Corsetry

A word about corsets.

The word corset usually brings about visions of delicate Victorian maidens who faint with great decorum at the drop of a hat, and their tough-yet-well-meaning maids ready to tighten their laces as necessary. Lucky for you, wearing a corset doesn't mean that you need to stock up on those smelling salts.

A corset is usually defined as a close fitting undergarment, often reinforced by stays (boning), worn to support and shape the waist line, hips and breasts. A corset is a shaping garment, it should show off your curves, smooth out the little bumps and lumps we all have, and encourage good posture. Morúa Design's philosophy is that a corset should be a supportive, enhancing garment, not an uncomfortable piece of armor. You should feel tall and feminine rather than fragile and uncomfortable while wearing a corset. If you do not feel this way in corset chances are that it is not properly fitted or that it is does not offer the correct type of support for you.

I like to compare corset to a mattress. It is all about personal preference. Some people like soft, feathery mattress, others prefer hard, less yielding ones. The same is true of corset wearers. Some people want gentle support, with little or no waist reduction, while others really enjoy the tight-lacing aspect of corsetry and through gradual training and strong corsets develop unbelievably tiny waists. Most fall somewhere in between.

Why a Morúa corset?

A Morúa corset is a quality garment. Each hand tailored corset is lovingly constructed using carefully researched methods. I use only the best materials I can find and take my time to make each corset special. My work is meticulous, and each piece is custom made to your specifications.

A corset mock-up is included as part of your order. This little "toile" is used to perfect the fit of your corset. This is especially important for clients whom I cannot fit personally. My return policy is simple: I am not satisfied until you are. Take a minute to see what past clients have to say about their Morúa Designs corsets: Pocket Watch Review, Cyber Corset Review and Corded Corset Review .

Construction of a Morúa corset

Morúa corsets are quite sturdy. They are usually constructed from two to four layers of fabric, depending on the design. For instance, a typical satin corset has the layer of satin, an interfacing or stabilizing cotton interlining, a coutil backing, and a soft cotton lining. The interfacing layer may be omitted if a very sturdy fashion fabric is utilized.

Morúa corsets are boned using a combination of spiral steel and steel boning. I prefer to use flexible spiral on most seams and channels but place the steel boning where more support is necessary. A corset can have as few as 16 bones for a light cincher to 36 bones for a heavily boned Edwardian over bust. How much boning is used on a particular corset depends on the style and purpose of the corset.

Flat felled seams, interior boning channels and shaping by means of hand basting and steaming are typical techniques that I use on my corsets. These details may be invisible to the wearer, but they are part of what makes each garment unique. Two part grommets are hand applied at the lacing panels. My corsets have a larger number of small two part eyelets closely spaced to evenly distribute the pressure along the center back. They are more closely spaced at the waist as that is the part of the corset that takes the most pressure. Traditional busk closures are used at the center front and are reinforced with steel boning. An underbusk modesty panel assures that skin isn't pinched when or revealed when wearing the corset.

Corset Orders

I have several shapes available in a variety of fabrics. Review the corsetry section of the catalog to view samples. If you see a silhouette that you like, but wish to see it in a different fabric, just ask. I love to work with clients to create new things - It’s a great excuse to be creative!

Corset orders include a mock up to insure that the right fit is achieved. A cotton version of the corset will be mailed to you so that you can try it on and together we can perfect the fit of the final piece. Delays in the muslin fitting phase may affect the completion date for the final garment. Please note that return shipping costs are the client's responsibility.

Price Guide line

I don't have an exact price list because every custom corset I make is unique.

Underbust: From £200.00
Overbust: From £280.00
Corded Underbust: From £260.00
Corded Overbust: From £330.00
Edwardian Underbust: From £280.00
Edwardian Overbust: From £350.00

Additional corsets made from the same pattern that do require a separate mock-up receive a 15% discount.

If you are interested in learning about the history of corsets, the Victoria and Albert Museum has produced a fantastic on-line seminar entitled The Secret History of the Corset and Crinoline.

If you have additional questions just ask.
You can contact me at
gerry@moruadesigns.com