Okay, so this thread spin-off is for asking questions about underwear and lingerie. Cutie Mouse has suggested I probably need a better fitter, which is no doubt true. The nearest place I know of with any kind of a decent reputation for doing bra fittings is a two and a half hour drive away. At that point, I would have spent the money meant for a (yes, just for one) bra on gas and then some. I have recently acquired a handful of corsets from online. I've been reading the library threads on corsets, but it mostly seems to be about people wearing them either for waist training or for pretties. My intention is to use them to hold up my darn breasts. The sheer relief having these suckers held up, not to mention lower back support, is amazing. Now these are just pre-made synthetics, mind you. They do have steel boning, because I doubt the lightweight plastic type will give me the breast support I'm looking for. I have no idea where I would go for a corset fitting in the middle of bible belt central, so online seemed like the best bet for getting a corset or two to try out and see if they might work for me.
Changing Underwear
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CutieMouse
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2 1/2 hours? You are stuck in the sticks!
Even if your intent isn't waist training, it would be a good idea to learn about it, to make sure you're using the corset properly (if nothing else). If the laces aren't tightened correctly, it can cause pressure points and stress, instead of support. The back ache you mentioned in the other thread might have been a simple posture thing- I often suggest women wearing bustiers "work up" to wearing one for a full 8(+) hours. Most people simply don't have proper enough posture to be held straight & tall (with a bustier or corset), without feeling the strain.
As for bras...
Ask questions, and I can usually answer them.
Even if your intent isn't waist training, it would be a good idea to learn about it, to make sure you're using the corset properly (if nothing else). If the laces aren't tightened correctly, it can cause pressure points and stress, instead of support. The back ache you mentioned in the other thread might have been a simple posture thing- I often suggest women wearing bustiers "work up" to wearing one for a full 8(+) hours. Most people simply don't have proper enough posture to be held straight & tall (with a bustier or corset), without feeling the strain.
As for bras...
Ask questions, and I can usually answer them.
The lower back ache was a subtle, unnoticed background thing right up to the point the corset was on and fully adjusted and the relief from that ache going poof was awesome. 
I certainly wouldn't mind finding a bra or two that fits for non corset friendly times, but damned if I'm willing to cram into the wrong size ever again. Is the correct way to figure size measure under bust around the chest for band size, then over the bust at nipple level standing up and bent over and average the two for cup size?
I certainly wouldn't mind finding a bra or two that fits for non corset friendly times, but damned if I'm willing to cram into the wrong size ever again. Is the correct way to figure size measure under bust around the chest for band size, then over the bust at nipple level standing up and bent over and average the two for cup size?
CutieMouse
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Nope.
Measuring tapes don't consider height, dress size, age, weight, firmness or softness of tissue, etc. I'm off to bed, but I'll try to offer some advice tomorrow.
the captians wench
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2 1/2 hours? You are stuck in the sticks!
Even if your intent isn't waist training, it would be a good idea to learn about it, to make sure you're using the corset properly (if nothing else). If the laces aren't tightened correctly, it can cause pressure points and stress, instead of support. The back ache you mentioned in the other thread might have been a simple posture thing- I often suggest women wearing bustiers "work up" to wearing one for a full 8(+) hours. Most people simply don't have proper enough posture to be held straight & tall (with a bustier or corset), without feeling the strain.
As for bras...
Ask questions, and I can usually answer them.
I totally forgot about posture!
I've been wearing corsets so long that when I had physical therapy they were trying to measure something and asked me to slouch, twice, then gave up and physically pushed me into the position that they wanted.
When your muscles aren't used to proper posture, they can be tender when you force them into it for long periods of time.
Some core building light yoga will help with this too.
The most noticeable lingerie problem with the corsets is panties. It keeps trying to shuck 'em. Obviously briefs aren't gonna work. Suggestions for alternatives? Yes, yes. Laugh at my previously prudish but practical panties if you must. Then help me out. Pbbbt.
@Noor Oklahoma. The only corset connection I know of here is the medieval fair in April. And the only places I know of with good reputations for bra fittings are in Tulsa and Dallas, TX.
@the captians wench Weirdly enough, other than my ribs hurting for an hour at the end of that first time wearing it, (which ended up being for about 13 or 14 hours due to life happening) the only other ache has been the breast tissue itself, which starts a few hours after the corset is off, and I suspect that's more a "hey where did the support go?" kind of ache. There's a lower back ache that I normally have and try to ignore all the time. The instant that corset is on, it goes away and doesn't come back until I've been up and moving about for an hour or two the next day. Really starting to see the appeal of these things, but certainly don't want to wear them wrong and mess myself up.
@Noor Oklahoma. The only corset connection I know of here is the medieval fair in April. And the only places I know of with good reputations for bra fittings are in Tulsa and Dallas, TX.
@the captians wench Weirdly enough, other than my ribs hurting for an hour at the end of that first time wearing it, (which ended up being for about 13 or 14 hours due to life happening) the only other ache has been the breast tissue itself, which starts a few hours after the corset is off, and I suspect that's more a "hey where did the support go?" kind of ache. There's a lower back ache that I normally have and try to ignore all the time. The instant that corset is on, it goes away and doesn't come back until I've been up and moving about for an hour or two the next day. Really starting to see the appeal of these things, but certainly don't want to wear them wrong and mess myself up.
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graceanne
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The most noticeable lingerie problem with the corsets is panties. It keeps trying to shuck 'em. Obviously briefs aren't gonna work. Suggestions for alternatives? Yes, yes. Laugh at my previously prudish but practical panties if you must. Then help me out. Pbbbt.
@Noor Oklahoma. The only corset connection I know of here is the medieval fair in April. And the only places I know of with good reputations for bra fittings are in Tulsa and Dallas, TX.
@the captians wench Weirdly enough, other than my ribs hurting for an hour at the end of that first time wearing it, (which ended up being for about 13 or 14 hours due to life happening) the only other ache has been the breast tissue itself, which starts a few hours after the corset is off, and I suspect that's more a "hey where did the support go?" kind of ache. There's a lower back ache that I normally have and try to ignore all the time. The instant that corset is on, it goes away and doesn't come back until I've been up and moving about for an hour or two the next day. Really starting to see the appeal of these things, but certainly don't want to wear them wrong and mess myself up.
You're not the first person I've heard say that they help with lower back pain. If I ever finish losing weight, I'm so totally going to invest in one or two corsets. lol
I'm halfway done myself. If these end up working for me, I'll probably see about getting a custom one made once I'm down at the weight my doctor has me shooting for. If I get to the weight she set for me. (Whole other issue)
Added benefit is the amazing gleam in Ulf's eyes. *shiver* Now if I manage to find the right size bra and can get that gleam with it too? Hmm.
Added benefit is the amazing gleam in Ulf's eyes. *shiver* Now if I manage to find the right size bra and can get that gleam with it too? Hmm.
the captians wench
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The most noticeable lingerie problem with the corsets is panties. It keeps trying to shuck 'em. Obviously briefs aren't gonna work. Suggestions for alternatives? Yes, yes. Laugh at my previously prudish but practical panties if you must. Then help me out. Pbbbt.
@Noor Oklahoma. The only corset connection I know of here is the medieval fair in April. And the only places I know of with good reputations for bra fittings are in Tulsa and Dallas, TX.
@the captians wench Weirdly enough, other than my ribs hurting for an hour at the end of that first time wearing it, (which ended up being for about 13 or 14 hours due to life happening) the only other ache has been the breast tissue itself, which starts a few hours after the corset is off, and I suspect that's more a "hey where did the support go?" kind of ache. There's a lower back ache that I normally have and try to ignore all the time. The instant that corset is on, it goes away and doesn't come back until I've been up and moving about for an hour or two the next day. Really starting to see the appeal of these things, but certainly don't want to wear them wrong and mess myself up.
I hate to tell you this, but I can not see ever being able to wear panties with a corset unless you have some one to pull them down and up while you are in need of the toilet. Wiping is another issue.
You can try something crotchless, but I always figured what's the point?
Add in a bum roll and fathingale and you realize squat and shake is your only choice.
Loverskitten
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I haven't read the thread that inspired this one but, if you are using a corset daily for back support, you'd better invest in a really good custom fitted corset and liners. Be prepared to research and spend several hundred dollars. Then also don't expect the pain not to return (or even get worse) after you take off the corset.
What I think you should do is core exercises. A personal trainer will be much cheaper than a good custom daily wear corset. If you have health insurance you may look into a breast reduction if you are in that much pain.
Also a mattress upgrade can do wonders for back pain. I know I need a new one myself.
I know women who do use corsets for back support but they only use them for activities like riding horses.
What I think you should do is core exercises. A personal trainer will be much cheaper than a good custom daily wear corset. If you have health insurance you may look into a breast reduction if you are in that much pain.
Also a mattress upgrade can do wonders for back pain. I know I need a new one myself.
I know women who do use corsets for back support but they only use them for activities like riding horses.
The main thing I'm trying to support is the enormous boulders on my chest, lol. The relief to a very minor lower back ache is just a "hey, that's kinda neat" thing. Trust me, if I could afford health insurance, there's all sorts of things I could and would get done.
Wiping not impossible, just difficult. Getting those panties back up and shoved back underneath the corset? A ten minute exercise in frustration. Made the mistake of telling my husband how difficult things were when he wondered what took so long. Got a speculative look and faint evil smile. A couple minutes later, got told I've decided him on buying a remote bullet. ...Methinks he likes the corsets.
Wiping not impossible, just difficult. Getting those panties back up and shoved back underneath the corset? A ten minute exercise in frustration. Made the mistake of telling my husband how difficult things were when he wondered what took so long. Got a speculative look and faint evil smile. A couple minutes later, got told I've decided him on buying a remote bullet. ...Methinks he likes the corsets.
CutieMouse
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Your reputable Dallas option is closing next week, just FYI.
Well phooey, back to the research drawing-board. I guess I'd better make sure the one in Tulsa is still there. You mentioned a variety of factors that influence sizing?
Etoile
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It will be far more worth it to invest in good bras, even if you have to travel to get them. If you're looking for boob support, a corset is overkill. It's great for back support but way more than you need for boob support. I got bras at the local location of the place CM recommended, and I swear it feels like my boobs are floating. It's worth the trip.
CutieMouse
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[nit picky lingerie nerd moment]
Everything influences size, and size isn't everything. Age, weight gain/loss (and how long ago/how slowly or rapidly), height, pregnancy (even miscarriage), breastfeeding, genetics, torso length, shoulder breadth, physical fitness history (swimmers and gymnasts fit differently than dancers and yoga instructors), birth control pills, tissue density, surgical [breast] history...
Every single thing I listed (as well as many I haven't) has an impact on size.
Once the size has been determined, there's the issue of style (cut/structure)... which is as important to comfort and fit, as size. Style is also [independently] impacted by the above list.
Wheeeeeeeeeee!Boobies!!!!
Once size and style have been determined, there's the issue of brand (often impacted by country of origin). For example, I can wear lingerie (bras) by 2-3 French manufacturers, and 1-2 Belgian (in limited styles), but UK, American, Italian, and German bras don't fit me, period; in comparison, Etoile's figure demands a UK fit. (Hi Etoile!
) With a salesperson that has an *extensive* understanding of lingerie, odds are good the average woman will try on 15-20 bras to find 4-7 that fit. Without a properly educated salesperson, it isn't uncommon for a woman to try on 75[+] bras, without success. (Cue tears and frustration.)
Boutiques are usually better options than department stores; higher end department stores [Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc], are usually a better option than run of the mill department stores [Dillard's]. It is a rare, rare, RARE day that a bra under $50 won't be a waste of money. (And I'm being generous, here.
)The challenge with measuring tapes is that they don't take LIFE into account (see above list). And life impacts fit. If you measure yourself, odds are good the tape won't sit cleanly (evenly) on the body. If someone else measures you, but isn't OCD about placement... the tape won't sit cleanly (evenly) on the body. Being "off" by 1/2" on tape placement = being "off" by 1-3 band sizes in bra size. And since the cup depth is entirely determined by band size... being "off" tends to = a bad fit.
And on that note, I think my wine (and very long day) is kicking in...
[/nit picky lingerie nerd moment]
the captians wench
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The main thing I'm trying to support is the enormous boulders on my chest, lol. The relief to a very minor lower back ache is just a "hey, that's kinda neat" thing. Trust me, if I could afford health insurance, there's all sorts of things I could and would get done.
Wiping not impossible, just difficult. Getting those panties back up and shoved back underneath the corset? A ten minute exercise in frustration. Made the mistake of telling my husband how difficult things were when he wondered what took so long. Got a speculative look and faint evil smile. A couple minutes later, got told I've decided him on buying a remote bullet. ...Methinks he likes the corsets.
If you're able to wipe either you have really long monkey arms or you're missing some bones in that corset.
Unless me and my circle are the weird ones, but I haven't met one yet who could manage anything that required bending at the waist.
CutieMouse
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If I remember correctly, 16-18 tend to be pretty standard.
Urgh. It was just the one corset I could get away with that in. The one I wore today? Had to shuck it to finish dealing with stuff. Took three girls in their early twenties to get me back in it. One of them wondered out loud if the ushers would notice if they smuggled Ulf into the Ladies'. They reluctantly decided that wouldn't fly, and kept struggling. I really appreciate my kid's friends.
Shankara20
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**lurking**
Augh! Wenchie I blame you! Curse your prophetic powers. Went into restroom alone, wearing latest corset. Took FOREVER to get panties off, and getting them back on was flat out impossible. I had to roll them up and stuff them in my purse. The first opportunity to talk with Ulf alone?
"Alright, what has you on edge?"
"My panties are in my purse."
Raised eyebrow.
*blush* "They wouldn't go back on, okay? And I don't begrudge you your entertainment, so I'm telling you."
Evil chuckle.
First thing tomorrow, shopping for hipsters and anything else I think might work. Including the dreaded thong.
"Alright, what has you on edge?"
"My panties are in my purse."
Raised eyebrow.
*blush* "They wouldn't go back on, okay? And I don't begrudge you your entertainment, so I'm telling you."
Evil chuckle.
First thing tomorrow, shopping for hipsters and anything else I think might work. Including the dreaded thong.
So today I learned that cords are more difficult to work with than laces. I also learned that the corsets that make me cringe and feel like I'm wandering around in public with my underwear exposed for everyone to see are the ones that get the most compliments and inquiries as to where I got them.
"I should put a shirt on over this."
"You've got a tank top under it, you're fine."
"Ulf, this isn't decent-"
"Car. Move it."
"Our neighbor's chatterbox son-in-law stopped talking."
*chuckle* "I noticed."
"He's staring with his mouth open."
*laughter*
"You're so mean."
"Yep. Drive."
"I should put a shirt on over this."
"You've got a tank top under it, you're fine."
"Ulf, this isn't decent-"
"Car. Move it."
"Our neighbor's chatterbox son-in-law stopped talking."
*chuckle* "I noticed."
"He's staring with his mouth open."
*laughter*
"You're so mean."
"Yep. Drive."
