When did the manufacture of stays & corsets begin?

Question

I am researching my family tree and have come across 3 brothers, plus 2 of their uncles and an aunt, were all involved in the stay & corset manufacture (mainly in the south, plus leicestershire & Boston, Massachussetts). Their surname is Reynolds. Does anyone have any information on this family?

Answer 1

For general information on the manufacture of clothing there is a museum at Bath which I forget the name of, or you could try the V&A in London.

If you know where the family came from try the local museums there for information on the industries, and don't forget local record offices.

If you know who your ancestors worked for you may find company records in the County Record Offices or if you are really, really lucky the comapny may still exsit and you could contact them.

You didn't give any dates so it is not possible to be more specific.

Answer 2

Corsets have been around Like when I went to se the Piarates of THe Carribean Dead Mans chest The girls were wearing corrsets./

Answer 3

corests have been around since the 16th century but they were called stays until the 18th century.