Corseting

[G Snap!]

I would like to start a thread regarding corsets & corseting. I would love to hear from anyone who practices corseting on a daily basis as well as those who wear them on special ocassions.

I would like to invest in a well made corset. I do not want an off the rack pre made corset, or particularly care to hear about yours, unless you consider it a well made garment and a worthy investment. I hate to be a little snippy about this, but I can buy a premade inexpensive corset today, but they are all made for smaller figures without any boobs. I need something for a curvier figure and the off the rack items aren't for us full-figured curvy gals.

I have done a little research on the internet (since I am not finding anyone here in centrtal TN who makes them) and there are a few options out there as far as measuring yourself and having one made. I admit I am hesitant to hand over several hundred dollars to make this happen so I would like to hear your experience if you have done this. And if it was a good experience, please do tell me where you got your corset!

[The_Lady_Snow]

Ms Martha


http://www.corset1.com/

[Sparkle]

You're very right not to buy something off the rack. It won't be cheap (even shite mass produced corsets are pricey) and it won't fit (no matter what body type you have).

You definitely want something bespoke.
You definitely want someone with a great reputation.
And ideally you'll find someone close enough that you can get to their studio/workshop/shop to have at least one fitting.

Oh and don't do your own measurements, when you do your own measurements you have to bend and move your body in ways which skew the measurement. Find someone to help you and then do each measurement 3x (write each time down so you can see how consistent you're being) OR just go to a local seamstress and have them measure you.

I'm rather fond of Stormy Leather's work in San Francisco.

/NOT work safe

http://www.stormyleather.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=324&1=325&2=-1

Where ever you decide to go, it will be expensive, and deservedly so - making corsets is REALLY detailed and difficult work.

[thedivahrrrself]

I have a normal, traditional, "underwear" (wear as a bra) corset with the strings running down the back. However, I am short, and VERY short-waisted, with a small waist and big hips, so my corset does fine as long as I am standing. Once I sit, though, the hips try to pop up on me.

I have also been thinking about having one made for me. Does Ms. Martha make custom corsets? I saw "sizes" on her site.

Does anyone know about how much a custom runs? Are there any other short waisted people out there who might have some suggestions?

[The_Lady_Snow]

A custom made to size should run around $600.00 with good boning. I had Martha measure me that's how we picked my corsets after, I've another custom made it was $800.00.

It's not a cheap hobby.

[pajama]

Ms Martha


http://www.corset1.com/

OMG G! She has a camo one!!!!!!

[G Snap!]

Ms Martha looks perfect, plus she's in Atlanta, a reasonable drive for me. Thank you The Lady Snow!

I would rather pay $600 for something I could wear and love, rather than +- $100 for something I would wear one time and then it would find its way to the bottom of the closet. I learned this with bras and shoes.

I've oogled The Stockroom corsets for a little while now. *sigh* All the good stuff is in San Fransisco.

So far so good ladies! Thank you, keep the info coming...!

[G Snap!]

OMG G! She has a camo one!!!!!!

Oh yeah!

Check these out...

http://www.tacticalcorsets.com/

I emailed them, it looks like they went big 2 years ago then no activity. And this is right up my alley...

[Sparkle]

I have a normal, traditional, "underwear" (wear as a bra) corset with the strings running down the back. However, I am short, and VERY short-waisted, with a small waist and big hips, so my corset does fine as long as I am standing. Once I sit, though, the hips try to pop up on me.

I have also been thinking about having one made for me. Does Ms. Martha make custom corsets? I saw "sizes" on her site.

Does anyone know about how much a custom runs? Are there any other short waisted people out there who might have some suggestions?

I have similar problems - I'm really short and really short-waisted too (I hate it). Bespoke corsets are really best for us, so that they are custom cut to visually lengthen our waist AND fall in the right place on the hip (so they don't turn up or inhibit movement).

Is your corset long-lined? (does it go over your hips?) or is it above the hips and just long on you? I prefer the look of a longer line corset on me because it balances out my short-waistedness, but I don't like that they inhibit my movement at my hips.

Custom corsets will range between $400 to well over $1000+ depending on what they are made of (leather on the high end of the spectrum) and just "how custom" they are. Most places will have standard patterns for different sizes which will then be modified slightly to your measurements. And this is a good option, it is customized and it is handmade and it is worth the $$$'s.

But if you want a truly custom corset, one that is built bespoke to your measurements, it will be on the higher end of the spectrum and it will SO be worth it. You'll be measured six ways to Sunday and the process should include a muslin mock-up of your corset and at least one fitting where the designer/craftspeople will further customize the pattern - adjusting seam lines, neckline, hems and panels so that they fall perfectly for YOUR shape.

If you take care of your corset very well - it is a piece that will be in your wardrobe for 20+years. <---justification. :)

I have enormous respect for the people that do this type of design and tailoring, it is incredibly fiddly, mathematical and minutely detailed work, it is high-art in the realm of garment construction.

I bloody HATED making corsets. I am neither precise nor patient.

[The_Lady_Snow]

OMG G! She has a camo one!!!!!!

Ms Marthas corsets are great! They have nice boning and her material ones are just as sturdy as the leather.

[Lady_Di]

With my background of costuming and what not, I preferred to study up on all things historical when it comes to corsets. Making a custom dressmakers form, of exactly what your/my body is gives me many options to play with. Just need one person to help make the mold and there are several ways to do just that. I think I saw a you tube of two grrrls making one with duck tape and a few odd items. Like making two turtle shells and then combining the two into the permanent form. I suppose we are limited only by our imaginations, as usual.

My body also changes a lot, so making it adjustable is something important to me. My mother had an adjustable dress makers form for a perfect size twelve, which could be tweaked here and there. I am not 36-24-36 like she was, but she wasn't always exactly that all the time either, change is inevitable. One of the coolest things about a corset is you can tighten up as necessary. Undergarments of the ancient times, a true passion of mine. History of clothing, how they made em and what not.

My challenge in this next year is to make my own form, now that I am closing in on what I hope is my stable and healthy weight. This is a challenge I am up for and excited about. I am heading back to the theatre and SCA folks I know best and the costumers I know damned well. So a custom corset for me will be part of this fun new chapter of sewing fun. I always prefer custom, don't really cotton much to anything off the shelf much. One of the main reasons I hate shopping so damned much. Once you have custom anything, going back to store bought is hard.

[*Anya*]

Bump this thread!

[LaneyDoll]

Ms Martha makes wonderful corsets. It is my understanding that you can get fitted by her at con-type events. As such, if anything is close to your area, she may be there as well.

Sometimes you can get measured at a Ren Faire. There are almost corset makers there with tons of them for sale. Sometimes they are mass produced and sometimes they are not; if not the maker may be present and may be willing to do a custom order.

I have never owned a custom corset; I cannot afford one and cannot justify the expense when I have things more demanding of my financial attention. But I do have two leather corsets that were presented to me by my training house. I also have three leather ones that I ordered but am very happy with. I picked them up for a song overseas and wish the company was still around.

:sparklyheart:

[laruss]

Our local annual 'Taboo Sex Show' and the Tattoo Show both have people who come out with samples and do fittings for custom made corsets. Check out some of the Shows/Conventions/Fairs etc.

[Dance-with-me]

I absolutely LOVE this woman's work: http://www.wildehunt.com/

Her work is all completely custom, all leather, and start at $400 for an underbust and $600 for an overbust corset, which are actually very good prices for custom work.

If you're on facebook, you can also get a regular corset fix from her at https://www.facebook.com/wilde.hunt.corsetry.

[Artdecogoddess]

Etsy has many many seamstresses on-line that can make you almost anything you want - I think the prices are incredibly reasonable. My friends that have bought corsets and underbusts - have LOVED them

ADG

[*Anya*]

I bought my first corset and it got delivered yesterday.

I truly love it.

I got at Corset Story.com and to me, a novice, besides being beautiful, it seems like the real deal. The selection and prices seem excellent to me as I have shopped for a while.

I tried it on last night. I left it laced in the back, made sure the modesty panel was closed first and closed the front while lying on the couch as it was too hard to do it standing up.

Then, I tried to stand up in it but because of the inflexible stays, I couldn't sit up first. I had to kind of throw myself into a standing position without bending from the waist.

if I have to be throwing myself on the bed in order to lie down, it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to look sexy for the surprise I planned for my GF.

Any corset-wearers that have experience with this? Any tips? Might it be too long for the shorty that I am? Do I just need to practice?

Thanks, in advance!

[Martina]

Did I miss it, or has no one mentioned Dark Garden?

[Daktari]

If you want the real tight-laced corset experience, get a gaggle of femmes who're used to wearing them, to lace ya up. I've seen such a scenario many times and those 'helpful' femmes are fookin' heeeevil! :praying:


Rather you than me! :|

[Sachita]

Did I miss it, or has no one mentioned Dark Garden?

OMG I love them. They have been around a long time and some of the custom work is truly amazing.

Personally I'm not into wearing them and hate being constricted, however I'd put a subby in one in a heart beat. I think they are sexy as hell.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Martha's Corsets is having a sale on her silk waist cincher, $50.00!

[Gemme]

I bought my first corset and it got delivered yesterday.

I truly love it.

I got at Corset Story.com and to me, a novice, besides being beautiful, it seems like the real deal. The selection and prices seem excellent to me as I have shopped for a while.

I tried it on last night. I left it laced in the back, made sure the modesty panel was closed first and closed the front while lying on the couch as it was too hard to do it standing up.

Then, I tried to stand up in it but because of the inflexible stays, I couldn't sit up first. I had to kind of throw myself into a standing position without bending from the waist.

if I have to be throwing myself on the bed in order to lie down, it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to look sexy for the surprise I planned for my GF.

Any corset-wearers that have experience with this? Any tips? Might it be too long for the shorty that I am? Do I just need to practice?

Thanks, in advance!

If you find a corset that is flexible and comfortable, then it's not a real corset.

You'll get used to the movement and it will become less jerky and more fluid as you practice.

The most important things are that you love it and you look gorgeous in it. Breathing and movement are optional.

[LaneyDoll]

I bought my first corset and it got delivered yesterday.

I truly love it.

I got at Corset Story.com and to me, a novice, besides being beautiful, it seems like the real deal. The selection and prices seem excellent to me as I have shopped for a while.

I tried it on last night. I left it laced in the back, made sure the modesty panel was closed first and closed the front while lying on the couch as it was too hard to do it standing up.

Then, I tried to stand up in it but because of the inflexible stays, I couldn't sit up first. I had to kind of throw myself into a standing position without bending from the waist.

if I have to be throwing myself on the bed in order to lie down, it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to look sexy for the surprise I planned for my GF.

Any corset-wearers that have experience with this? Any tips? Might it be too long for the shorty that I am? Do I just need to practice?

Thanks, in advance!

If you are having to lay down to close it, it is too tight; loosen the laces in the back then put it on. You should be able to put it on while standing, then have it tightened or do it yourself if you know how.

The stays are inflexible b/c they are plastic, tighten them too much and they will snap; stress the plastic while it is warm from body heat and they will snap. Wear it too much and while it is warm from body heat, they will form to the shape they are in and they will not return to the original shape-without snapping.

For fashion wear by skinny girls, Corset Story is ok. For function and for any one who is not thin, I would not recommend them. I ordered two and was excited about the price but when I got them in, I gave both away b/c I knew they would not work for me. Not calling anyone "fat" just going by my body type and by the bodies of the girls I have seen in products from this line.

If you want the real tight-laced corset experience, get a gaggle of femmes who're used to wearing them, to lace ya up. I've seen such a scenario many times and those 'helpful' femmes are fookin' heeeevil!

Remember me talking about plastic snapping-this is a good way for plastic boning to snap-too much stress at once.

As The Lady Snow said, you can get a Ms. Martha waist cincher on sale for about $50. It looks really good with a pretty bra. I promise that once anyone tries a quality corset, they will not settle for anything less. I know-I just got one of her waist cinchers. I feel amazing in it.

:sparklyheart:

[*Anya*]

If you are having to lay down to close it, it is too tight; loosen the laces in the back then put it on. You should be able to put it on while standing, then have it tightened or do it yourself if you know how.

The stays are inflexible b/c they are plastic, tighten them too much and they will snap; stress the plastic while it is warm from body heat and they will snap. Wear it too much and while it is warm from body heat, they will form to the shape they are in and they will not return to the original shape-without snapping.

For fashion wear by skinny girls, Corset Story is ok. For function and for any one who is not thin, I would not recommend them. I ordered two and was excited about the price but when I got them in, I gave both away b/c I knew they would not work for me. Not calling anyone "fat" just going by my body type and by the bodies of the girls I have seen in products from this line.



Remember me talking about plastic snapping-this is a good way for plastic boning to snap-too much stress at once.

As The Lady Snow said, you can get a Ms. Martha waist cincher on sale for about $50. It looks really good with a pretty bra. I promise that once anyone tries a quality corset, they will not settle for anything less. I know-I just got one of her waist cinchers. I feel amazing in it.

:sparklyheart:

Thank you Laney:):) I really appreciate the info and feedback!

It has steel stays, does that matter or change anything?

:rrose:

[LaneyDoll]

Thank you Laney:):) I really appreciate the info and feedback!

It has steel stays, does that matter or change anything?

:rrose:

Yes!!! There is a huge amount of difference. Not only will it last longer, it will fit better.

All of mine now have steel boning. I would rather pay more & get a better product that will last me.

And, if you ever get poked/scratched by a broken piece of plastic boning, it hurts! Those things are razor sharp.

Corseting is a fetish for some people so I actually do have a bit of knowledge about it and I am in a corset at least two times a month. Just for the fun of it. I think the right corset makes the wearer look beautiful.

:sparklyheart:

[Daktari]

If you are having to lay down to close it, it is too tight; loosen the laces in the back then put it on. You should be able to put it on while standing, then have it tightened or do it yourself if you know how.

The stays are inflexible b/c they are plastic, tighten them too much and they will snap; stress the plastic while it is warm from body heat and they will snap. Wear it too much and while it is warm from body heat, they will form to the shape they are in and they will not return to the original shape-without snapping.

For fashion wear by skinny girls, Corset Story is ok. For function and for any one who is not thin, I would not recommend them. I ordered two and was excited about the price but when I got them in, I gave both away b/c I knew they would not work for me. Not calling anyone "fat" just going by my body type and by the bodies of the girls I have seen in products from this line.



Remember me talking about plastic snapping-this is a good way for plastic boning to snap-too much stress at once.

As The Lady Snow said, you can get a Ms. Martha waist cincher on sale for about $50. It looks really good with a pretty bra. I promise that once anyone tries a quality corset, they will not settle for anything less. I know-I just got one of her waist cinchers. I feel amazing in it.

:sparklyheart:

The femmes I speak of know what they're doing; some practice tight-lacing and waist training on a daily basis. The corsets in question are usually very high end pieces and the boning tends to be a little more heavy duty than plastic I believe.

I love the look of the old school long line corsets.


Thought y'all might like to look at this site http://www.orchidcorsetry.co.uk/

[LaneyDoll]

Oh, and you should never drive in a corset. For a variety of reason but the two most important being that a properly laced corset will resist your breathing and push up the boobies when you are sitting AND that an improperly laced one will form badly to your body and damage your corset.

So, change when you arrive to your destination.

:sparklyheart:

[CherylNYC]

I only wear corsets occasionally, I tight lace down to a 6"-8" reduction without any training, and I have NEVER snapped a corset stay. Just sayin'.

Some good advice: As has been said, your corset will conform to your body. Once that happens, DO NOT let anyone else wear your corset. She may be your closest sister-friend, but don't do it. It will start to conform to her body, and it won't fit you well again.

[ScandalAndy]

I bought my first corset and it got delivered yesterday.

I truly love it.

I got at Corset Story.com and to me, a novice, besides being beautiful, it seems like the real deal. The selection and prices seem excellent to me as I have shopped for a while.

I tried it on last night. I left it laced in the back, made sure the modesty panel was closed first and closed the front while lying on the couch as it was too hard to do it standing up.

Then, I tried to stand up in it but because of the inflexible stays, I couldn't sit up first. I had to kind of throw myself into a standing position without bending from the waist.

if I have to be throwing myself on the bed in order to lie down, it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to look sexy for the surprise I planned for my GF.

Any corset-wearers that have experience with this? Any tips? Might it be too long for the shorty that I am? Do I just need to practice?

Thanks, in advance!


Oh my darling little peanut, this is a tough one. If you want to do tight lacing, you'll need to find a corset buddy.

You can also put your corset on standing up, believe it or not. When I do it for shows I leave it loose (but laced) in the back, position the modesty panel as best i can, and then do up the busk while standing. I find it easier (on myself) to start with the 2nd or third hook down, then work my way upwards to the top, then once that's done I work my way down. You can usually get two or three at a time if you line them up carefully. When doing it yourself, a full length mirror is your best friend.

After you're hooked in, work your way down from the top or up from the bottom (whichever you prefer to do first. I usually work bottom up to get more control in my tummy) by hooking your thumb through the places in the middle of your back where the laces cross, and pulling them outward (away from your back). Work your way towards the center and pull the central laces tight before starting to work up from the other direction. Once you're done, take the hanging loops (the central laces) and cross them behind your back, grab one in each hand and pull, that should tighten the waist area.

VOILA! You're done! Tie it in a pretty bow (I usually tie mine in the front for ease of taking it off) and you're all set to go. I prefer to do mine standing up so I don't have to throw myself around to finish getting dressed. :)

ALSO: remember to put your shoes on BEFORE you get in your corset. :) Best of luck, and have fun!