Corset type to correct posture and ease back pain?

[nellypea]

I'm preparing to make a corset for myself and could use some advice. I'm a chef and I stand on concrete floors for 8-10 hours at a stretch, bent over a work bench. I have constant low-grade pain in my upper back and frequent muscle spasms in my lower back from working in this awkward and punishing position for the last umpteenth years. I'd like

Comments

[isabelladangelo]

With a corset, what gives it it's rigidity isn't the material but the boning. I'd suggest to start with simple duct ties (like at any major hardware store. Duct ties are thicker, longer cable ties). As for the material - really, it can be made out of anything. I'd be tempted to stick with any heavy weight 100% cotton (duck or canvas). Heat leaves your body through your upper chest/neck area - which the vast majority of corsets don't cover. So, unless you are making the corset out of a plastic bag or fur, heat really shouldn't be an issue. You'll also want to wear a tank top, at the very least, under it. It helps with the whole washing thing as well as how the corset feels while you are wearing it.

[nellypea]

Thanks Isabella. About the duct ties; I have a Rago waist cincher that has plastic boning and I've started wearing it at work over a tank top just to relieve some of the strain on my back and it helps a little but I always feel like it would feel better if it were more structured. Of course the cincher is mostly elastic stretchy material and it just doesn't feel supportive enough.

I'm definitely going to use your suggestions to make a mock up.

[isabelladangelo]

The plastic boning in most commercially made corsets is a lot more flimsy than the duct ties. I think you'll be surprised at how supportive the duct ties are. :-)

[mandie_rw]

Definitely straps. My most comfortable corsets are actually my 18thc stays, which have shoulder straps! I don't quite recommend the style for modern wear since it gives you an odd silhouette, very conical (though when I was having sudden random back pain, I wore it to work for a week and just looked weird, haha).

I generally draw my patterns out from diagrams of period corsets, so unfortunately I can't recommend a pattern; hopefully someone else can. I can second Isabella's rec of cable ties, though. I love the things! To be fair I don't, uh, have much to support, so I've never run into that issue. Plus they won't rust from washings, being plastic.

And for fabric, I'd go for a strong cotton (but not *too* thick, or it can crumple and look icky) like drill, denim, or twill.

[rabid_bookwyrm]

You can draft a higher back and straps fairly easily onto most basic corset patterns. For ease-of-use the Truly Victorian pattern gets very good reviews.

I don't know if this is an option, but could you raise your countertops?

I fixed your tags. Only mods can remove tags from a post, but anyone can add them. You probably clicked it accidentally when you were making the post.

[scandium21_45]

Aside from corsetry, I'd also advocate getting a physio (or good osteopath, chiro) to see if there are exercises, stretches etc to help with your back as well. I don't think any treatment of back pain has ever been focused on just bracing it, although the support sounds like it'll be helpful