Titanic Era (1910-1919) Reproduction corsets

Last updated on October 12th, 2021 at 06:29 pm

From 1910 up to around the time of WWI, the silhouette of corsets changed to create a more elongated line, with the corset lengthening to the thigh (adding a level of control around the hips). As mentioned in my video about hip reduction, if you enjoy the feel of a corset but you prefer not to create a dramatic hourglass silhouette, you could try a corset with a softer, more modern silhouette – or you could try 19teens “Titanic era corsets” (referred to as such because they were worn in 1912, the year of the completion and tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic). Very few makers seem to offer these pieces so this style of corset is a specialty item.

Corsetieres, if you make 19teens reproduction corsets and would like your work added to the gallery, email me with a photo and brief description and you could see it here! Safe For Work photos are preferred. Thank you!

Standard-sized and custom corsets
Patterns and tutorials
Honorable Mentions (archived)

Standard-sized and custom corsets by specialist corsetieres

Here you can see a reproduction of the 1917 Hume corset, this time from Corsets by Caroline for the 2015 Foundations Revealed competition. This looks to have a bit of a saucy wire/bone running parallel to the top line and creating the illusion of a horizontal transparent panel at the top of the corset – in this picture, beautifully contrasted by the lace top underneath. So creative! Read more about this corset in Caroline’s blog and even make your own corsets using her special patterns in her Etsy shop.

Fiorentina Corsetry (Kyiv, Ukraine) is a one-woman business run by Natalia Zinkevych who has over 10 years of experience in historical fashion. Beginning with a love for Italian Renaissance, her interests and skillset have since broadened to include a wide array of historical reproduction clothing. Natalia says that her most recent infatuation is corsetry, and we’re happy to support her work!

The teens era corset (1910 – 1916) was the best-selling corset for Prior Attire during 2014! They still have a small selection of pre-made corsets in stock, but this corset can be made to your measurements and specifications – even being made with hand-dyed sateen in your choice of colors! Izabela, the owner of Prior Attire, has created a blog post and video on the making of her corsets. See her WWI underpinnings photo shoot here.

Evgeniya Molodykh, runs Nemuro Corsets, a corset business in Moscow, Russia. I was first introduced to her work when she entered a corset contest for Foundations Revealed, but she has since made a name for herself on Instagram and Etsy where her extremely prolific team of corsetiere and costumier assistants produce a diverse range of corsets, from historical to contemporary.

Period Corsets is a company I add to every gallery of reproduction corsets, because period corsets are their specialty! In their catalogue is this 1912 corset called the Edith, which comes in underbust and demibust styles, both ending low on the hip. (Please note that while the corset is called Edith, it’s meant to go under their Erté gown so it will come up in their search for Erté). Period Corsets offers all their corsets in standard sizes for natural waists 23 – 42 inches, but can also make them in custom sizes. They have an Etsy shop too!

Ivan of Les Costumes de Jean (Russia) has created several iterations of teens-era corsets, thoughtfully balancing both function and mobility. The last few inches below the busk can be tied as tightly or loosely as desired and the bones stop a few inches short of the bottom edge, allowing the wearer to sit, bend and move naturally without loss of support or historically-accurate silhouette. Available in finished waist sizes 21″ up to 33″ and 10 different color/ fabric options, they make ordering an easy process.

This beautiful custom Titanic-era corset by Isabella Corsetry can be cut to be demi-bust, full overbust, or even underbust, and is available in the Made-to-Order line (your choice of fashion fabric, but standard sizes), or full Custom (your choice of fabrics and made to your measurements). The bones can also stop at the hip, or extend all the way down to the upper thigh if desired.

Laurena Victorian is a corsetiere and costumier from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France, who offers an array corsets and historical reproduction clothing for re-enactors and cosplayers. Offering both personalized services and ready-to-wear samples (as well as some PDF patterns starting at only $1), she has a little something for everyone’s price-point and interest.

RedThreaded offers beautiful reproduction corsets including a slim-fitting Titanic-era corset made from lightweight coutil (as they were made from in the 19teens) and extends down low over the hips. A lovely balance of simplicity and crisp elegance and the perfect foundation wear under your period clothing, these are available in both mid-bust and underbust variations, and can be created in standard sizes, or to your specifications. If you would like to try making your own corsets, RedThreaded has patterns readily available for download in their Etsy shop!

For those who would be interested in something a little more ornate than the basic undergarment, Kateryna Novikova of Dress Art Mystery (Ukraine) offers this brightly-colored teens-era Edwardian corset with layer-upon-layer of lace and ruffled garters, aptly named the “Rose” corset (perhaps both for the color and the Titanic character). Available in your choice of colors and finishes, this is a beautiful interpretation that functions as both old and new.

Emmanuelle of Au Temps des Corsets (France) offers ready to wear and custom reproduction corsets through the ages, from 16th to 18th century stays, to Regency short jumps, Civil War era Victorian corsets, Pretty Housemaid late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century Edwardian corsets, Swiss Waists, and finally ending with this teens/WWI era longline corset. She also offers bum rolls, pockets, and wooden busks.

~Patterns & Tutorials~

Jennifer Rosbrugh is a historical costume-maker, re-enactor, and educator with over 20 years of experience. A self-identifying Neo-Victorian and a founder of the Historical Citizens Association, she has a huge body of work on her website, Historical Sewing, as well as her social media, which of course include the occasional corset and underpinning treasure. Here is a 1913 demibust finished in delicate-looking (but actually quite strong) pale blue rosebud coutil. Jennifer has sewing patterns by Truly Victorian and Laughing Moon available in her online store, The Old Petticoat Shop.

Angela Clayton has been sewing for less than 10 years, but her talent borders on virtuosic as she takes on challenging after ever-more-challenging project on her Youtube channel and blog. In 2019, Angela collaborated with the McCall’s pattern company to release the M7915 pattern for Edwardian style longline corset and chemise, perfect as Titanic-era undergarments.

Kelly of Anachronism in Action created a tutorial in 2012 on how to create this gorgeous 1913 Hume corset from an antique pattern! The tutorial is now available to read here if you would like to try your hand at making your own. As of 2014 Kelly is on a hiatus from commissions while she works on the costumes for American Horror Story and other TV/ movie productions, but she sells her patterns and tutorials on Etsy.

 

~Honorable Mentions~

LaraCorsets has a truly amazing collection of antique corsets, and she’s also incredibly skilled at creating historical reproductions of costumes and corsets, including the very longline 1911 piece seen above, finished in a beautiful rose broche (a type of coutil that is even strong enough for single layers) and trimmed with soft pink ribbon and shirred garters.  Lara is currently on hiatus but her Etsy shop has some original 1930s and 1940s sewing patterns for your consideration if your aesthetic leans closer to mid-century rather than Edwardian.

*Please note that this gallery is provided for informational / research purposes. I have not tried every corset on this list, nor do I necessarily endorse every maker in these guided galleries. Please contact the individual corsetieres for more information about their Titanic Era reproduction corsets. Etsy affiliate links help support the bandwidth of these galleries, and keep my website free for everyone to use and enjoy.