Corset Shopping Advice, Please!

[SweetErika]

I wish my machine could handle leather.

Have you tried making fabric corsets, wenchie?

I'm not sure about where you live, but in my area, one can rent machines for special projects, and the leather store has a machine for customers to use, IIRC. I'd also see if I could rent space on a machine at one of the local art/fashion schools. Maybe that'd be something to look into?

I really envy and admire people with sewing skills - mine are very few and far between.

 

[Chicklet]

What do you consider a "next to impossible" amount of time? Is it next to impossible to get in and out of one with a back closure only on your own? I'm having trouble figuring out how I'd get in at least by myself, though in all likelihood, my husband or someone would probably be around to help when I wanted to wear it.

funny story insertion - the person who laced me into my corset Sunday double knotted the strings, and I spent 45 mins when I got home struggling to get it undone. my kitten offered to help but I wasn't about to let him near the leather.

I love my corset that buckles in the front as well as ties in the back, because I can get it on and off easily by myself. However, since YOU would have someone else around, I don't imagine it'd be such a problem.

Lacing yourself into a corset alone is difficult

 

[the captians wench]

Have you tried making fabric corsets, wenchie?

I'm not sure about where you live, but in my area, one can rent machines for special projects, and the leather store has a machine for customers to use, IIRC. I'd also see if I could rent space on a machine at one of the local art/fashion schools. Maybe that'd be something to look into?

I really envy and admire people with sewing skills - mine are very few and far between.

Yes I do make fabric ones...tho not usually as detailed as the ones that have been posted. Mine are much simpler, kind of the step between your frederick's plastic boned one and the $300 custom made ones.

There's not a leather shop around here that I know of, and with my work schedule traveling to one of the schools that has something of a fashion dept really doesn't apeal to me. And a machine that could handle it would be a bitch to get into my apt. So I'll just dream for a while.....or sweet talk some one else into letting me spend a few hours on their's. *giggles*

but I'd have to buy leather...and no fabric for wenchie until after halloween!

*pouts*

 

[Blushing Bottom]

For corsets that will last a life time.

 

[Etoile]

I keep a listing of all the online corsetmakers I have ever found:
http://www.corsetworld.net/

For inexpensive but still high quality, I have to agree with the Meschantes recommendation. But don't go direct. You have to order through eBay. It's cheaper and the customer service is better. I've gotten three corsets with them that way.

Alter Ego is also inexpensive and on eBay, though I don't know anything about their quality. Most people seem happy with them. Timeless Trends is another one that is inexpensive and good quality, but they only have one style.

 

[SweetErika]

I keep a listing of all the online corsetmakers I have ever found:
http://www.corsetworld.net/

For inexpensive but still high quality, I have to agree with the Meschantes recommendation. But don't go direct. You have to order through eBay. It's cheaper and the customer service is better. I've gotten three corsets with them that way.

Alter Ego is also inexpensive and on eBay, though I don't know anything about their quality. Most people seem happy with them. Timeless Trends is another one that is inexpensive and good quality, but they only have one style.

Thank you, Etoile!

Our playspace is having a yard sale fundraiser tomorrow, and apparently there will be some larger corsets and other fetishwear there, so maybe I'll find something, or at least be able to try one on to see what I think. Cross your fingers for me!

 

[Mazuri]

I have a question for the corset wearing folks...although I've only ever worn rather cheaply made corsets, I have yet to find one that doesn't just roll down from the weight of my boobs. I'm not huge, but I have never had luck with strapless anythings...corsets, bras, tops...nothing. They always just peel off me and then I'm stuck tugging on them constantly. Now, I'm not sure if they're simply not fitted well or if it's the quality, but advice would be appreciated on how to prevent that

maz

 

[Etoile]

I have a question for the corset wearing folks...although I've only ever worn rather cheaply made corsets, I have yet to find one that doesn't just roll down from the weight of my boobs. I'm not huge, but I have never had luck with strapless anythings...corsets, bras, tops...nothing. They always just peel off me and then I'm stuck tugging on them constantly. Now, I'm not sure if they're simply not fitted well or if it's the quality, but advice would be appreciated on how to prevent that

maz

A proper corset definitely won't do that! It will be steel-boned and you really can't get that kind of response from a steel-boned corset. If you have a bridal store nearby they might have one you can try on - just explain you want to see how good the support is and they will probably let you.

 

[Mazuri]

Thank you. I figured it was quality, but then it happened with everything that was supposed to defy gravity (like strapless bras) so I was wondering if it was an improper fit issue or just dumb luck

I've seen a few corsets that have the cups similar to a bra and didn't want to risk paying a lot of money for the same issues I've had with cheaper made items.

I'm not sure about a bridal store. There may be one in the larger city that's about 30 min away...I'll have to look into it

Thanks again.

maz

A proper corset definitely won't do that! It will be steel-boned and you really can't get that kind of response from a steel-boned corset. If you have a bridal store nearby they might have one you can try on - just explain you want to see how good the support is and they will probably let you.

 

[Netzach]

A corset will do things to your rack you've never dreamt possible.
I have cleavage in one!

 

[Mazuri]

Well, when properly supported, the girls can literally hold a pint mug of beer (yes, we tried on a giggle), so I'm not really lacking in that department (much to the hubby's delight). The rolling down thing, however, makes it supremely unfun to wear and have to deal with as I can either stand perfectly still or rip the damn thing off in frustration, stick it in the back of a drawer somewhere and never wear it again.

A corset will do things to your rack you've never dreamt possible.
I have cleavage in one!

 

[i_got_id]

Leather corsets for noobs?

Hi, and sorry to hijack your thread, SweetErika.

I'm looking at getting a strapless corset for my wife mainly as an undergarment. It would definitely need to be overbust. She wears bustiers etc reasonably often but finds that the plastic boning tends to offer too little support. So it looks like I'm after something with steel boning.

My wife isn't big or small (generally a standard Large size) and like SweetErika I don't have an unlimited budget. Probably up to the $100 mark.

I've read that leather corsets are good for people new to corset wearing because they allow a bit more flexibility. Would leather be a good first up option?

thanks a lot

matt

 

[Etoile]

Hi, and sorry to hijack your thread, SweetErika.

I'm looking at getting a strapless corset for my wife mainly as an undergarment. It would definitely need to be overbust. She wears bustiers etc reasonably often but finds that the plastic boning tends to offer too little support. So it looks like I'm after something with steel boning.

My wife isn't big or small (generally a standard Large size) and like SweetErika I don't have an unlimited budget. Probably up to the $100 mark.

I've read that leather corsets are good for people new to corset wearing because they allow a bit more flexibility. Would leather be a good first up option?

thanks a lot

matt

If you have the money for leather, sure, go for it! A good place to shop would be Alter Ego Erotics, they sell through eBay pretty inexpensively, which makes them good for a first corset. I assume this is for fashion on top of the clothes, by the way? If not, she will want to wear a corset liner (like a camisole, etc) to keep from getting body oils directly on the leather corset.

 

[chauderlos]

Hope this helps:

http://www.vollerscorset.co.uk/
http://www.absolutecorsets.com
http://www.corsetmaker.com/
http://www.darkgarden.net/corsets.asp


(a former Lit member gave me those reference long, long ago... wonder what happened to her... hope she's fine NM - and happy I reached 500 posts thinking about her)

 

[Etoile]

Hope this helps:

http://www.vollerscorset.co.uk/
http://www.absolutecorsets.com
http://www.corsetmaker.com/
http://www.darkgarden.net/corsets.asp


(a former Lit member gave me those reference long, long ago... wonder what happened to her... hope she's fine NM - and happy I reached 500 posts thinking about her)

More info on each of those:

Vollers is pretty popular, and the prices are not bad, but from what I have heard they are pretty flimsy. Yes, they are steel boned, but the construction is apparently not very good. Might be good for a first timer though!

Absolute is just a reseller, they don't make any of their own. They resell for Vollers, Versatile, and others. Reselling usually means a markup.

Isabella Costumiere (corsetmaker.com) is outstanding. I have never heard a bad thing about her. I got to examine one of her off-the-rack corsets in Las Vegas and it was just beautiful.

Dark Garden makes really, really outstanding corsets. However, no one I have met says that they are worth the really, really high prices they charge for them. $500-800 is just way too much, even if they are top quality.

 

[agirlandherpen]

Its funny replying to this thread because Etoile first got me hooked on corsets, so to speak.

Ive bought several since then, and on a students budget. Ive gotten one from Meschantes, two from Silhouette-Corsets and im currently trying to make one on my own...(im not sure how its going to work out).

Im also looking at another ebay seller named delaspoots...with 100% feedback, and hot looking corsets, I think Im going to give them a try next.

 

[SweetErika]

Its funny replying to this thread because Etoile first got me hooked on corsets, so to speak.

Ive bought several since then, and on a students budget. Ive gotten one from Meschantes, two from Silhouette-Corsets and im currently trying to make one on my own...(im not sure how its going to work out).

Im also looking at another ebay seller named delaspoots...with 100% feedback, and hot looking corsets, I think Im going to give them a try next.

That last link especially looks awesome, agirl! It seems like many of the custom makers on ebay tack on a bunch for larger sizes (which is understandable) in the fine print, so it's neat to see one with a what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach.

I can afford under $150, but I'm still debating as to whether I want to go for it now, or wait until after I see how my body changes after a successful pregnancy. Decisions, decisions...

Still, I'm learning a ton from this thread, and am thrilled others are still contributing and getting something from it as well!

 

[Etoile]

Its funny replying to this thread because Etoile first got me hooked on corsets, so to speak.

Ive bought several since then, and on a students budget. Ive gotten one from Meschantes, two from Silhouette-Corsets and im currently trying to make one on my own...(im not sure how its going to work out).

Im also looking at another ebay seller named delaspoots...with 100% feedback, and hot looking corsets, I think Im going to give them a try next.

Both of those are good sellers, I'd think you would be happy with either one

 

[CutieMouse]

*****

 

[CorsetLvr]

I should suggest you consider what it is you really want in a corset before investing the money to purchase one. Here are a few questions I would suggest.

1. How often are you going to wear it? Is this something that is an occasionall thing you wear for a lover to be quickly removed as soon as the "impact" has been made. If so, then you may want to consider one of the inexpensive corsets available from most decent lingerie stores. Obviously this has an impact on the durability of the corset you are purchasing, and the cost. Some are not designed for more that occasional wear. Others are designed to be worn daily.

2. What is your goal in wearing it? Waist training/corsetry? Something to spice up your sex life? Outer wear/club wear? I primarily wear mine as club wear. I wear it with a skirt to clubs and swing parties. I suppose you could call it my version of the "madonna look." There are, however, serious corset fetishists that wear their's a lot. They are mainly into what is called waist training where they are seeking a maximum reduction in waist size for that "wasp look." I also design mine so that they can come off easily when I wear them to parties. Instead of a heavy wooden busk in the front, or hook and eye closures, I put a heavy duty coat zipper on mine so that I can get out of it easily.

3. Will you being wearing it as outer wear or under clothes? If it will be under clothes or only around the house, then a waist cincher or under bust may be what you are looking for. If its to be worn as outer wear or to make a fashion statement, then obviously an over the bust style may be what you are looking for. That said, I have sometimes worn an under the bust corset to a swing party with a jacket over it until I could get in the door. In that atmosphere no one seems to mind if I give the girls some fresh air.

4. Will you be happy with an "off the rack" corset or do you need a custom made corset. Serious waist training usually requires a custom corset. Also, if you are a larger woman, or large breasted, this may also require a custom corset.

5. How much does your weight fluctuate. If it varies a lot you may want to stay with a off the rack, or several, corsets. Customs corsets generally are designed to fit like a second skin and do not have a lot of tolerances for variation in weight. However, if your weight does bounce around a lot, but to a lesser degree, let your corsetier know and they can sometimes make allowances for that.

6. Someone mentioned cleavage earlier. That's another factor that can be designed into a corset. How the bra cups are boned can make a difference between just providing support and creating eye catching cleavage.

7. Are you going to have to get in and out of the corset by yourself? A tight laced corset is not easy to get into on your own. An off the rack corset is less of an issue.

8. What level of physical activity are you going to be doing while wearing it? Don't expect to be doing a lot of sexual gymnastics while wearing a tight laced, custom corset. I have known, and made some corsets for, full time corset wearers where this has become an issue with the type of work they do. Unless you have an office type job that requires little physical activity you may have a problem here because of lack of flexibility.

9. How long do you plan to wear the corset when you do wear it. I usually line my corests with a cotton fabric so that they breathe and the cotton will wick away perspiration if I am doing some sort of physical activity, like dancing, or maybe even having sex. Most off the rack corsets are not lined.

10. And finally, what is your budget? Quality costs money. Do you really want to spend $450-500 (US) for a custom corset that you may not like or may only wear a few times a year.

I hope those bits of info are helpful. Obviously there are other factors that are simply a matter of personal taste. I focused only on the practical and functional details.

 

[Etoile]

I should suggest you consider what it is you really want in a corset before investing the money to purchase one. Here are a few questions I would suggest.

Wow, GREAT post! I don't suppose you have a website where I could take a peek at your work? You can PM if you prefer.

My only disagreement is that busks are usually steel these days, I believe. All mine are at least! (I only have one corset that doesn't have a front opening.)

 

[CorsetLvr]

Wow, GREAT post! I don't suppose you have a website where I could take a peek at your work? You can PM if you prefer.

My only disagreement is that busks are usually steel these days, I believe. All mine are at least! (I only have one corset that doesn't have a front opening.)

Thank You Etoile. No, I don't make corsets commercially anymore. When I was doing so, it was a part time thing I did when I dropped out for a few years to go to grad school.

Yes, I realize most busques are steel now a days. When I got started making them years ago I got my patterns and supplies from a costume supply company and they sold wood busques. That's one of those things that has changed. Sort of like using whale bone stays. That's hardly practical, politically correct, or legal!

 

[SweetErika]

I hope those bits of info are helpful. Obviously there are other factors that are simply a matter of personal taste. I focused only on the practical and functional details.

I absolutely found your info helpful! Thank you!

I think the heavy duty zipper idea is awesome. This might be a stupid question, but did you put it in the front, or on the side, and still have lacing in back, or just have the zipper in the back? I love the look of the lacing, but easy access is very appealing, too, so I'm wondering if both are possible without sacrificing style/appearance. (Can you tell I know nothing garment construction? )

 

[CorsetLvr]

I absolutely found your info helpful! Thank you!

I think the heavy duty zipper idea is awesome. This might be a stupid question, but did you put it in the front, or on the side, and still have lacing in back, or just have the zipper in the back? I love the look of the lacing, but easy access is very appealing, too, so I'm wondering if both are possible without sacrificing style/appearance. (Can you tell I know nothing garment construction? )

I originally put hook and eye closures in the front of the corset. Because they were full length, Victorian style corsets, similar to one in Etoile's AV. I found that they were a real pain to get in and out of. Besides that I was having a hard time finding the cut to fit hook and eye strip material at my local fabric stores.

So, I decided to come up with an alternative. That was the zipper. I also added a strip of fabric to go over the zipper to hide it. The back remained unchanged with an upper and lower set of lacings.

The zipper solved three problems. 1. Material availability of the hook and eye strips. 2. It increased the ease of getting in and out of the corset. Remember that I was making mine primarily for myself and others to wear to swing parties. While sex in a corset has its own charms, it might not be something I wanted all the time. 3. It allowed me to get into the corset if my hubby or someone else was not available to help me. I still needed someone's help if I wanted to lace it very tightly however, but that was a compromise.

I agree that the lacing is essential to the style of the corset and is part of its charm. Perhaps more importantly though, it is essential to the function of the corset itself. In addition, it allows for some variability in sizing. Even in women whose weight doesn't fluctuate a lot, many still gain or lose weight depending on what point of the month they are at due to water retention. I designed my corsets to allow for a +/- allowance of 2 inches. Any change in size more than that requires an alteration for the owners new size.

 

[CorsetLvr]

Another note:

The pattern I use has a total of 13 fabric panels. There is a boning stay between each panel. Essentially, the stay is buried in the seam between each of the panels. So that means a total of 12 stays (I think). I used additional boning if the bra portion has a cup, list like an underwired bra. I only do this with larger breasted women (D cup and larger.)

One other note. One of the things I enjoyed about making corsets was the intimnacy involved in the process. I might add that this has been known to result in more than a few new lovers in my bed. Don't you just hate when that happens? Of course that had a lot to do with the women that I was making corsets for and I don't suppose that is an added service provided by most professional corsetiers.