Ribbon corsets were a popular option for light weight support between the late 1890s and early 1920s. They were often advertised as well suited for more athletic and active endeavors, as they were thin, breathable, and had very light structure. Their shape is also deceptively simple only two panels per side actually have any shape to them. In comparison to the standard Sbend corset of the 1900s, they offer a much easier patterning.

Most commonly these corsets can be found made of silk satin ribbon in a light color. However, advertisements mention a wide array of colors that were available! A few examples even survive with striped, floral, or other decorative ribbons. I chose to go with an antique silk satin that was in my collection, but vintage rayon satins would also do very well! The key is whatever ribbon you use, it needs to be strong and stable enough to hold up to the tension. Ideally, you want a ribbon around 2.5"/63mm, though up to 3"/76mm would do well. After that, you may need to fold back edges to get the ideal width.

While it seems that the most common versions of this style are underbust, there are a few versions that have longer fronts and a few gathered ribbons at the top edge which may have offered a minimal amount of bust support. I really recommend taking a look at the vast array of examples in museums if you're interested in other styles! Modern ribbon corsets are also very popular and you can find more about them at the two sites I mention in the video:

Sidney Eileen Blog: http://sidneyeileen.com/sewing2/sewi...
Aranea Black Pattern: https://www.araneablack.com/corsetri...

Supplies
Busk/Grommets: https://corsetmaking.com/corsetmakin...
German Plastic Whalebone: https://burnleyandtrowbridge.com/coll...

Socials
Instagram:   / silk_and_buckram  
Tiktok:   / cloche_call  

1898 Ad: https://www.google.com/books/edition/...
1920 Ad: https://www.google.com/books/edition/...
Ribbon Corset Ad: https://www.google.com/books/edition/...
Met Corset 1: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Met Corset 2: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Met Corset 3: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Kent State: https://kent.pastperfectonline.com/we...
MFA Boston: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/1...
Met 1910s: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Music via Epidemic Sound (https://www.epidemicsound.com)