Corset Shopping Advice, Please!

[SweetErika]

I really want a corset (well, more than one, but I've gotta start somewhere, right? ), but really don't know what I should look for, steer clear of, or where to shop.

Sadly, spending hundreds on a beautiful, custom-made number isn't in the cards for me right now. I'm not interested in permanently modifying my figure, just looking and feeling great when I put it on. My fuller figure also seems pertinent here.

What say you, CM, Etoile, and anyone else with corset experience?

 

[subkitty72]

Hello, sweeterika.

One bit of advice I'd give you is to narrow down the kind and style of corset you're looking for and limit your searches to those items only. The internets (sic) are so chock full of selections that I felt, frankly, overwhelmed and have yet to purchase a single corset.

Also, take accurate measurements if buying online and try things on if going into a store.

I went to Etoile to buy one of her corsets and later learned that my BFF took a my waist measurement incorrectly, so I'd given Etoile the wrong information.

Good luck in your search. I'll be monitoring this thread closely for all the good advice to come. -kitty

 

[SweetErika]

Hello, sweeterika.

One bit of advice I'd give you is to narrow down the kind and style of corset you're looking for and limit your searches to those items only. The internets (sic) are so chock full of selections that I felt, frankly, overwhelmed and have yet to purchase a single corset.

Also, take accurate measurements if buying online and try things on if going into a store.

I went to Etoile to buy one of her corsets and later learned that my BFF took a my waist measurement incorrectly, so I'd given Etoile the wrong information.

Good luck in your search. I'll be monitoring this thread closely for all the good advice to come. -kitty

That's great info, and I'm glad this thread has the potential to benefit others!

Do you have some examples of the different styles so I can do some research? Or is it more of an aesthetics, fabric, strap/strapless, type of closure, etc., kind of thing?

 

[subkitty72]

That's great info, and I'm glad this thread has the potential to benefit others!

Do you have some examples of the different styles so I can do some research? Or is it more of an aesthetics, fabric, strap/strapless, type of closure, etc., kind of thing?

I don't have any examples of different styles, but I know from my own search that they vary greatly depending on form and function. CutieMouse and Etoile both have significant knowledge of vintage corsets (which I adore). Those are generally fabric and may be steel boned.

And yeah, you have to consider all the items you mention above.

When I can finally look again, I will look at two categories. Vintage fabric corsets. Fetish wear latex or leather corsets in vintage fashion, think Betty Page.

 

[CutieMouse]

Underbust corsets will be more comfortable than overbusts; a waist cincher style will (IMO) handle serious curves better than a pointed vicotrian (for example).

Merchanets (I never spell their name right) sells corsets on eBay, and I think you can find them for under $200, if you're careful. It's really important to have someone else do your measurements to make sure it fits right, and especially if you won't be seriously tightlacing, don't bother with a corset smaller than 4" smaller than your measurements.

A similar look might be possible with a vintage body shaper - lots of powernet/rubberized elsatic w/ satin sorts of things. Camp (brand name) corsets from the 30s - 40s might work. Lemmie see if I can find some auctions to link for you...

 

[CutieMouse]

Vintage Body Shaper

Victorian Overbust Style Corset (Not vintage, but it's an idea of what you can find if you troll eBay...)

Vintage Body Shaper

Custom Sewn Waist Cincher

 

[Netzach]

I have to second meschantes - the quality for price is unreal.

 

[SweetErika]

Thank you for sharing and finding those links, Cutie! Do you mind if I pick your brain a bit (okay, probably a lot ) more?

So, the underbust has no bra cups?

I should probably mention that I'll most likely be wearing this on its own in private and at fetish events, rather than as an undergarment.

What's the difference between a vintage and non-vintage style?

The following is the description from the last link you posted. In terms of the description of the boning, ribbon, closure, etc., is this along the lines of what I'm looking for in a quality corset, or is some of that unnecessary? I've had bras with wires that poke through before, so I'd imagine the rubber-coated ends and reinforced fabric in those areas are features I really should look for.

This corset is constructed from multiple layers of quality material. The bones are encased in sturdy cotton bone casing for maxiumum protection against poke throughs. This style uses straight steel bars with rounded, rubber coated ends. Each side of the corset contains 8 bones. The front of the corset closes with a coated, spiral steel busk. The back laces closed through metal grommets. Wide grossgrain ribbon at the waist adds extra reinforcment for the ideal hourglass figure.

The corset available through this auction will accommodate a man or woman with a corset waist of 36 inches or less, and a length of 12 inches or less. Heavy, brushed cotton twill and satin are the standard fabrics. Dupioni silk, silk brocade, synthetic brocade, silk satin, velvet, corset coutil and lace are also available. For additional information about these fabrics, please contact me. Cotton twill is available in white, natural, black, navy blue, red and olive green. Satin is available in white, ivory, black, red, pale pink, navy blue, pale blue, light brown, and lavender.

The corset in the picture does not have a front opening. It is made from silk brocade with the bone casing on the outside of the corset. The top and bottom edges are trimmed in black cotton edge binding to match the bone casing. The corset available through this auction does have a busk included in the price. This corset can also be made to lace in the front, or to lace in the back and the front.

Sorry, I've looked and talked to some people a little, but this is really brand new territory to me, and I have a feeling I'm embarking on a long love affair with corsets! I've waited this long, so I'm not in a big hurry; if/when you have time to share your knowledge, I'll gratefully take it all in!

 

[SweetErika]

I have to second meschantes - the quality for price is unreal.

Very nice, indeed. I can't justify spending that much on any kind of garment right now, regardless of how good of a value it is, but maybe someday when I know what I want.

 

[Netzach]

I know -- it's still expensive. My first "corset" was the same fredericks bustier I think almost everyone got at some point.

Axford's was very reasonable, though the exchange rate is a killer. I got a simple off the rack waist cincher from them for about $90 bucks in the day.

The only serious reservation I'd have is buying a corset like you mentioned without a front busk or opening. I'm just not that into having a next to impossible time in and out of it. It's do-able, it just slows you down a lot.

 

[SweetErika]

I know -- it's still expensive. My first "corset" was the same fredericks bustier I think almost everyone got at some point.

Axford's was very reasonable, though the exchange rate is a killer. I got a simple off the rack waist cincher from them for about $90 bucks in the day.

The only serious reservation I'd have is buying a corset like you mentioned without a front busk or opening. I'm just not that into having a next to impossible time in and out of it. It's do-able, it just slows you down a lot.

I'm certainly not set on one without a front opening, but my budget may be problematic in that regard.

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. If I was planning on wearing it more frequently or daily, that'd be more of an issue, but I'm not at this point.

 

[@}-}rebecca----]

My corset experience is almost non existent compared to several other of the more discerning members of the Board here. A case of lack of opportunity past the whimsy of occasional fashion over lack of interest on my part. I do have one groovy black dress where the bodice has faux corset and that completes me for now : chuckles :

Tragic I know, never mind I plan on sending myself to my room to think about it in a few minutes.

So I wouldn't dream of giving advice with the exception of some links you may find useful Erika

The Yahoo group Cinched I am a member of has available a good range of information and it's linked through The House of Worship. They often advertise corset sales well from time to time.

House of Worship

Cinched Details

 

[Mazuri]

Thank you for reading my mind, SweetErika! My husband is very much a breast man and corsets had been mentioned in passing and he's very excited/eager for me to get one for his return so I am leeching ideas off your post

 

[FurryFury]

At this point in my life I would not buy a corset that wasn't made for me. I'm cheap though. So this is how I would do it. Our local group has a college student that does costuming. I've seen her corsets. They are not only great, they actually fit and accentuate. I'd ask her and hope her prices are reasonable so that I could afford it. If not, I'd have to regretfully decline.

Maybe women with bigger boobs have an easier time of it. I dunno but the off the rack ones NEVER fit right.

 

[agibean]

If you're in the Seattle area, there's someone who is supposed to be a fantastic corset maker right around here. If you're a member of the Wet Spot, you might have seen the person mentioned in the newsletters or at one of the vendor fairs.

I would know the name if I heard it-but as I'm not interested in a corset, haven't paid attention, other than that I've seen the name come up several times. Maybe you could email Allana and ask who it is? There's a no-membership-required "garage sale" this Sunday afternoon (12-5). I'll bet if you went and asked around, you'd get some recommendations.

 

[bholderman]

My 2 cents from the husband buying a corset for my wife. I purchased one online for her via hipsandcurves.com that I liked and seemed to fit her style rather well. However, it turnns out the corset didn't support her bust that well, so she hasn't worn it very often.

Being the standard husband in completely unaware of the nuances of womens under garmets, my suggestion would be at least purchasing at a place where you can fit it. Unless of course, my non-understanding of the web description just doesn't help me at all.

Maybe I need help...

 

[Netzach]

I'm certainly not set on one without a front opening, but my budget may be problematic in that regard.

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. If I was planning on wearing it more frequently or daily, that'd be more of an issue, but I'm not at this point.

It all depends. I've got pretty flexible shoulders and I can just reach back and pull everything tight looking in a mirror. What you can't do, is just loosen your laces and then undo your busk, you will have to loosen them all the way out each time you want in and out. Whereas I can do it in 5-10 with a front busk, I'd say 15-20 without. Looking at thatlast piece Cutie Mouse posted, I don't think it would be that bad a hassle, - that looks like a nice option.

 

[Netzach]

At this point in my life I would not buy a corset that wasn't made for me. I'm cheap though. So this is how I would do it. Our local group has a college student that does costuming. I've seen her corsets. They are not only great, they actually fit and accentuate. I'd ask her and hope her prices are reasonable so that I could afford it. If not, I'd have to regretfully decline.

Maybe women with bigger boobs have an easier time of it. I dunno but the off the rack ones NEVER fit right.

I have off the rack underbusts and victorians, which have no cups, just are flat across the chest, MUCH more flattering on than they look in a photo by themselves.

 

[CutieMouse]

The big plus to an underbust is that it is easier to breathe. I had a Meschantes "waist trainer" in plaintwill without any front busk... it was a pain in the ass to get in and out of (took a good 45 minutes), and I eventually took to wearing it about 22 hours a day so I'd not have to wrestle the damn thing off and on so much. (I've never had anyone to lace my corsets for me, BTW. It's doable - annoying, but doable.)

If you're going for looks on its own, vintage foundation garments won't give you the same eye candy. They'd be great for creating the shape under clothing, but it's hard to find vintage that works well as a stand alone piece.


Here's a link to Meschantes' eBay listings... you really can get their work for a reasonable price, if you're attentive and lucky (I recommend watching their auctions for a while to get a feel for closing prices, then using a snipping program for your buy.)

 

[Chicklet]

I bought one off of ebay from Alter-Ego-Erotics and am fairly pleased with it. A lot of the people I know have purchased from them and are equally happy.

 

[the captians wench]

I WANT THIS!!!!


that doesn't count as fabric right?

 

[SweetErika]

*Drools*

I forgot we're working on having a munchkin, though. As much as I want something like the above RIGHT NOW, I think it'd be foolish to get one before I see how my body might change after pregnancy. I'm sure they'll still be in business, and probably on eBay, in a year or so.

Looking for a costume maker with corset experience in need of some extra cash is an awesome idea, Fury. I think I could find several relatively easily around here, too.

 

[FurryFury]

I WANT THIS!!!!


that doesn't count as fabric right?

Wow! Cool!

 

[FurryFury]

*Drools*

I forgot we're working on having a munchkin, though. As much as I want something like the above RIGHT NOW, I think it'd be foolish to get one before I see how my body might change after pregnancy. I'm sure they'll still be in business, and probably on eBay, in a year or so.

Looking for a costume maker with corset experience in need of some extra cash is an awesome idea, Fury. I think I could find several relatively easily around here, too.

I hope you do! Good luck!

I look at these with every catalog wondering if I took them to a tailor would s/he make them fit right? Cause I love em.

 

[the captians wench]

Wow! Cool!

I wish my machine could handle leather.