A Guide to Types of Corset Boning
Choosing the right boning is one of the most important decisions in corset making. The wrong type can leave a corset that just doesn't do what you need or isn't comfortable. Some people prefer lighter bones and some prefer stiff. Here's a breakdown of the main types available — and what each one is best suited for.
Synthetic Whalebone & "German Plastic Bones"
These are both considered synthetic whalebone, but they are a bit different. Both are flexible plastic boning that has become a staple for beginner and experienced corset makers alike. At Farthingales, we sell over 7,000 meters of it a year — and for good reason. They can be cut with ordinary scissors (no special tools needed), it's comfortable against the body, and it works beautifully for everyday corsets and wearable fashion pieces. "German Plastic" can also be sewn through which can be an advantage when creating structures other than a corset. The ends of both can be shaped when you cut them with scissor, allowing you to round the ends or angle them to accommodate a deep V front. These bones are easy to use and come with instructions.
Best for: First corsets, fashion corsets, under-bust and over-bust styles, boned bodices
Available in: 7mm wide German Plastic (1/4") — included in our Corset Bone and Busk Kit.
All sizes available: 5mm, 7mm, 10mm, 11mm & 13mm
Note: wider widths are stronger and work better on large bodies
Spiral Steel Boning
Spiral boning is made of two flat steel wires coiled together, giving it the ability to flex in multiple directions. This makes it ideal for curved seams and areas of the corset that need to follow the body's contours — like side seams and princess seams. It's strong but forgiving, and it won't crease or kink the way flat steel can. These enhance curves and the flexibility works well for dance bodices. There are "U" tips available to finish the cut ends.
Best for: Curved seams, side panels, waist cinchers, and any corset requiring flexibility.
Available in: 4mm(3/16") 5mm, 6mm (1/4"), 7mm (5/16") and 11mm (7/16") sold by the meter. And 6mm (1/4") sold in pre-finished lengths.
Woven Boning (Rigelene-type)
Woven boning is a sew-through boning made from polyester fibres woven into a flat strip. It's lightweight, flexible, and can be sewn directly through — making it a great choice for lighter garments, structured bodices, and bridal wear where steel would be overkill. Our woven boning is made in Germany and is stiffer than many comparable products. Woven boning can be bent out of shape unintentionally - especially in a tight garment when the wearer sits down - this boning can bend at the waist and stay bent.
Best for: Structured bodices, bridal bodice but not corset, prom wear, puffed sleeves, and lighter garments.
Available in: 7mm Black, 8mm Black and White, 10mm Black, and 12mm White and Black (the 12mm is particularly good for structural shaping like oversized sleeves).
You'll find our Rigelene woven boing in our plastic bones section.
Flat Steel / Hoop Steel
Flat steel boning is rigid but somewhat flexible and strong — it doesn't flex side to side - but does flex back and forth, which makes it ideal for the front and back bones of a corset (especially alongside grommets and busk). Hoop steel is the same material used in hoop skirts, and depending on thickness, it can do double duty in both corsets and crinoline hoops.
At Farthingales we carry several widths and thicknesses:
- 5mm x 0.6mm — Strong and rigid, great for corsets; can work for hoops when multiple are used.
- 6mm (US-made) — A classic spring steel compatible with both U-tips and hoop connectors.
- 7mm x 0.4mm — Lighter and more flexible; excellent for corsets and potentially bustles, but not suitable for hoops.
Best for: Front and back bones, busk channels, hoop skirts, and bustles.
Bone Tips and Accessories
Whatever boning you choose, finishing the cut ends properly is essential. Raw spiral steel and woven boning ends can fray or poke through fabric. We carry aluminum U-tips in 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm and 11mm sizes to cap spiral bones. We also have special dies and pliers to set these tips on the cut spiral bones easily. For the woven Rigelene bones we have small rubbery tips to keep the ends from fraying and from poking through fabric.
Shop U tips for Tipping Steel Bones
Shop Rigelene Tips for Woven Bones
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our Corset Bone and Busk Kit is the perfect starting point — it includes 10 meters of German Plastic bones 7mm wide and a busk in your chosen length, the hardware you need for a first corset. And if you want to experiment with different types before committing, our Bag of Bone Bits is a fun, budget-friendly mystery bag of mixed boning offcuts.
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