Why does the number of Panels matter?
The number of panels in a corset can give a rough indication of how complex the garment is overall.
Think of it this way - if you’re using a sewing machine, one seam might go by pretty quickly. With leather, most seams will be joined together by hand (mark, hammer and awl for every single stitching hole, pick a stitch, and hand stitch the whole seam….on a corset, each seam by itself might take 40min to an hour. Longer, if we’re adding beads or extras.
Look at all these pretty reasons why my fingertips don’t love me anymore
Fewer panels may mean a less dramatic curve. Think about the style of bodice you may have seen at the Ren Faire. The shape is straighter up and down, while giving a good lift to the bosoms. These styles usually only have 4-6 panels.
Less curve doesn’t mean no curve. Each panel can be cut with more curve in mind to emphasize a more hourglass figure. That’s the good thing about bespoke work - everything can be tweaked.
More panels create a more finessed hourglass shape. It’s just facts. The more complex the shape (especially in leather) the more work. A fitted hourglass corset is also more likely to provide back support.