Ladies' Stays
We make these in five standard sizes (notes on sizing below). These half boned stays lace in both the front and the back for increased flexibility in fitting. Comes with darning needle for lacing. Made with long lasting cotton canvas. If you are uncertain about your sizing please give your bust and waist measurements in the comment section in the cart and we will do our best to pick the right size for you. Available in plain off-white canvas only. These stays work nicely with our ladies' gown.
A note on sizing:
When choosing a size you want the stays to be able to cinch at least 1" but you don't want more than a 6" difference between your measurement and the fully closed measurement of the stays. For instance if you Bust is 40" and your Waist is 34" we would recommend selecting a size Large.
Below is a list of what the different sizes measure when they are fully laced.
Small Bust 28 Waist 24
Medium Bust 32 Waist 28
Large Bust 36 Waist 32
X Large Bust 40 Waist 36
XX Large Bust 44 Waist 40
To ensure you obtain proper measurements, please consult our measurement guide.
Made in USA
Item # ST-265
This Item is often in stock.Call for availability.
Please allow 1-4 weeks if item needs to be made.
- Contact us
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
This is a follow-up to my previous review. I cannot say enough about the service. I initially made contact to report the issue I had with the tape snapping the first time I put on the stays, but they were really great stays and I had figured a way to work with the shortened lace. They offered to ship replacement tape, then they reached out again offering to replace the stays if I had not worn to an event. I said I hadn’t but I had a short turnaround and they were temporarily out-of-stock. They hoped to be getting them in and would rush them out … and they did!! New stays arrived with a week to spare. First pair are boxed and ready to return (along with replacement tape they had sent). The stays are GREAT, but the Customer Service is even better!!! Thank you. Wish I could give TEN STARS!
These are my FIRST 18th century stays. The stays themselves are excellent. The fabric, boning, etc. are better than anticipated. However, there are no lacing instructions and there were tapes attached top and bottom which I found confusing. I followed instructions for spiral lacing found on internet going from top down since top tape was longer. The “eyelets” (buttonholes) were not the same quality as the stays themselves. My tape snapped off (probably combination of friction and pulling) when I was about halfway down, however, the company is sending replacement tape at no additional charge. NOTE: As a whole unit, I am very pleased with the stays and would consider purchasing again, if needed.
Only downside is these garments are not for any sort of reclining position! Sitting upright is most comfortable. It is a great, sturdy, undergarment. Not the easiest to get in and out of alone, but i have done it!
Perfet fit! Beautifully made!
These are by far the most comfortable stays I have ever worn. I needed a new set of stays in a rush for an event in which I was participating. I contacted Townsends with my measurements and they recommended a size for me. They were able to get them shipped out to me several states away well in advance of my event. Excellent and communicative customer service. I have a set of stays from another retailer and they've always been too long for my torso, digging uncomfortably into my hips. I have an average-to-short torso and typically wear a 14/16 in dresses/pants; the 2XL fits very well with just about an inch to spare in the front and back lacings. Comfortable to wear and work in for multiple hours of living history interpretation. Very pleased with my purchase!