Edwardian Health Corsets: What Are They, Who Wore Them, and How Can You Make One?

I recently learned about health corsets, also called "good sense" corsets, and I thought I would answer a few common questions on the topic.

What were health corsets, and when were they popular?

Health corsets were popular from the end of the Victorian era (think late 1880s and 90s) and the Edwardian era (Edwards short reign from 1901 to 1910). There were a few key differences, which I will list below.

What were the differences?

Health corsets featured buttons in the front instead of a busk, which did allow for more freedom of movement and comfort. A busk is essentially a stick of metal and is firmer than other boning, so it would be much more comfortable without it.

They also often had straps, and sometimes, as seen in this picture, laced in the sides as well as the back!

The side lacing is in a lot of examples, but I foolishly ignored it when doing my research... Oops! They were also often lightly boned, and sometimes without any bones! Many probably used cording or elastic inserts to achieve the correct shaping.

Suspender tabs became common around 1902, so those are seen on some later examples.

They were often advertised to mothers and athletic and working women. Some were even designed for children (both boys and girls).

The one above has bust and hip gores and suspender tabs, and fairly little boning. Also, that corset in the advertisement is clearly drawn on? This one does not have side lacing.

So how can you make one?

I am using this free 1906 regular corset pattern from Areana Black. It's multi sized, historically accurate, and FREE! (if the link isn't working go here: https://www.araneablack.com/antique-edwardian-corset-pattern-tulip/). You can add suspender tabs using her tutorial as well (here) if you wish. Then make a strap pattern that fits your shoulders. These can be sewn closed or button down. You can adapt the Edwardian corset pattern so that it has side lacing, if you want. Now only bone sparingly. I chose to use three metal bones per side, in the front, back, and middle of the side to provide maximum support without too much pressure or restraining movement, and one or two feather bones on each side. Then just sew buttons instead of adding a busk, and put metal bones near the front to protect the buttons from stretching too much.

In this late Edwardian ad you can see how the general idea was changed as the A line titanic era corset became popular.

You can see the shape got more and more dramatic as the person who wears the corset ages. Also note that is says corded in the advertisement; these appear to have very few bones.

This is an example of poor image editing in the Edwardian era; you can clearly see these corsets are drawn on... Notice the long silhouette and suspender tabs.

I believe this is an extant garment in the photo above, but it was not specified.The shape does seem Edwardian, and features straps and metal buttons. Notice the cording. This corset seems much heavier boned then the other examples, which is why I'm wondering if it's an original - the straps seem in a condition that is too good to be true as well.

The corset in the picture above has straps, but also features a spoon busk, so I'm not sure if it's considered a health corset or not, but noting the earlier date, the buttoning closure might not have been as widespread at the time - I am yet to find a source that says that that is the case, however. Also, I'm not sure why she doesn't have arms. Note the flossing, which says that this example is heavily boned.

Another possible extant garment. The yellowing and fraying suggest this is a true antique, but it could be fake - that's the problem with the internet. Note how the edges are finished.

Here you can see the change in corset shape over the years. Not the bust bodice on the left with straps.

This also appears to be an extant garment. Note suspender straps and shell buttons.

This ad is very early - dated 1868 - and features a spoon busk. Note exaggerated bust shape. This design also features straps, making straps the only truly consistent feature. I don't know what the four buttons (?) on the front and back are.

In this ad, dated 1912, you can see the long line figure of the Titanic era. What caught my eye was the front lacing corset on the bottom right - this does not seem standard for the time!

Well, I hope this post proved helpful, and that you have fun with the treasure trove of sources and the free pattern link!