I present late 19th century, so the hourglass/S-shape is essential. The best way to achieve that is to have the ties end 2/3 of the way down (or thereabouts) at the natural waist, so the tightening goes from top down AND from bottom up. I always lace myself (mirror and doorknob are a big help to get exactly the right shape) and remain comfortable enough to breathe, eat, digest, present a program, and cart my program equipment while fully dressed in 1890s clothing.
Fascinating stuff! I was aware of spiral lacing & standard/shoe lacing - but have never noticed cross & ladder lacing. You didn't mention fan lacing - how prevalent was this? And how often would stays/corsets have been front laced rather than back laced? I suppose the need for do-it-yourself tightening was far less then than now - if (like most people) you didn't have a maid, there would always have been a sister, mother, daughter - or fellow servant! - around to help out if need be...
From what I have found, it looks like fan lacing didn't become a thing until the 19th century. For more information about fan-lacing, please check out: sidneyeileen.com/sewing-2/sewing/corset-detailing/regency-fan-lacing/#.X7nIUVBOkdV Regarding the front laced versus back laced, I think part of that depends on the time period as well as station in life (for example, a queen vs. a servant) and the item being laced. If you look specifically at Henrician gowns, you can find front-laced gowns that are then hidden by a panel (like a stomacher). An example of this can be found here: adamselindisdress.blog/tag/henrician-dress/
You're welcome! I think it depends on the build of your body and what you're looking for. If you're looking for bust support, I would recommend lacing from the bottom up to the top. If you're looking for lacing that is easy to loosen up (but does not provide as adequate bust support, in my opinion), then I would suggest lacing from the top down to the bottom. I did lacing from top to the bottom when I was pregnant, as this helps to loosen the lacing around a growing belly.
It's personal preference. I usually make a loop and then knot it. To help visually explain this, please see m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0QAxnz6m4b7HRpimKT8crqHxUNoPC529PyBYBJU2dPCKUdgmd3hRrej5RkxjFicx7l&id=100063001851866&mibextid=Nif5oz
