I had an elastic corset from Michael Garrod with a minimum laced waistline of 17 inch. An elastic corset is not very durable. After one to two years the rubber material will be worn out and thus will no longer be suitable to form the body.

I then removed the rubber parts and inserted a layer of robust cotton and a layer of satin instead. The minimum waistline is the same now, but the general pressure produced by the corset is greater because the fabric is not elastic.

Elastic repaired corset 17 inch tightlaced to wasp waist

Back view. The corset produces a smooth curve between waist and upper and lower edge. In order to produce this effect, the lower and even the upper ribs must be compressed.

Elastic repaired corset 17 inch tightlaced to wasp waist with tape measure (back)

The same photo with tape measure (external measurement!). Due to the greater overall pressure, the corset is not now as comfortable as with the elastic material.

Elastic repaired corset 17 inch tightlaced to wasp waist with view of whole figure

The reduced waist in relation to the other parts of the body. Here you see a rather tightly laced waist.

Elastic repaired corset 17 inch tightlaced to wasp waist on balcony (back)

The start of a tight laced day. The corset is not yet completely laced up. That still comes after half an hour, but always before breakfast :-).