Monet Merry Widow Corset: A Modern Twist on a Vintage Icon

Madalynne’s newest pattern, the Monet Merry Widow, pays homage to the classic Merry Widow Corset. However, it’s important for me to call out it is not a historically accurate reproduction, and that was by design. While the original Merry Widow is undeniably a stunning piece of lingerie history, I wanted to design it for 2025 with modern elements and sizing (cup sizes D+ and band sizes 40+) that is also comfortable and wearable for everyday life.

But what exactly is a Merry Widow? When was it created, and what defines this iconic lingerie style? Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Merry Widow and how the Monet version reinterprets its charm for the modern era.

History of the Merry Widow Corset 

The Merry Widow was invented in 1952 by the Warner’s lingerie company, taking its name from the 1905 operetta The Merry Widow. It was originally created to accompany the strapless fashions of the 1950s, providing both support and a sculpted silhouette that was on trendy during the era. Featuring a longline bodice, underwire cups, and flexible boning, the Merry Widow cinched the waist, lifted the bust, and smoothed the torso, offering a flawless hourglass shape beneath fitted dresses. In my opinion, it was the evolution of the corset. Classic corsets were made with all non stretch fabrics, but the Merry Widow introduced stretch fabrics to the design.

1. Longline Silhouette: Extends from the bust down to the hips, providing shaping for both the waist and the upper hip area.
2. Underwire Cups: The bust area is reinforced with underwires to lift and support the breasts, offering a firm and rounded shape.
3. Boning: Vertical boning throughout the garment helps to contour and cinch the waist while keeping the fabric smooth against the body.
4. Front Busk or Hook-and-Eye Closure: Many Merry Widow corsets feature a front busk or hook-and-eye closure for ease of wearing, with additional lacing or elastic panels for a snug fit.
5. Detachable Garters: Often includes attached or detachable garters, allowing the wearer to secure stockings.
6. Lightly Padded Cups: Some versions come with lightly padded or structured cups for an enhanced bust shape.
7. Lace or Satin Fabrics: Commonly made of luxurious materials like lace, satin, or mesh for a glamorous, feminine look.

Madalynne’s Monet Merry Widow

Monet is a Merry Widow inspired style that combines elements of vintage lingerie with modern design elements.  It has the longline silhouetted, lightly padded cups, hook and eye closure, but it does not have the strapless bra cups or garter clips. It is designed to be a versatile garment, and transitions from a lingerie piece worn underneath clothing to outerwear layered under a blazer or a sheer top.

View A: Merry Widow corset features a semi-sheer lace panel in the center front. The side and middle panels, made from both stretch and non stretch fabrics, offer both comfort and a figure-hugging fit. The adjustable waist tab enhances the figure-hugging fit by cinching in the waist even more. The supportive 3-part bra cup is designed to accommodate a wide range of sizes. Decorative stitching and foam on the lower cups adds unique detail. Adjustable shoulder straps and boning along the bodice provide added support, while the hook and eye closure down the back provides an easy way to put the corset on and off.

View B: The matching thong is made with coordinating fabrics. Its simple design complements the corset top without distracting from its details. Lace insert on the front, fold over elastic on the leg opening, and wide elastic on the waistline.

Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or someone looking for sophisticated everyday lingerie, I hope Monet Merry Widow offers the perfect blend of past elegance and present-day functionality.

What do you remember about Merry Widow corsets? Did you use to wear one? Did your mother?

Want to Make the Monet? Here’s What You’ll Need:

• The Merry Widow Pattern: Available now in the webshop!
• DIY Kit or Supplies: Save time sourcing supplies and grab a pre-assembled DIY kit with everything you need – fabric, lace, underwires, boning, and more.
• Sew-Along: Watch the step-by-step guide