Women's 18th Century Stays, 18th Century Corset FULLY BONED - Custom Made in USA = No Risky Overseas Purchase.
Please check my availability before you purchase! My schedule stays very busy!
STAYS PICTURED ARE FOR SAMPLE PURPOSES. Please READ for full description and available options.
DON'T BE FOOLED BY low-cost corsets and stays! Read my item description and cost breakdown below. Shop and compare the visual quality of my stays to those that appear to be a bargain. The quality you SEE displayed is the quality you RECEIVE. No bait and switch - a practice that has become all too common among overseas vendors who steal original photos from reputable designers to sell their cheap knock offs. Don't be taken in by a low price point. 9.5 times out of 10 when your item arrives it is a poorly constructed, inferior product. I hear the horror stories constantly from dissatisfied customers, lamenting over their "bargain" purchase. If you live in North America, shop USA! Comparable quality 18th Century stays retail for $500 to $700.
DESCRIPTION: ITEM PICTURED IS FOR SAMPLE PURPOSES.
My 18th Century handmade stays are custom fit to your measurements, and FULLY BONED with the highest quality materials and construction to offer superior historical reproduction and support of your outer garment and petticoats. There is a wide-spread fallacy that only metal boning can produce superior support. This is NOT true. The only portion of my stays that are machine stitched are the boning channels and side seams. The custom-made bias-cut edging and interlining are hand-stitched!!! These are the closest you will find to a 100% hand-stitched stays and priced to fit your budget. Shop and compare with stays only half-boned and priced MUCH higher, upwards of $600 for custom fit stays that are made to your measurements as mine are. The concave neckline and straps lifts and supports to create a more alluring décolletage. The split tabs make this the most comfortable stays that you will ever wear - No pinching or chaffing. Sample pictured laces partially in front and fully laces in back which allows for more versatility and size adjustment.
Each pair of stays has FOUR layers: fashion fabric, heavy weight fusible hair canvas imported from the UK, and two layers of 100% cotton duck lining for durability and superior ventilation.
Trimmed in hand-made bias tape binding that is hand stitched using small, even stitches - NOT SEWN BY MACHINE - for a more historically authentic appearing stays. All of my stays and corsets include this UNIQUE couture detailing for a SUPERIOR historical reproduction. Heavily boned with industrial cable ties (as used by other premier corsetiers in the historical industry) which are MORE DURABLE and thicker than faux baleen for SUPERIOR SUPPORT. Each tie has a pounds per square inch strength of 50 to 75 pounds and does not become misshapen or warped with wear as cheaper "plastics" do. Even large or heavily breasted women can wear my stays and be properly supported.
**** Made in the USA by a reputable designer with an excellent customer satisfaction rating. Shopping from a designer in the USA avoids RISKY overseas transactions, expensive shipping and customs fees.
FABRIC OPTIONS:
- 100% Linen
https://fabrics-store.com/all-fabrics?article=IL019
COLORS: Many colors of linen available.
COUCHED GROMMETS: Small, 5 mm or .000 grommets MUST be couched for additional $30. Couching is a technique wherein I use a matching color of DMC embroidery threa and cover or stitch over the grommets. If you don't choose to have them couched, grommets that are uncouched will be installed.
CHAMOIS ARMHOLE GUARDS: Available for additional $10.00
Please CHECK MY AVAILABILITY BEFORE PURCHASING. After you have secured a reservation on my calendar, which can be up to 12 or 15 months wait, please allow at least 9 to 10 weeks for "construction" add approximately 7 days for shipping.
COST BREAKDOWN: Actual cost may vary depending on the current market at the time of your purchase.
2 yards 100% Linen: $50.53- UPDATED as of 12-9-24
1 Yard Fusible Hair Canvas Interfacing: $8.00
1 Yard Heavy weight Canvas: $9.00
3 to 5 yards Flat Cotton Corset Laces with plastic tips: $6.00
30 - 40 - 5 mm/.000 Grommets: $6.00
Boning Industrial Cable Ties with PSI of 50 lbs ea: $25.00
5 Yards Hand-Made Bias Tape Trim: 17.00
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$121.53
Materials & Supplies: $121.53
78 Hours Labor: 265.00 (Full price @ $15 an hour = $1,080)
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TOTAL: $386.53
Choose your size by your MEASUREMENTS in inches, not by your usual dress size.
USA SIZES:
PLEASE NOTE: An upper body cast is required. I no longer offer to draft a custom pattern for petites or those whose measurements exceed the following standard sizes. Generally, you would go down one or two sizes to allow for some reduction. The only alterations I make is the strap placement. If your measurements are larger than those offered in the size 22, I offer another style in the link below:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1224771034/womens-handmade-18th-century-stays-fully?click_key=dad652770ee2039ad93b1be91643bbd818c04cff%3A1224771034&click_sum=646a871a&ref=shop_home_active_12&frs=1
The following measurement are required:
Bust Circumference: ___
Bust Side to mid-Center: ____
Ribs (underbust) Circumference: ___
Ribs Side to Mid Center: ____
Waist Circumference: ____
Waist Side to Mid-Center: ___
Hips: ___
Mid-breast (nipple) to waist: ___
Arm Crease Left and Right: (see PDF Handout that will be sent to you)
There are other measurements required that will be available on a PDF.
6 - Bust - 30.5"
Waist - 23"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 32.5"
Back Neck to Waist - 15.5"
8 - Bust - 31.5"
Waist - 24"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 33.5"
Back Neck to Waist - 15.75"
10 - Bust - 32.5"
Waist - 25"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 34"
Back Neck to Waist - 16"
12 - Bust - 34"
Waist - 26.5"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 36"
Back Neck to Waist - 16.25"
14 - Bust - 36"
Waist - 28"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 38"
Back Neck to Waist - 16.5"
16 - Bust - 38"
Waist - 30"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 40"
Back Neck to Waist - 16.75"
18 - Bust - 40"
Waist - 32"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 42"
Back Neck to Waist - 17"
20 - Bust - 42"
Waist - 34"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 44"
Back Neck to Waist - 17.25"
22 - Bust - 44"
Waist - 37"
Hips (9" below the waist) - 46"
Back Neck to Waist - 17 3/8"
**Hand made items will have small imperfections.
No refunds or exchanges on custom made items.
Thank you!
Shipping from United States
Processing time
9-10 weeks
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 7 - 10 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalized orders
ALL of our GOWNS are one-of-a-kind couture, and custom drafted to fit your personal measurements! Most vendors on Etsy offer multiples, i.e., cranking out the same gown over, and over; however, we do not repeat the same gown. Rather, we will take a style you like and customize it for your personal tastes using our superior craftsmanship and knowledge for historical clothing and construction. All of the samples you see listed in our store can be personalized. Additionally, all of our accessories (hats, smocks, corsets/stays) are customized to fit your measures as well. While you may find CHEAPER versions of gowns offered by other vendors, one glance at OUR work will reflect the disparity between a so-called bargain and true quality.
How does the Layaway option work?
With a 20% non-refundable deposit, you can reserve a slot on our calendar. The remaining balance can be parceled out into six (6) automated monthly payments via PayPal on any item valued at $800 or more. We've lowered our deposit from 40% to 20% to make it more affordable for our clients. Details are included in a contract for your protection.
What's your lead time for commissions?
We are blessed to stay busy! Our calendar is filled at least 8 to 10 months - or more - in advance. It's best to give us NO LESS than 6 months advance notice, but optimally longer! - especially for bridal gowns and highly detailed ensembles. Depending on the intricacy of your gown commission it can take up to 12 to 14 weeks just for construction. Because most of our pieces are highly detailed with custom embroidered fabrics and beading, we need every second! We squeeze accessories and corsets into our gown commission schedule and usually need no less than 3 months advance for those smaller items. It is best to inquire before ordering. We will make every effort possible to assist in your deadline.
Do you ship outside the USA?
We will ship outside the USA - However, because our clothing is customized there will be added shipping expenses. We work off a "body cast" created from Painters Tape and Cellophane wrap which must be created in your era appropriate corset (for women). This cast is shipped to us at the customer's expense. Any customs fees or taxes are the responsibility of the client, as well as any insurance.
I love this gown! - - How much is it?
All of our gowns priced in the listing reflect a specific "style detail" and "level of embellishment." We don't crank out the same gowns over and over and scrimp on quality craftsmanship. Unless specified in the listing details, all the gowns are priced for LABOR ONLY. Fashion fabrics for gowns are provided by the client. We charge by the pattern piece (every piece we physically sew together) rather than hourly, so the MORE details in the gown, the higher the price. If you're on a tight budget, you can order a basic gown without all the extras for about $800 for labor. Rather than compromise on quality of craftsmanship, choose a simplified gown from US rather than go bargain shopping and be disappointed in the quality.
Do you take commissions for 18th and 19th Century as well?
YES! YES! YES! We are well versed in the construction and fitting for other eras, namely 18th Century! Our niche has been 16th Century, but we ABSOLUTELY can create men's and women's ensembles for other eras, to include 1940s Vintage. In fact, we appreciate the divergence as we stay so booked in the 16th Century we don't' have the opportunity to "play" with samples.
Added Value Service for BRIDES!
We have carved out a niche for highly detailed, custom fit/drafted bridal gowns (historical themed). Because this gown is the highlight of your wedding and there are too many HORROR STORIES we hear from our clients who have used other, less reputable (but cheaper) vendors here on Etsy, we offer live, personal fittings anywhere in the United States or Canada. If you wish to avail yourself of this service, we will attach the cost of our flight and hotel to come to YOU! No more guess work. No more disappointments or risk of ordering your gown on line. We will shop for the best flight prices - flying coach - to help keep your costs at a minimum.
I ordered a gown with another vendor and was SO disappointed!
It sickens us, every time we hear the horror stories from clients who initially think they cannot afford one our gowns so they go to another vendor, for what sounds like a bargain, but the gown falls apart because the quality of craftsmanship is so poor. They inevitably come back to us but have now wasted $400 on a so-called "bargain." At DFT, we have built a reputation on SUPERIOR craftsmanship and Customer Service. There is no reason to go bargain hunting elsewhere! Don't let the prices in our store scare you. We can offer a basic gown for around $800. So, pay a little more initially and let US offer you a basic gown made with superior craftsmanship that will last many years. A bargain isn't' a bargain if the craftsmanship is poor!
Are Fabrics Included in your listings?
The majority of our listing prices are for Labor Fees ONLY and requires the client to purchase their fashion fabrics and ship it to us at their expense. We DO all the legwork for you during the consult process - sourcing quality fabrics and trims. Unless the listing specifically states "Retail" or "Fabrics Included" the client should be prepared to add the cost of fabrics to their budget.
Embroidery Labor vs Construction Labor:
Embroidery Labor is separate from Construction Labor. We charge the industry standard for embroidery, which is $1.00 per 1000 stitches. Embroidery patterns vary in their intricacy, color changes, and stitch counts. Patterns that are dense, or have multiple colors, will have higher stitch counts.
Construction Labor is our fee to actually construct your garment. Many times the embroidery labor far exceeds the actual construction time.