How To Add Boning To A Mermaid Wedding Gown

Mermaid wedding gowns are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want to accentuate their curves. With its figure-hugging silhouette, the mermaid gown hugs the body from the bodice to the knees, then flares out dramatically towards the ankle. While mermaid wedding gowns are versatile and can flatter a variety of body types, they are particularly well-suited for brides with an hourglass figure. When choosing a mermaid wedding gown, it is important to consider your body type, select the right fabric, and accessorize carefully. In addition to the style and fabric, another important consideration is whether to add boning to the gown. Boning is a thin strip of plastic or metal sewn into the lining of a garment to provide structure and support. It helps retain the shape of the bodice, prevents the fabric from sagging or wrinkling, and gives the illusion of a smaller waist. Adding boning to a mermaid wedding gown can enhance its overall appearance and ensure that it flatters the bride's figure.

What is boning?

Boning is a technique used in clothing construction to create a structured and supportive silhouette. It involves incorporating rigid elements into a garment, typically within the lining, to provide shape and stability. Boning is commonly associated with corsetry and has been used for centuries to create the desired hourglass figure by cinching the waist and emphasising the bust and hips.

The term "boning" originates from the use of actual bones, such as those from whales or steel ribs, in the construction of corsets and structured garments. Today, various materials are used for boning, including plastic, steel, and spiral steel. These boning materials are inserted into channels or casings within the fabric, providing a sturdy framework that shapes and supports the garment.

In the context of a mermaid wedding gown, boning can be a crucial element. Mermaid gowns are known for their figure-hugging silhouette, hugging the body closely from the bodice to the knees and then flaring out dramatically towards the ankle. Boning helps to create and maintain this distinctive shape, providing structure and support to the bodice and waist. It ensures that the gown hugs the wearer's curves gracefully while allowing for comfortable movement, particularly when sitting and dancing.

Additionally, boning can be strategically placed within the gown to accentuate specific areas of the body. For example, vertical boning at the sides of a gown can create a slimming effect, while horizontal boning at the waist can emphasise the narrowest part of the torso. Boning can also be used to provide extra support for heavier fabrics or intricate details, ensuring the gown maintains its shape and structure.

In summary, boning is an essential technique in garment construction, particularly for structured and form-fitting pieces like mermaid wedding gowns. It provides shape, support, and stability, enhancing the overall silhouette and ensuring a comfortable fit for the wearer.

Why is boning important?

Mermaid wedding gowns are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want to show off their curves. The figure-hugging silhouette hugs the body from the bodice to the knees, creating a dramatic and flattering effect. The fitted bodice and cinched waist draw attention to the bust and hips, while the flowing skirt adds a touch of romance and glamour.

Boning is an important feature in a mermaid wedding gown, as it provides structure and support to the dress. It is a long, flat, and stiff material inserted inside the clothing to give it stiffness and shape. Boning helps to keep the dress in place, preventing it from sagging or riding up as the wearer moves. It also adds rigidity to the vertical portion of the bodice, ensuring that the dress fits snugly and accentuates the bride's curves.

The type of boning used can vary depending on the weight of the fabric. For heavier fabrics like satin, a heavier boning is required, while lightweight fabrics like chiffon call for featherweight boning. Washable spring steel boning is a popular choice as it is flexible, durable, and can be cut and shaped as needed. Rigilene, made from woven nylon rods, is another option that is very flexible, washable, and user-friendly, although it may not provide the same level of stiffness as metal boning.

Boning is an essential component in creating the desired silhouette for a mermaid wedding gown. It ensures that the dress fits smoothly and securely, enhancing the bride's natural curves while providing comfort and ease of movement. By adding structure and support, boning helps to create a flattering and elegant look for the bride on her special day.

How to add boning to a wedding dress

Mermaid wedding gowns are a timeless and elegant choice for brides, known for their ability to accentuate the female figure, especially for those with an hourglass shape. The fitted bodice and cinched waist draw attention to the bust and hips, while the flowing skirt adds a touch of romance and glamour.

If you're considering adding boning to your wedding dress, here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Understanding Boning and its Purpose:

Firstly, it's important to understand what boning is and why it's added to a wedding dress. Boning is a rigid material inserted into the seams of a dress to provide structure and support. It helps to accentuate the wearer's figure by creating a smooth and defined silhouette. Boning is particularly beneficial for brides with larger busts, as it provides extra support and can prevent the dress from sagging or creasing.

Assess the Dress:

Before adding boning, carefully assess the dress's fabric, structure, and existing seams. Delicate fabrics may not be able to support boning, and it's important to ensure that the boning will be inconspicuous. Consider whether the dress has a lining, as boning can be added to the lining to provide structure without being visible from the outside.

Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a professional seamstress or tailor who has experience working with wedding dresses. They can advise on the feasibility of adding boning to your specific dress and provide a quote. They will also be able to source the appropriate type of boning and ensure it is sewn in securely and discreetly.

Try Alternative Solutions:

Adding boning to a dress can be challenging and expensive, especially if the dress was not designed with boning in mind. Before making any permanent alterations, consider alternative solutions such as wearing shapewear or a corset underneath your dress. These options can provide similar support and structure without altering the dress itself.

Plan Ahead:

If you're considering adding boning to your wedding dress, it's important to factor this into your plans early on. Boning may impact the design and construction of the dress, so it's best to discuss this with your dressmaker or bridal shop before the dress is made. This will ensure that the boning can be seamlessly incorporated into the dress's structure.

Adding boning to a wedding dress can provide extra support and enhance your figure, but it's important to carefully consider the process. By assessing the dress, seeking professional advice, exploring alternative solutions, and planning ahead, you can make an informed decision that ensures you look and feel your best on your special day.

What type of boning should be used?

Mermaid wedding gowns are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want to accentuate their curves. The fitted bodice and cinched waist draw attention to the bust and hips, while the flared skirt adds a touch of romance and glamour. When it comes to adding boning to a mermaid wedding gown, it's important to consider the type of boning that will provide the best support and structure.

Boning is typically made from thin, flexible strips of plastic or steel that are sewn into the lining or inner layers of a dress. It provides structure and support to the gown, helping it maintain its shape and smooth curves while being worn. For a mermaid wedding gown, the boning should be able to provide enough support to enhance the fitted silhouette and accentuate the bride's curves.

There are several types of boning that can be considered for a mermaid wedding gown:

• Rigilene: This is a flexible and lightweight option, making it ideal for strapless gowns and corset bodices. It has a smooth matte surface that makes it easy to sew with and can be cut to size. However, it may not provide enough support for heavier fabrics.
• Spiral steel boning: This option offers more rigid support and is suitable for heavier garments. It provides good shape retention and can be used in waist cinchers or girdles.
• Plastic boning with integrated channels: Also known as cable boning, this type provides strong structure while remaining lightweight.
• Flat steel boning: If you require the most rigid option, flat steel boning offers maximum support for heavy garments.
• Fabric-covered foam strips: These are inserted into the seams to help hold the shape of lightweight fabrics.
• Steel or featherlight boning: For a very thin and lightweight option, steel or featherlight boning can be considered. This type of boning is often used in combination with power mesh to create a supportive understructure for the gown.

When choosing the type of boning for a mermaid wedding gown, it's important to consider the weight and structure of the fabric. Heavier fabrics may require thicker boning for adequate support. Additionally, the number of layers in the gown should be taken into account, as more layers may require stronger boning.

In summary, the type of boning used in a mermaid wedding gown will depend on the specific fabric and style of the dress. By selecting the appropriate boning, the gown will be provided with the necessary structure and support to enhance the bride's figure and ensure a comfortable fit throughout the wedding day.

How to choose the right boning for your fabric

Mermaid wedding gowns are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want to show off their curves. The fitted bodice and flared skirt of a mermaid gown accentuate the body's curves, particularly those with an hourglass figure.

To ensure the gown is comfortable and provides adequate support, it is crucial to choose the right boning for the fabric. Boning gives lightweight support and structure to garments, helping to maintain their shape and prevent fabric from sagging or creasing. The type of boning selected depends on the weight and characteristics of the fabric, as well as the desired level of flexibility and strength.

For lightweight fabrics like chiffon, featherweight or plastic boning is suitable. Featherweight boning is typically 1⁄4-inch-wide plastic wrapped in a fabric casing. It provides some structure and holds the fabric in place without adding much support. Plastic boning is highly flexible, durable, and lightweight, making it ideal for off-the-shoulder and strapless designs. However, it can only be sewn in straight seams and may require additional steps to prevent the ends from poking out.

For heavier fabrics like satin, a heavier boning is required. Rigilene boning, made from woven nylon rods, can be stitched directly onto the fabric without a casing. It is flexible, durable, and widely available, making it a popular choice for strapless formalwear. However, it is not suitable for curved seams.

If more complex designs with curves and diagonal shapes are desired, spiral steel boning is a good option. It is made from flattened steel coils, allowing it to flex in multiple directions while providing strong support. Spiral steel boning is ideal for the sides of a corset, emphasising the waistline and supporting the wearer's movements. However, it requires special tools for cutting and securing the ends.

White spring steel boning is another option for flexible support. It is made from high carbon, hardened spring steel with a durable nylon coating that resists rust and washing detergents. While thin and flexible, it only bends in one direction, limiting its use in intricate designs.

Ultimately, the choice of boning depends on the specific fabric and design of the gown. It is important to consider the weight and characteristics of the fabric, the desired level of flexibility and support, and the complexity of the design when selecting the most suitable boning type.

Frequently asked questions