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Which Corset Should I get?
For a first corset I recommend a basic color that will go well over the clothes already in your wardrobe. Corsets are great over or under stretch dresses, and clothing with basic lines, as well as with historic clothing. I recommend a basic color for this reason- if you only have one corset and it is a very stand out color/style, people will remember when you wore it last. If you have a basic black/navy/forest/etc corset, it will look like a basic wardrobe element as you wear it multiple times. Future corsets can be ordered in interesting multicolor styles, etc.
I do not make corsets in the Edwardian style (lower on the hips) because I have always thought they make people's butts look big. Corsets that point in the front and back draw the eye to the slim waist, instead of focusing the eye on the hip line. I have found that the most practical and flattering corset is an underbust- in the century or pointed century style. Overbust corsets are nice, too, but not as versatile, or flexible.
Corsets are not tops. They are not meant to be worn alone as the entire top of an outfit or as a bra. They do not cover as much as a strapless evening gown. (who likes their upper arms to show anyway!) They are not available with shoulder straps, or garters.
Especially if you are planning to wear under other clothing, the question quickly becomes, how obvious do you want it to be that you are wearing a corset? The reason being, that it will give your figure the very hourglass look. If the corset is cut to under the bustline, it will have a much more natural silhouette under clothes. Any corset will be noticeable. If it is important that no one know you are wearing a corset- I recommend wearing a girdle instead. Under the bust corsets do not support the bust, as they stop below it. I recommend cotton or brocade. I do not recommend wearing a corset directly next to your skin, both for comfort, and for the wear it will place on the fabric.
General Corset Information:
All corsets are several layers of fabric thick, and give you good posture. Because of this, you may notice that they change the way clothes look on top of them. It is important to realize that a corset will be noticeable simply by the fact that you appear slimmer, and sit up straight. The top line of a Seduction, Deco, or Antique corset may show under clothing. The century style is best for wear under clothing, because it does not cover the bust. Even the century style corsets will be noticeable under your clothing, you will be standing up straight, and corsets are several layers of fabric thick.
Corsets for fuller figure people:
As we all know, our bodies are all different, and clothing needs vary for different body types. Those corsets are designed to be an inch or so over the nipple. The corset is not designed to cover as much as even a typical strapless bra, they are very sexy garments. I make these corsets to fit your bust size, so that it will be comfortable to wear something underneath. These will not minimize bust size, nor are they made to cinch the bust line, only the waist. I do not have experience with working with bust sizes over a DD cup size. If you are over this size, I recommend working with a corset maker who offers personal fittings. I am sorry, but I do not make corsets to be bras.
What do I wear with my Corset?
I recommend wearing something under your corsets, especially if you are planning to wear it for more than a short time, as they make the corset much more comfortable, and chemises are easily washable, and replaceable. Doing so increases the lifetime of a corset. I recommend wearing something- if not a cotton chemise- then perhaps a bra with a lace shirt, velvet top, a dress, or tank top, or even an off the shoulder blouse.
How to Put on Your Corset-
Most corsets lace in the back, and you can put it on yourself. First loosen the laces in the back all the way open. You will notice that in the center of the lacing, the laces do not cross, but make a loop on each side of the corset. Unhook the busk in the front and wrap the corset around you. Fasten the busk, making sure it is centered on your body. Then reach behind you and catch the loop in the center of each back piece with your thumb or forefinger. Pull those loops (at your waist) to cinch the corset. When you have some loose ribbon, tie a half knot, and when you have pulled the laces tight, tie the laces with a bow. The corset will fit to your body, feeling like a snug hug. They will slim and smooth, without poking like some store bought (from lingerie stores) "corsets" always do.
If you want to lace tightly--
Please note that your body will become comfortable in the supported shape. I recommend lacing the corset so that it is snug, and then waiting ten minutes before tightening all the way. You will find that it is far easier to get a comfortable fit if you are a bit patient. Also if you are planning to be sitting down, or traveling while in your corset, I recommend wearing it looser, and tightening when you arrive at your destination. I do not specialize in extreme waist reduction, waist training, wasp waist, or full length corsets.
How to Remove Your Corset- You can remove the corset by undoing the bow at the back, loosening, and then undo the busk.
Cleaning and Care
Again, wearing something under your corset is the best way to insure a lasting piece. A corset should not be worn every day- wear four corsets in rotation. Corsets are made with very flexible and durable metal boning, similar to bra wires, but more fully encased in the fabric so they will not poke you. For that reason, do not wash them in a washing machine. If they must be cleaned, please take to a dry cleaners, spot clean the with cool water, or gently and infrequently hand wash in cold and air dry (cotton or brocade only). Between wearing, air them out a bit and store in a clean dry place.
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