fjäderben

Fjäderben is a Swedish term that translates to "feather bone" or "spring bone" and is primarily associated with the construction of corsets and historical garments. Historically, fjäderben referred to flexible whalebone or, later, steel boning used to provide structure and shape to bodices, corsets, and other garments. These stiffening elements were inserted into channels or casings within the fabric to create a desired silhouette.

The use of fjäderben became particularly prominent during the Victorian era, where it was essential for achieving the tightly cinched waists that characterized the fashion of the time. Whalebone, being naturally flexible yet rigid, was the material of choice for much of this period. However, as whaling declined and steel became more readily available and affordable, steel boning gradually replaced whalebone. Steel boning offered greater strength and consistency in its flexibility, allowing for even more extreme shaping.

Modern corsetry and costume making still utilize similar boning techniques, though the term fjäderben is less commonly used outside of historical contexts. The principle remains the same: to provide internal support and shape to garments, allowing them to hold their form and enhance the wearer's figure according to prevailing fashion trends or specific design intentions. The term evokes a sense of historical craftsmanship and the intricate construction methods employed in garment making throughout centuries.