@@Sarcasmhime I agree! 1990s style trousers, riding just 1” below the natural waist is the best for me. I really dislike most high-waisted trousers, because the waistband always goes around my lowest ribs. (I am simultaneously short-waisted AND have a long torso from the waist up, with very long legs.) When I made 1940s style high-waisted trousers for myself, I shortened the “crotch depth” & waist by 1.5” and it looked much better, without adversely effecting the “retro” look.
My waist is only a thumbs width between lowest rib and pelvis (even get my floating ribs caught under my pelvis sometimes if I bend funny which is not a fun feeling). But I can still manage up to a 6 inch reduction in my corsets. If I want to go that far. Which I mostly don't bother with nowadays since my hips just 2" below my waist measure a whole 12" larger than my natural waist (my bust is also 12" bigger than my natural waist) so even a very small reduction, or even none gives quite an extreme look. I've never liked low rise trousers though because I have a tilted pelvis and so the crotch depth is always distributed wrong (too high in the front, too low in the back) and then adding that to the fact that jeans just aren't made to have the hips only 2" below the waist band (if we are hoping it will sit at the natural waist which is the most comfortable point for a waistband to sit for me) be 12" larger. So I just give up and wear leggings under dresses instead because at least those stretch and mostly stay in place at the waist. I absolutely hate trousers. They never make the legs long enough either lol.
The corsets are all so beautifully made!! And this is a highly instructive video on what corsets of different eras did to the figure: surprisingly little. Oh and, you look marvelous darling!!!
I hate it when tuberculosis gets in the way of beauty 😂
They had entire newspaper articles that were just lists of "things that cause tuberculosis", including such things as naps and the color of the room. Apparently tb sucked the fun out of EVERYTHING.
@@NicoleRudolph Nothing much changes! The UK newspaper The Daily Mail is well known for listing things that cause cancer, including flip flops, hairdryers, fruit juice, children, childlessness, etc etc.
Such fun!
Jajajajajajajaj people had no idea what they where talking about😂😂😂
@@Thelmageddon so children cause cancer but so does childlessness??? 😭
That literally just mean having/not having children means nothing... but they just like put it in there anyway??? the literary equivalent of just liking the sound of ones own voice..
Naps?! No way! Naps clearly protect you from all disease and are amazing
Nicole shows us that there's space in the bust area. My inner gremlin says, do you know how many snacks I could hide in there?
The busk pockets of earlier styles hide ice pops during the hot summer months too- less for snacking, but still!
I like your inner gremlin
I have a 55in bust so as a result... I can hide a whole-ass PURSE in my corset!
Yesssssss
I’m just concerned ab how many sea glass pieces and sea shells I can hide in there
"I'm not squishy" is a statement that makes both squishyness and lack of squishyness sound adorable and desireable as bodyshapes.
facts. truth. The squishy and the nonsquisy are equally glorious
. . . please tell me you don't mean "fat pride". . .
@itsshrimpinabag9544
don't think so. I'm skinny and squishy too :) some people are just squishy and some aren't.
That's true, it's just interesting that the OC seemed to see "squishy" as a "bodyshape". In sewing it's definitely interesting to see how things never fit the same way on a firm dress form as they do on a living human body though, haha. @@thegirlonpointe9866
When wearing stays, if I want them to be at a comfortable tightness for me (gives support, doesn't feel too lose, won't shift around) I get quite a bit of reduction to my waist (don't remember really how much)
Also it's so great to click on a historical corset video and not have to wade through all the "how can she breathe?!?!?" Comments😂
Ya make me want to leave one
Yes yes oh yes.
I am watching this video during a break from my desktop work wearing something like this 1880ies corset and being happy about knowing that when i take it off in the evening i will have no packbain and that i can cure my lower back lumbago and sciatica pain alone by wearing a corset which now in the times of lockdown in even more important since i cannot see a physioptherapist right now.
Why have corsets ever been abolished and the bra was invented. Can someone tell me who had this absolutely MAD idea?!?!
Yes, soooooo refreshing!
Except that it those comments would be “how can she breath” 😳😤😖
The underbust measurements, and you demonstrating the amount of space by sticking your hand down the front of the corset, shows that the answer to "how did they breathe in that?" is "quite easily, Janet".
Additionally, as a person with a long torso/waist and lots of squish, I can easily reduce 6-7" and still have the space for my lungs to be able to sing, run, etc. I've jumped hurdle-height items, broken down tents, scooped a terrible twos tantrum off the ground, and more.
Damn it, Janet!!
I found that bit fascinating! Question, how does it support the bust though if there's so much space?
@@Yrie27 I was wondering about that as well. Even with my rather *ample* bosom, there have been some modern corsets and bras that would leave a strange gap and I didn't know how to make them fit. lol
@@Yrie27 padding was normal to fill out gaps. Think of a pad in a bra that keeps the bra from gaping away from the breast
I would love love love to see a series of research papers on the change of body movements with different clothing styles. Corsets (obviously) don't stop people from moving, but they do change the way people move. Like mini-skirts do. Like flip flops do. Like freaking collared shirts do. Basically I want my historical costuming content to have babies with my biomechanics content. This video hit such a sweet spot.
"Basically I want my historical costuming content to have babies with my biomechanics content."
LMAO!
I'd be so here for that
I cannot deliver that content but to whoever does: how one squats down with a Regency busk instead of bending over. :D
(At least I do.)
Well, I know of at least one thing: you out your shoes on first. Before all your clothes. If I ever time travel that would be the hardest thing to remember lol.
@@sophiejones7727 damn I never even thought about that... but of course it must be really hard (if not impossible) to reach your feet beneath a hoopskirt
Can we just talk about how stunning the craftsmanship of these corset is because holy smokes 😍😍😍
😍😍
I second that emotion.
Yes! So good! I particularly love that flossing!
If my natural measurements were closer to hers I'd totally plan a heist to steal ALL of them! So lovely.
Right?! Came for body measurements, stayed for the cording/flossing porn 😍
I am old enough to be most people on this forum's grandfather and let me clue you in about women in the "old days." When I was a child women were tough, smart, extremely capable and powerful. I suspect that has ALWAYS been the case and will always be the case. There is a great difference between what the law and society says and what actually happens in the real world. This smart woman's well researched and well presented video about an article of clothing that many see as a "tool of subjugation" shows the disconnect between what people "think" is real and what actually is. Well done, and I subscribed based on this video alone.
"Historical equivalent of panty lines" cracked me up.
As a fellow short-torso person, thank you for such a detailed look at these corsets. Can there be too many videos about historical corsets on the internet? No, because there are different perspectives when you consider all the different body shapes.
I have the opposite issue, I am long waisted. Still have not found the best pattern to accommodate this.
@@aurorad3522 think the best option would be to try the slash and spread method on the pattern, and many mock-ups.
me: aaaah so that's why I can never fit skirts at my natural waist ... the lower rib gets in the way =(
@@LualaDy That's why I can only wear skirts and dresses with a waist that's below the natural waist. If it has a full skirt and sits at the natural waist or higher, I look like a pregnant teapot.
@@lauraclayton8973 for me, lowering the waistline makes me look like a stick with legs =D
As a classical musician, I’ve generally loved your music choices for your videos. But this time you’ve outdone yourself by lining up the pieces to the decades...chef’s kiss! I learned so much about corsets and because of my profession could picture what music they were listening to in those garments which was such a cool added layer to the video. 💛💛
Thank you for noticing! I spent way too much time trying to find appropriate pieces that weren’t copyrighted 😂
@@NicoleRudolph It's always amazing that things that are SOOO out of print copyright could still be copyrighted by sound! Keep up the awesome content creation!
@@NicoleRudolph I know that literally no one credits classical music anymore, but I've decided to just kinda go around to nice people's channels and ask: "if you know the names of the piece and artist, could you put it in if it's not too bothering, please?"
I'm a classical musician with the memory of a goldfish so it really helps me to know what I'm listening to instead of like spending 60 hours thinking "omg I definitely know this piece aaaargh." Also, even those these composers are all dead, I feel like it'd be nice to make people aware of their existences if it's not to hard for you.
If you've read till here just know that I love your channel!! I'm so done hearing people talk about historical fashion as if they are torture devices. People really gotta understand that beauty mostly always comes with unpleasantry, but at the same time historical people also tried to balance out the two like we do today.
Do you know what the piece is at the intro? It just states the source and not the piece. =)
I mean, that is just awesome. I wouldn’t have caught it, but what a wonderful detail.
African culture (in Kenya at least) was also obsessed with big boodie and called the bum padding "mahando" and in traditional dances they are still worn. I wore them to dance every day even just dancing with friends.
That's really interesting! Thank you for sharing!
Fascinating to think about how “fashionable shape” has a lot of different meanings depending on the culture/people. Thank you for sharing.
make some videos on africa!
I have to say I've been into underwear history and fashion history more generally for years, and knew all about tight-lacing as a misogynistic myth, but it was only recently that costubers introduced me to the idea that if you don't have a corset those heavy skirts will really hurt your body . . . Now when I read a historical novel that uses "she doesn't corset" as some kind of shorthand for "she's free and liberated" I just think of petticoat ribbons digging deep and uncomfortable into her waist.
When you think about it, throughout history, people have always been people.
The beauty of this statement. I need to stitch it on a pillow or make some pretty art with it for my wall.
People=shit
❤
BIG yes to well-informed, nuanced information regarding the evolution and influence of corsetry (and, "textile architecture" is such a delightful way to describe it)!!
I had no idea ribbon corsets mere made of literal ribbons. Now I want a tutorial !
Yes, please!
Oh yes!
I desperately want that ribbon corsets in my modern wardrobe! 😍 Also love 1910 one, looks so much more breathable and comfortable than modern shape wear.
You could check out AraneaBlack here on youtube. She made a 23 part series about the making of her ribbon coset: ruclips.net/video/J9Gt1OZCXVM/видео.html
Amazing! Thank you for sharing! :)
My Edwardian grandmother lived with us while I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. She wore her original whale-boned corsets even then. They were silk and were very expensive when they were first purchased as her family were very well off. She tenderly repaired them as needed. But nothing could convince her to give up her beloved corset. I think she eventually migrated to a long line brassiere later on. Grandad laced her up each morning and brushed her long hair which was to her knees. I was privileged to witness first hand this morning dressing routine. Even tho I was just a child, I had an amazement about it all as my mom was a very modern woman so I grew up seeing both styles in my home. Not sure if I could have done the corset. I was athletic and muscled when I was young. I love the corset lacing scenes in Gone With The Wind and James Cameron’s Titanic movies. Great video.
What a lovely story and great memories of your grandparents! 💜
@@bookbeing , Exactly! It is so beautiful. Very loving. If I were her grandmother I would not give up my corsets either. Not with granddad taking care of everything. 😂
Those scenes were very sensationalized and have added a lot to the misconceptions around corsets.
I love your story about your grandmother and the contrast of modernity/the past in her and your mother! What an experience most of us didn't get to have!
❤
i think i'll feel more constrained wearing a spanx than a corset
I hate that type of fabric that they use for shapewear, give me that corset!
Spanks makes me sweat far more than my period clothing.
Quite likely as spanx works by being elasticated and elastic is always trying to get back to its smallest unstretched size. And when it squeezes you a bit smaller it is actually able to exert a larger pressure over the same area. Which allows it to squeeze tighter... hence why you can be comfy in something at the start of the day and then find the elasticated waistband is digging in by the end. Whereas a corset is not stretchable and only goes smaller to the degree you choose and then stays put. That allows your body to reach equilibrium as the pressure exerted by the corset remains constant. Whereas with elastic the pressure keeps on increasing.
Before I got my first corset, I would wear some type of Spanx that went from hip to bust. After spending many hours in it for a couple concerts, I accidentally managed to roll the entire thing together around my waist. I swear I was about to get the scissors to cut myself out of it, took me like an hour to get it off me.
Thank god for my corset.
Spanx is painful
Heck Yeah!! Factually correct corset myth busting, PLUS a bonus corset, PLUS a cute dance break!!!
I love how open and straight forward you are with your body and how the corsets change your shape and measurements. You are beautiful and shouldn’t feel insecure in any way, but especially when talking about a garment meant to alter the appearance of a body to its “perfect image”, I find you so inspirational. So often we see these images of “perfection” and are led to believe it’s natural and we are the other, and you just blatantly were like, “I’m athletic, sorry, not sorry, I have abs, not gonna happen!” I wish more woman (myself included) had the self awareness and confidence in their body’s that you have. This truly made my day. 💜 The dancing at the end didn’t hurt either! 😆
The way Nicole talks about her body in relation to the "ideal" shape from different eras really helps me internalize that my body is exactly what it should be, *my* body. Different fashionable shapes should have no more bearing on me than fashionable clothing. The outside appearance is what's fashionable, and the flesh and bone and blood that keeps you going is doing its thing completely independent of that. A lot of body positivity stuff doesn't quite hit home for me because of how carefully it treads, and while I understand why it does so, Nicole's compassionate objectivity is so much more comfortable and reassuring.
"I have abs, not gonna happen" - "I have belly fat, not gonna happen" - I have short legs, not gonna happen" - letting your body meet you where it's at and making fashion decisions to build on top of it, instead of making fashion decisions first and then altering the body down. Even corsets don't fundamentally alter anything, they move mass around physically just like all fashion does visually.
I'm restating myself and rambling at this point, but your comment put into words something I've always found comforting about Nicole's discussion of bodies and fashion, so I'm screaming it back at you in solidarity? joy? understanding? no clue at this point, but I like it :)
I'd love to hear about men's corsets
As would I! I made one for myself for an Incroyable outfit many years ago using a Laughing Moon Mercantile pattern, I still use it infrequently though it's showing its age now. Absolutely vital garment for getting a really nice smooth finish to the front of well fitted lightweight garments, like silk waistcoats. It's not that dramatic a garment until you put the layers of outer garments over it and then it really works its magic. Also fantastic for undoing desk job slouch and the associated back pains that brings.
Ive seen the Shape but ive never heard any one speak about it
Me too! I like reading the Erast Petrovich Fandorin book series. It's set in russia in the late 1800's. Its about a man whose a bit of a aristocrate who works with the police. In one he gets stabbed and the metal in his corset deflects the knife. He's a bit embarrassed when his boss finds out what save his life.
It is amazing how much amazing, well-reaserched, well-contextualized, entertaining content there is regarding historical dress on RUclips. I feel so blessed to be able to learn so much and experience talented, intelligent and beautiful people like Nicole. Thank you so much!
I appreciate that you included cm measurements ❤️ so many American RUclips channels, blogs, websites and recipes never include metric conversions, so it's really nice to see it here. Thank you.🙏
Yesss 100%!! It means I can fully understand the changes of each corset
I wear a corset daily, even at my manual labor job.. Even to Thanksgiving.. I love it. It helps my back and my gait and makes me feel more feminine and confident
What kind of corset are you wearing? What decade? Thank you
I heard a custom corset feels like wearing a chair all the time…no wonder that were worn by all for so long!
I think i want some
I really just like the idea of the removable busk for purposes of whipping it out to smack someone who crosses a line xD
The ribbon corset is gorgeous! (And looks like something Wonder Woman would wear)
I just want to find that pattern... It's so beautifull and flattering
This gave me the idea that you should do one of those 100 years of fashion history videos except its 1920. So it focuses on 1820-1920
This was such a good video could you do a video like this but with stays
I would love for somebody to talk about corsetry for “huge tracts of land,” as most styles and discussions out there seem to focus on the waist and lower torso.
With support, sometimes feels like I should be mounted on the prow of a ship. There has to be a better way!
I've also wanted to see some examples of this! As someone with a dramatically large bust, these lower bust corsets scare me a little lol. I wonder if there was additional support for those large-busted ladies?
I would LOVE to know what shape corset would hold pendulous sagging large cup breasts, at a level similar to modern bras. No ship prow. Coverage and support cupping over and above the nipples. And not sitting under my chin like pin-up art.
Surely there must be a way to use corset technology to distribute the weight of saggy large breasts off of JUST my shoulders and back. Bra bands are fairly narrow, corsets spread out that pressure. and keep them from sloshing around.
The earliest one looks to have kind of the right idea, in terms of the breasts being round. But if it provides vertical support, I feel like I'd still be shaking them side to side like jello.
I really enjoyed the video. I don't have a squishy waist, so seeing how they work in those terms is helpful. As was seeing how some shapes I thought had promise, probably would help my posture, but not the breasts.
And, just like that, I have the old Jell-O advert rummaging about in my noggin
“Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle”
As somebody who-back when we worked in offices-had to run up and down stairs with great regularity, the closest I could manage was an underbust corset worn with a separate, underwire bra. There was often pinching where they met.
Alright... did some research on the regency stays. Apparently, they're supposed to do approximately the thing I think I want. Or can be made to. Where I'm lacking confidence is that the stays cup the breasts from underneath to nipple. Spillage is prevented by the drawstring in the shift (outer layer). And they can be made long line, which provides more bust support by spreading out over the body and does the spanx thing with your lower fluffy lumpy bits.
But I really don't like empire waists or regency styles at all - let alone on me. Ick.
I know no corset I make is going to likely be good for putting under a t-shirt, but a quality blouse or sweater? Some dress bodices? It seems like regency stays would be beneficial to me at home, but is there a better solution?
Short waisted ladies unite! I have a very difficult time with many silhouettes being short waisted, and rather tall. Thank you for producing quality, educational, and visually stunning videos!
Let me join you. Today I learned that I am a shortwaisted, never thought about it. My hip bone and the lowest rib are barely touching each other, i have almost zero reduction, just to compensate corset's bulk
@@meliilosona5272 same
I am too, and I have the hardest time with anything “highwaist” because it just goes in pressing my stomach and rubs on my ribs. And I can’t find my what I want in the shops.
I can't thank you enough for this. My bust sits naturally very high and it NEVER occurred to me that I could leave the front of my corset "empty". You just resolved my biggest corset sewing issue. :)
You can add padding inside if you need it to get adequate bust support, but there’s no need to pad out every bit of empty space; a small crescent on each side may very well be all you need - if you need anything at all.
It is so fascinating to see the progression of fashion and how we have dressed ourselves to achieve these looks
As someone who wears an overbust corset every day, it was rather life changing for me. I would deal with daily migraines, neck and back pain. I ran a short experiment to see if wearing a corset would help. It did and I stopped wearing bras totally a couple months back. I can totally breathe in it, walk, and haul groceries up two flights of stairs.
Do you wear modern clothing with your over bust corset? If so, how do you find the shape with them?
This video is fabulous! I love how she actually went through the timeline of corset history with actual corsets, lots of other videos just show you one corset from a certain era and maybe mention how they are different from the previous but it is so nice to see it visually how there are differences!
I am but a simple girl. I see Nicole post corsetry content. I click.
Edit: hooooooly crap that corset collection is to die for. I've been looking into purchasing a historical corset to add to my rotation. What era would you recommend for the best back support? I'm looking on Red Threaded and I'm going to be wearing it sometimes under modern-ish clothing.
I would probably avoid a straight front corset (s-bend) they can put some pressure on the low back because of the change in posture.
I personally prefer from the 1860s (the gored bust corset will give a more natural bust shape) to the 1880s. Because the front isn’t too straight, and the back has natural curve, nothing too drastic.
For reference, I’m disabled with a degenerative spinal condition. So I definitely use corsets as a back brace. I also have a multi level spinal fusion (basically my entire lower back), so I find S bend corsets really uncomfortable, because they try to put a curve in a part of my spine that simply cannot curve at all anymore.
Or you could go for regency long stays- they provide a little support, in the same way that a spanx provides a little bit of support for the spine, but not as much as something a bit more structured. They’ll definitely give you the push up bra effect if that’s what you’re after, though it is a bit more “lift and separate” than the usual “lift and squoosh together” of modern push-up bras.
@@katherinemorelle7115 Thanks for pushing me in the direction of looking into regency long stays being actually useful for bust support. The look like they'd provide about as much support and anti jiggle as a bikini top, but apparently they can do a decent supportive job by cupping and lifting the lower part. To which I say, spillage, and the internet says it's the drawstring in the shift that solves that. Which explains a lot.
Unfortunately not being a history bounder, and having a serious dislike of regency fashion I'm not sure how to solve that.
But my point is, you got me to take another look at a thing I apparently didn't understand. COOL!
If you are thinking Redthreaded, their 1860s and 1880s have the most natural silhouettes for modern wear :)
Omg I’m not jealous at all, I don’t know what you’re talking about 😭❤️ that 1880s corset is so beautiful I can’t I want one so much ❤️❤️
I mean they are all so beautiful, but the black and the teal 😍😍😍
Omg the gold ribbon corset is so beautiful
Thank you for showing the 1910s corset. Seeing it on an actual human has given me a hugely increased understanding of how they were constructed and functioned. I have always wondered how and where the structured part ended. The length has always had me confused as to how a woman would have been able to sit and move freely, but seeing your garment has clarified that immensely. I think it was a combination of a lack of clarity in the text I was reading, and a failure on my part to visualise a 2d image into 3d properly.
I loved the show at the end ! You showed us how your movement is not constricted at all. Amazing!
I appreciate the fact that there has been paid attention to combining music of the same period to the style of the corset!
I am getting ready to sew my first corset so this video was good to see. Especially loved the ribbon corset. I have my great grandmothers ribbon corset and enjoyed hearing about this style. Thx!!
this was so interesting, not only in the sense that corsets don't always change your measurements drastically but also to see and learn how silhouettes and fashion changed and corsets accommodated for that
I just realised that you took the music of the era in each new corset presentation, those kind of details makes me appreciate your videos even more
You had me at “textile architecture”. ❤️
That ribbon corset made me literally gasp! It's so beautiful!!
Subscribing for loving this video, and for the “whole story for another day” when you talk about the 19th century perspective on men “guiding women through life so they didn’t hurt themselves due to their vanity”. So looking forward to whenever you do that!
Thank you for the cm measurements! That made everything so much easier
Not me wanting that last corset and expecting a full on dancing montage with all the corsets at the end. Lovely video, thank you Nicole
Such a good video! That black corset is so pretty, I love the flossing!
That pink corset is so beautifully made!
This is one of the greatest videos on corsets I’ve ever seen. Busting so many myths while showing the true beauty, comfort, and illusion of these garments! Love your channel!
So good!!! I'm do glad you added about muscle, lack of squish & padding. I have an athletic build & no bust.
Thank you for breaking it down in such detail, with numbers and visuals. Really hope it will help to finally put to bed the myth of "evil corsets".
Well done! I love the music changing by era, and seeing all those lovely corsets in chronological order on the same body.
omg the attention to detail in the period-accurate background music is making me, a classical musician, VERY happy :D
I'm so so happy to find out you are a fellow short waisted lady with very similar measurements! I have at most an inch between my lowest rib and hips so have been wronged by many a mass produced corset.
I am IN LOVE with your 1860s corset! The construction is gorgeous, especially in that fabric that highlights how impeccably made it is!
I'm absolutely in love with the contrast flossing on the later corsets and the tone-on-tone stitchwork on the earlier stays. *chef's kiss* 😍
The dancing at the end - pure awesome!
Thank you Nicole, this is exactly the kind of instructive video that I'm here for - I loved this one in particular because it gave me such a better understanding of how corsets in different eras affected the body . . such a treat!!
all those corsets look so beautifully made. Such clean handsewing on the first ones, so much details, such clean finitions. I'm really impressed. Are you a professional ?
Thank you very much for this wonderful video.
1810s and 1830s corset seems more comfortable than modern bras especially in cold winter.
Really thanks for including your measurements. I really think it is funny that we have nearly the same measurements (except at the hip) but I'm smaller and all squish so I look really different. Bodys are funny things.
That ribbon corset was stunning!
It's so exciting to see my short waisted body type try on corsets!
I just started wearing a corset and it has helped my back immensely.
I had been wearing back braces that were bulky but they didn't give me the support that a corset does.
I'd love to find out more about corsets for activity... did they have specific designs for walking and horse riding? At what age would a girl "move" into wearing a corset? Was there an equivalent of a training bra or was it more to do with marriage/motherhood?
hearing that we have pretty much the same measurements is so comforting. I always feel like my body isn't good enough, but I think you're beautiful so mine can't be that wrong, either. my hips and waist are the same, my chest is a little bigger (about 39-40")
I’m working on an 1870s corset and the 1860s corset you showed solved ALL my problems
Anyone else fell in love with the ribbon corset? I have never seen such a beautiful thing and now I have to make one!!!
@@Sarandib22 Thank you for all the resources! It gonna be one of my first historical proyects and now I'm even more excited for it
@@Sarandib22 Thanks!
Fabulous illustrations! I would absolutely be here for a discussion of maternity corsets and stays.
Fantastic video! I also loooooove to see another short-waisted person! Most people don't talk about that, and I find modern clothing doesn't take into account that some of us are short-waisted.
You have some really beautiful corsets, but that ribbon corset is so gorgeous!! Ug, that just racheted up my corset wish list. Do you have any pattern or resource recommendations?
I just did a very simple underbust corset pattern and laid out ribbons on top of it to match the curves the best I could. You can only control length and angle of the attachments, so there's not many variables.
@@NicoleRudolph Thanks! What did you do for the sides? It looked kinda like just a few rows of bones or cords in the ribbon going verticle to keep it from collapsing? The ribbon you used is a beautiful colour, it kinda has a Wonder Woman's belt feel.
I’m a guy, can’t sew, have never worn a corset and am not planning to do so. This was a very fascinating and interesting video nonetheless!
This corset collection is stunning 🥰
Thank you for this video! I too am short waisted, and was totally confused as to how I was ever going to make a corset fit! You are the first person I've heard talk about being short waisted, and how to even begin to consider how to corset that shape.
I love how we are basically the same measurements! This video was absolutely fascinating!! Ive always wondered how exactly they changed the body.
bowing to this video, Nicole!
I have no torso... all legs then neck. I’ve ordered an under bust corset that covered my bust completely. I returned it promptly.
I’m grateful to see my short waisted family getting some love in the corset information department.
I’m going to look into the ribbon corset... looks comfortable
Okay, so the jazzy dance at the end was pretty cute! Great program , thank you!
The ribbon corset! I will now spend an eternity searching for a tutorial and/or pattern. It is absolutely FANTASTIC, and a definite want.
You can buy a mass to measure one on etsy
1:35 they really went and made those bust improvers look like actual melons lmao
Thank you for showing me how and where you are measuring stuff.😊
Finally I think I understand how corsets created illusions by adding width to hips while sligthly reducing waist. Like in my head it has always been about waist reduction and hips would have been just smoothly covered. Thank you for this amasingly clear presentation! 🙏
I absolutely love the flossing on the black corset so beautiful! I also appreciate all the information you put in the description.
They say freeways are the cathedrals of our times. I think corset boning and seeming channels are the cathedrals of the early 20th century. Wow these are all so intricate and beautiful. This is also incredibly educational. I had no idea about the variety of shapes and just assumed a proper corset would be sucking you in 3-4 inches at the waist. I'm kind of shocked to see that's not the case for everyone..e
This is amazing!!!! I was just trying to research different kinds of stays and corsets. Your collection is incredible!!
Question- is this collection of corsets recreated and by whom? It would be great to know (and if its you - fantastic!)
I've made all of them- you can see more details about them in the description!
The workmanship on the early-teens corsets is so gorgeous T_T Those close up shots of the cording made me want them so much
I love corsets & never could afford to buy a real one. so in the late 90's I made myself a bootleg ribbon corset out of webbing & used a thick piece of wood as a busk- I love tightlacing (haven't done it in a while, but I do enjoy the feeling) & I found the ribbon style actually gives the smallest waist, tbh. I think it's because the angles the ribbons are at actually provide an unexpected rigidity to the structure & gives a more firm "hold" on the waist reduction. I love the ribbon style! Thanks for this awsum video!
This is SOOOO good! Oh, and that ribbon corset... Just beautiful!
Hey I just want to say that i really appreciated the use of meters in the video! Thank you
The amount of work you have put in to making these is quite Impressive. The detailed work is amazing.
Your 1860s corset...oh my gosh I think I’m in love!! Fantastic video!
Is there any place one can see a full, detailed picture or diagram of the embroidery and cording on the 1810 corset? It is absolutely breathtaking.
Omg short waisted gals unite! I literally don’t get a real waist reduction more than an inch even in the curviest gothy corsets I’ve worn (though I’ve always felt corsetry is more about the illusion anyway)
Oh, I know! I'm with you!! I am as short waisted as Nicole, and having 6 kids has wrought HAVOCK on my ribs. Regardless, every time I sit down, my skirts ride up. Everything I wear, skirt wise, at some point just becomes a Regency dress. XD
I was so happy when low-rise pants came in style, because 1980s pants made me look like I had them up to my armpits 😅
I have a short torso and I found the waspie style from timelesstrends to be great
@@Sarcasmhime I agree! 1990s style trousers, riding just 1” below the natural waist is the best for me. I really dislike most high-waisted trousers, because the waistband always goes around my lowest ribs. (I am simultaneously short-waisted AND have a long torso from the waist up, with very long legs.)
When I made 1940s style high-waisted trousers for myself, I shortened the “crotch depth” & waist by 1.5” and it looked much better, without adversely effecting the “retro” look.
My waist is only a thumbs width between lowest rib and pelvis (even get my floating ribs caught under my pelvis sometimes if I bend funny which is not a fun feeling). But I can still manage up to a 6 inch reduction in my corsets. If I want to go that far. Which I mostly don't bother with nowadays since my hips just 2" below my waist measure a whole 12" larger than my natural waist (my bust is also 12" bigger than my natural waist) so even a very small reduction, or even none gives quite an extreme look.
I've never liked low rise trousers though because I have a tilted pelvis and so the crotch depth is always distributed wrong (too high in the front, too low in the back) and then adding that to the fact that jeans just aren't made to have the hips only 2" below the waist band (if we are hoping it will sit at the natural waist which is the most comfortable point for a waistband to sit for me) be 12" larger. So I just give up and wear leggings under dresses instead because at least those stretch and mostly stay in place at the waist. I absolutely hate trousers. They never make the legs long enough either lol.
Great timing, I was literally talking to a friend about stays and corsets when this came live😁
The corsets are all so beautifully made!! And this is a highly instructive video on what corsets of different eras did to the figure: surprisingly little. Oh and, you look marvelous darling!!!
Very informative video. AndPlusAlso: I love the music you've added!!!
Your voice is so soothing and your videos are always super informatively! Can’t believe it took me this long to watch this one 😱