Corset Modesty Flaps. Good or Bad?

Corset Modesty Flaps. Good or Bad.

Many well made corsets do not have modesty flaps. The corset purists prefer the lines of lacing against the skin but for many this proves uncomfortable and can look a little odd. It is a matter of opinion. Certainly, if the gap at the back of the corset is over 3 inches then a modesty flap can give a more complete look to the ensemble from the rear. The difficulty with modesty flaps is they are at the key point of the working mechanics of the corset. The flap can be as much as 5 inches wide and cover the open back between the lacing. When the corset is pulled tighter the material in the modesty flap can bunch up under the lacing. This can look a little odd but also reduce the waist reduction of the outside measurement of the corset. The wearer will experience the tightness of the internal measurements of the corset but not the outside waist reduction. Modesty flaps come into their own on a corset worn as a ball gown top as part of a two piece and are very popular used in wedding dress corset tops. Here we see the perfect use of a modesty flap in a corset with the laces tightened but not used to reduce the waist to the extreme amount of the corset shown. If the corset shown is tightened any more the flap will scrunch and will be difficult to pull tight under the lacing as it will be trapped by the tightness of the corset to the wearer. It is just mechanics. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the issue please let me know.