ABSTRACT
Corset design changed dramatically during the early part of the 19th century. A new style of corset, with a front and back panel and inserts at the hips and bust, produced a more feminine shape to the female figure. The 1820 corset is a beautiful example of the foundation wear worn during the first half of the 19th century; it is part of the costume collection held by Hampshire Museum Services, at Chilcombe House, England. The corset is made from smooth white cotton, and has four panels, two hip gussets and four bust gussets; it also has two straps that fasten at the front. The close-fitting nature of the 1820 corset requires very accurate measurements in order for the garment to fit effectively. The reduction in the waist seen on other stays and corset patterns cannot be applied to this pattern as the lack of bones means that the corset cannot be pulled in as tightly.
