1790s Transitional Stays

The end of the 18th century saw major shifts in western women's fashion. After centuries of conical silhouettes, the body was allowed to curve and waistlines rose to just under the bust, and transitional stays were the "missing link" between earlier styles and the long line stays of the 1810s–1830s. Extant stays from this period vary widely in style and construction, as staymakers employed creative methods to adapt to this new fashionable shape. With a lightly boned conical torso and soft bust gores, our 1790s transitional stays are the perfect foundation for fashions of the early Regency period. The longer line and wooden busk provide support, while the cups and drawstring at the center front allow for a more natural yet slightly lifted bust curve. This style is meant to end at precisely mid-bust to accommodate the wide, low necklines of the period. We highly recommend wearing these over a shift as pictured. Details: Appropriate for 1790–1810 Cotton sateen fashion fabric outer layer