Boning

• Boning is used to give support and body contouring to a garment.
• It is rigid strips of material used to maintain the shape desired for the garment. Each strip is called a bone or a stay. These were originally made out of whale bone or giant reeds. They are now made from plastic or in some cases metal.
• These strips are sewn vertically into sheaths sewn into the garment.
• Boning is used mainly in corsetry and in the making of under garments. In the 19th century corsets were worn to give women a natural hourglass shape. These corsets were laced up at the back to provide a tight fit.

19th Century Corset, 1891, Maison Leoty

Alexandre Herchcovitch, Donna Karan A/W 10

Antonio Berardi S/S 10

Comme Des Garcons S/S 12

Gareth Pugh S/S 12

Gareth Pugh A/W 12