Regency "bra"

[therru]

Inspired by the upcoming Austen LARP in October, I've been making a kind of Regency bra -- a much shortened, front-laced corset, for lighter wear in warm weather (or for dancing). The construction is based on the top of extant regency stays, but there aren't any short stays like this that I know of. But since the main function of regency stays is

Comments

[thedimholt]

Very nice!!!

[emoni]

Love the bra! and especially the Mumin tin in the background ;)

[bracke]

Looks really good!

[sneprinsesse]

So pretty! Are they comfortable? I really like the "simple" embroidery, but aren't you afraid it will show through?

I have seen pictures of drawings of short stays and some places one can buy modern made patterns for them, so why not? But indeed, never seen any actually from the period.

The bodice of the Akerdrakt is of the same thought - a long bodice shortened, still retaining some rococo "tails" in the back.

[therru]

Thanks! It's a bit tight across the chest, of course, since it has to press the bust upward. No pressure on the stomach or diaphragm though. Yes, it might show through if I don't wear a petticoat over it, or if the gown is white and diaphanous. If I wear something of printed fabric it should be OK, I think.

The only period short stays I've seen are the transitional stays from the end of the 18th century, and the Kyoto "wrap bra" thingy that no-one knows exactly how to use. Oh, and a very blurry illustration from the back of someone putting on (or removing?) a "corset elastique" that looks like it's mostly made up of straps.

I've started on a new bonnet today. Next on the list is a spencer and a ball gown... I don't have any really good patterns for a spencer, though. I may have to make one after a picture.

[sneprinsesse]

My figure is a bit regency already being narrowest under the bust so I just need something to keep the bust in the correct place, so I could do with something like what you made.

If you have the relevant Janet Arnold, there is a pelisse you can use just the top of for a spencer. There is a nice one here as well: http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/index.php?title=Patterns_and_Pictures_from_Maurice_Leloir

[therru]

I have both the Regency "waist" and a natural bustle, so I'm kind of spanning the 19th century there. :)

I have Patterns of Fashion 1, the "Englishwomen's dresses" up to 1860. I'll check out hte pelisse, thanks! There is a spencer in "Kvinnligt mode under två sekel" but it's not a very nice one. :)

Thanks for the link! That should be useful.