Corseting

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.