Today we will look at Busks on a Corset.

Today we will look at Busks.

Victorian corsets have a feature no other item of clothing has. The simple steel busk is an engineers dream. On one side is a pin with a large head and on the other is a hook tapered to a slot. This simple device on the front of a corset can be hooked on to the pin and when under tension will not come off. Care must be taken when initially tightening the corset as these busks work best under tension and are likely to slip of the pins when the corset is put on before tightening the lacing.  It is always best to adjust the corset position to get comfortable and then tighten the lacing until the pins are under a little tension. A quick check to make sure none have come unclipped and then continue lacing the corset to a tightness you desire. Failure to do this check will result in the time consuming unlacing of the corset. Do not be fooled into thinking you can just simply clip an open busk closed on a tightened corset as it will damage the fabric or break a nail!  Once the corset is tight these busks will remain pulled into their closed position. Simple and effective. When taking off the corset the temptation is to unclip the busks when the lacing is still tight. Some busks will come open but then the pressure and tension is transferred to the ones still closed. This can cause bending of the steel busk and damage to the pins. Ensure the lacing is free of tension before opening the front of the corset. Tell tale signs of a corset taken off too early are bent busks in the middle section of the corset.