Corset, circa 1775-80

In the 18th century the corset was more usually known as a pair of 'stays'. These were worn by respectable women of all classes in society (loose clothes were equated with loose morals) and contributed to the rather stiff and formal air of fashionable clothing at this time.

The stays were made from several layers of stout fabric, such as linen or cotton, stitched all over by hand. Strips of whale bone were inserted at intervals to stiffen the garment. A larger strip of bone or wood, known as a 'busk', was slipped in at the centre front to keep the wearers posture absolutely rigid. The stays were fastened by lacing at the back and the shoulder straps also fastened by ties.