Quick and Dirty Duct-Tape Corset.

Have parties to attend this weekend for Halloween, but still don't have a costume? Rocky Horror Picture Show in town? Never fear! With the quick and dirty duct-tape corset, you can have a cheap, easy costume in less than an hour.

Granted, this won't hold up for more than about a half-dozen wearings, but I think it is a great option if you's rather not invest in a 'real' corset, as they can easily cost hundreds of dollars.

Go grab some tape and let's get started!

Step 1 Materials

You will need:

3 rolls of duct tape in any color of your choosing (two for the body, one for finishing/details)

Scissors

A shirt you don't mind be ruined

A friend (optional)

Comments

[lbaran]

I have heard that older metal blinds are great for cheap boning. Find a thrift store and you'd have a life-time supply.

[popocops]

This was really cool! If you picked a nice fabric for the tshirt you wrap the tape on then when you cut it off could you reverse it and have that as the outside fabric?

[autonomousart]

Really cute idea!! It's really important to remember that this is not a real corset. It does not have real boning, and attempting to lace this tightly will cause severe circulation problems and won't deliver the desired effect anyway... Decorative only, as it were--But in no way does that detract from how cool this is! :D

Hell, if you wanted to go all out on this idea you could pick up corset boning off the internet or from your local sewing store, but I'd still recommend adding a lining fabric because they're rough metal or plastic and would probably hurt your skin.

Thanks for the great project!

[Hapless]

I agree that it isn't 'real' in a foundation garment sense. (As far as circulation problems go, however, I imagine you'd tear up the garment before you would do any lasting damage to yourself. )

--but I really don't think tape would ever be a good idea if you wanted to tightlace or wear daily (even with boning) as tape tends to stretch out and get gummy around the laces and edges when stressed too far. (plus, it doesn't breathe like fabric!)

I think this is best used for costuming applications (parties, low budget theatre, etc) as it works well at holding flouncy shirts/skirts down. Or even to make a pattern for a fabric corset (it would be custom, easy to cut up, and the pieces would hold their shape unlike paper patterns.)

Thank you for the disclaimer autonomousart!

[autonomousart]

No problem, i wasn't aware that the tape deteriorates over time. Suppose i'll just keep this cutie limited to rocky horror myself! :)

[AngelInTheNight]

That's really cool! I may use this for my prom dress this year!

[CarpeJugulum]

Great tutorial.

[kiebeau]

Great 'ible. Easy to make and it looks real good too!

[aaronanalog]

Best entry so far right here !!!!!!

[Hapless]

Thank you, Aaron. I was actually quite shocked this wasn't an 'ible already. My high school theatre was quite fond of making corsets for period costumes (for extras, at least) out of cloth gaffers tape.