Glossary

Busk = A two part rigid "stick" used on the front centre line of a corset in a vertical orientation. Often used to enhance the separation of the bust. Historically the busk was a single rigid bone or stick placed in a casing down the center front of the corset. These early busks were made from a variety of substances including wood, ivory, or bone. These early busks where highly prized and could be elaborately carved and where frequently passed on or given as gifts. As time and taste has moved on the most common material used in busks is steel although weight and quality can vary. The modern two part busk eases the removal of a corset allowing as it does the front of the corset to be split if not under tension. The steel busk in a modern corset is usually a made using flat steel bones which unlike the spiral steel bones from other parts of a corset are less flexible. This frontal rigidity forms a key element of the corsets style and shape.

Modesty Panel = Material Panel sometimes included in a corset to cover the flesh shown underneath the lacing. Generally only occurs on older styled or more expensive corsets. Can often be worn folded inside the corset if showing flesh under lacing is desired.