Steam Punk Full Steel Boned C Hook Over bust Bustier Gothic Black Leather Corset

Steam Punk Full Steel Boned C Hook Over bust Bustier Gothic Black Leather Corset

This overbust corset is fully steel boned, and "fully steel boned" is the phrase that separates a real corset from a decorative top that looks like one. If you are buying a corset for the first time, this is the specification that matters most. It sits in our leather corsets range.

• Material: Genuine leather with a cotton-twill lining
• Fit: Overbust, laced at the back for adjustment
• Closure: Front C-hook busk with rear lacing
• Color: Black
• Care: Spot clean only, never machine wash, store flat or hanging by the lacing

What steel boning does

Boning is the vertical structure sewn into the channels of a corset. There are three grades. Plastic boning bends permanently under tension and buckles within a few wears — it is fine on a costume and useless on a corset. Spiral steel flexes in every direction, so it follows the curve of the body around the sides and front. Flat steel flexes in one plane only and is used at the back either side of the lacing, and at the front busk, where the corset must stay rigid. A properly made corset uses both steels: spiral where it must curve, flat where it must hold. That is what full steel boning means.

The C-hook busk

The front busk is the rigid opening, with hooks on one side and loops on the other. Hook it from the bottom upward and unhook from the top down — doing it the other way puts all the strain on one hook and is how busks get bent. The busk is only for getting in and out; the lacing at the back does the actual fitting.

Wearing it safely and comfortably

A corset should feel firm, not painful. Lace it gradually rather than pulling it tight in one go, and if you feel restricted breathing or any numbness, loosen it — that is too tight, not a break-in period. Wearing a thin cotton layer underneath keeps the lining clean and is far more comfortable against the skin.

Sizing and made to order

Corsets are sized by waist, not by dress size. Measure your natural waist and order that measurement; the lacing gives adjustment either side. For an overbust, also send your underbust and full bust measurements with the Custom option, since the top edge has to sit correctly. Sizes run XS to 5XL plus Custom.

Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does full steel boned mean?

Spiral steel bones where the corset must curve and flat steel at the busk and back lacing where it must stay rigid — no plastic boning.

How do I fasten the front busk?

Hook from the bottom upward and unhook from the top down, so no single hook takes all the strain.

How should a corset feel?

Firm but not painful. Restricted breathing or numbness means it is too tight — loosen it.

What size should I order?

Order by your natural waist measurement, not your dress size. Send bust and underbust too for an overbust fit.

Can it be washed?

No. Spot clean only, and wear a thin cotton layer underneath to keep the lining clean.

Do you offer custom sizing?

Yes. Choose Custom and send waist, underbust, bust, and torso length.

Is shipping free?

Yes, free worldwide shipping and secure checkout.