Plastic Boning
Plastic Boning
Lightweight, inexpensive boning made from polyester or nylon, used in fashion corsets and lighter structured garments.
What Is Plastic Boning?
Plastic boning consists of narrow, flat strips made from synthetic polymers — typically polyester (sold as Rigilene) or nylon. These strips are sewn into vertical channels within corsets, bustiers, longline bras, and structured bodysuits to help the garment hold its shape against the body. Each strip is usually 6 to 12 millimetres wide and flexible enough to bend with movement while providing enough spring-back to prevent fabric from collapsing or wrinkling.
The main advantage of plastic boning is its light weight and affordability. A fashion corset with plastic boning weighs significantly less than one with steel, making it more comfortable for extended wear at events, photoshoots, or as bedroom wear. The flexibility also means it conforms more forgivingly to different body shapes without requiring precise fitting. However, plastic boning does not provide meaningful waist compression — it prevents fabric bunching rather than reshaping the torso.
When checking quality, look for boning channels that are capped or heat-sealed at both ends — uncapped plastic boning can work its way through the fabric and poke the skin. The boning should be wide enough for the garment's fabric weight; narrow boning in heavy satin will buckle. Rigilene (the multi-strand polyester variety) holds shape better than single-strip nylon and is the more common choice in quality lingerie.
Sinderella uses plastic boning in fashion-oriented corsets and bustiers where the goal is shape and silhouette rather than cinching — keeping pieces light and comfortable enough for a full evening of wear.
How to Wear & Style
Plastic-boned corsets and bustiers work beautifully as outerwear over blouses or as statement bedroom pieces. Because the boning is flexible, you can sit, bend, and move freely — unlike rigid steel-boned corsets that restrict motion. Store boned garments flat or hanging to prevent the plastic from developing a permanent curve. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle; avoid high dryer heat, which can warp plastic boning permanently.
Explore Structured Styles
Fashion corsets and bustiers with lightweight boning — sculpted shape without the weight.
Browse BodysuitsFrequently Asked Questions
What is plastic boning?
Lightweight, inexpensive boning made from polyester or nylon, used in fashion corsets and lighter structured garments.
What is the difference between plastic boning and steel boning?
Plastic boning (often called Rigilene) is lighter, more flexible, and less expensive than steel. It holds shape in lighter garments like fashion corsets and bustiers but bends under strong pressure and can develop a permanent curve over time. Steel boning (flat or spiral) is heavier and more rigid, providing genuine waist reduction and long-lasting structure. Choose plastic for fashion and bedroom pieces; choose steel for true waist training or heavy-duty shaping.
Does plastic boning become uncomfortable over time?
Plastic boning can develop a permanent bend if the garment is stored folded or if the boning is too thin for the fabric weight. This bent boning may press awkwardly against the body. To prevent this, store boned garments flat or hanging, and choose pieces where the boning channels are capped at the ends to prevent the strip from poking through the fabric.