I've come to a realization.

I hate stays. More specifically, I hate trying to pattern and make them for myself. My lack of proper stays are the reason why I haven't really done any 18th century stuff, despite having lots of plans for them. But I've made three pairs for myself now over the years, and none of them fit well enough to be of any use.

I think I just need a magical stays fairy to come wave a wand and make them for me.