The Petal Stays

Where history meets a little make-believe.

The Petal Stays began with the familiar shape of 18th-century stays and one rather fanciful thought: what if their tabs became petals?

The result is one of our most whimsical designs: structured, feminine and intentionally a little fantastical.

Choose soft pastels and florals or take them somewhere darker and more dramatic. No two pairs need ever be quite alike.

Your Petal Stays begin with your measurements and chosen combination of fabrics and finishes.

Each section is individually cut and constructed before the stays are boned, bound and finished with their distinctive petal-shaped tabs. Eyelets and lacing complete the structure before your finished stays are checked and prepared to leave our Devon studio.

There are a lot of little decisions and a lot of hand-guided sewing in every pair.

Someone made this, especially because you chose it.

Yours begins with the cloth.

The Petal Stays can be created in a selection of Vetch & Clover fabrics, with your choice extending to the binding, ribbon, eyelets and lining.

From delicate florals and soft pastels to richer, earthier combinations, these choices can completely transform the character of the finished piece.

Explore how to make it yours here: https://www.vetchandclover.co.uk/customisation-options

Petal Stays are made individually to your measurements for a fit that’s personal to you.

We’ll need seven measurements: B, W, BA, U, BW, SS and AB, with full illustrated instructions in our measuring guide.

Your stays are made with approximately 2 inches of negative ease, allowing for a lacing gap or a gently cinched silhouette. Prefer a more relaxed fit? Let us know and we’ll make yours without the standard reduction.

Find out how to measure here: https://www.vetchandclover.co.uk/how-to-meas

This is where they become yours.

Choose your:

Main fabric · Binding · Ribbon · Eyelets · Lining

Create something soft and botanical, quietly romantic, wonderfully colourful or entirely unexpected.

Still deciding? You can secure your Petal Stays first and send your finishing choices afterwards. We’ll need your measurements before making can begin, and if we haven’t heard from you within a week, we’ll simply get in touch.

Explore how to make it yours here: https://www.vetchandclover.co.uk/cus

Made for you in approximately 4–6 weeks.

Your Petal Stays don’t exist yet.

Once we have your measurements and customisation choices, your pair will join our making queue. Each component will then be cut, constructed, boned, bound, eyeleted, laced and carefully checked before leaving our Devon studio.

Something this individual takes a little time and we think that’s part of what makes it special.

Spot clean where possible, or gently hand wash when needed. Dry flat and iron on a medium heat.

Please take particular care around the eyelets, which are secured with adhesive as part of their construction.

Do not machine wash, tumble dry or bleach.

• Original Vetch & Clover petal-tab design

• Inspired by 18th-century stays

• Structured with synthetic whalebone

• Individually made to your measurements

• Lace-up fit with approximately 2” negative ease as standard

• Customisable fabric, binding, ribbon, eyelets and lining

• Designed as fashion stays, rather than historical underwear

• Made to order in Devon, England

• Not reversible due to the construction of the petal tabs