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Shoulder straps are dispensed with, which gives the corset a more fashionable appearance without disturbing its qualities as a healthful and comfortable garment.

In making up the corset it is advisable to carry out all possible work on the front and back pieces before seaming the parts together, Button and buttonhole pieces can be finished throughout and strapped, and the backs lined and eyelets put in. The front and second pieces are next seamed together, and the third and back pieces. The two parts are next joined at the shoulder and the seam covered. Strapping is then stitched over the long seams, starting at the bottom of one part, carried over the shoulder, and finishing at the other end of seam. The arm holes are next bound, starting at the unseamed point under arm and carried round to the opposite point. The side seams are then stitched and strapped, and the curved strapping sewn on.

Bind the top and bottom and sew on the buttons for knickers.

Trim with lace or embroidery, and complete it by putting on suspenders.

This style of corset bodice is first seen in an 1885 Ferris Good Sense Corset Waist advertisement, and was available from them through 1890. A very similar bodice was also advertised by the S&S company as the “Vestina Corset Bodice”, in New Zealand in 1900 48 and the United Kingdom in 1907 49 .

It was designed to be a supportive garment to help a young woman with her figure, and also support a growing bust. It could either button or have a busk.