Corsets

[fabricdragon]

Once again i am reminded that some folks do not properly understand corsets.

properly fitted (and thats the key) corsets:
1. are comfortable
2.are good back support

in addition they look good, naturally.. but they don't HAVE to be fetish wear. a properly fitted corset can be (and has been) worn as a top over a full skirt as a ball gown...

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Comments

[isabelladangelo]

I've noticed that back lacing corsets have a bit more "give" than front lacing. I think it has to do with the bust and not liking the bust not being at least almost completely covered. If my back is open, who cares? If the front has more than a two inch gap, I don't like it.

Also, different boning seems to affect the wear of the corset. I like cable ties. :-)

[fabricdragon]

for a home made corset i like cable ties.. for my regular corsets. well BFL uses steel.. and i like their corsets..

as to "front or back lace" since i am usually wearing a back lace.... the only front lace corsets i EVER wear, are ones that are "back lace" but with an extra lacing instead of the hook front busk on a Victorian......
you still lace the front CLOSED.. but once you get the back adjusted right you get in and out by the front lacing.... makes it easier to get into by oneself...

[littleblueghost]

Question that is more related to the fact I am from another country - what exactly are "cable ties"?

[whouseknecht]

These things:

Just curious....

[littleblueghost]

So did something bring this on?

I would have thought most stuff would be common sense, but then again, sense isn't common! (especially the difference between a Victorian and Elizabethan corset - they want completely different shapes!)

Re: Just curious....

[fabricdragon]

in the past two days i have had about 8 people, on and off line, talk to me about corsets.. and its the same old same old "i didnt know" or "arent they uncomfortable" or "i had to wear one for a play and it hurt.."

and yeah.... you would think.. but people ask to mail order 'bethan corsets from me, all the time. based on having been fitted into a Victorian...
they just DO NOT fit the same.

Re: Just curious....

[littleblueghost]

From what I have read corsets aren't uncomfortable unless you are severely tightlacing.

I want a corset, but I don't really have anywhere to wear it around here (in the city it would be fine, but country is waaaayyyy different).

comfort!

[anoxos]

My favorite is from Casta Diva; it laces in both front and back. The first time, leave the front laced completely and get help lacing the back and adjusting it properly, after that, undo the front only for ease and convenience. I love it! I've tried BFL/FAF style with the metal closures, and may get one one day, they seemed really easy to get into and out of, but Casta Diva's are reversible, so for the same money, I get two outfits.

I too, especially when wearing it, get a lot of such comments about comfort and such. I'm just worried I'm going to have to replace the one I bought this spring, I've lost enough weight I've lost almost the entire gap in the back in only 6 months! yipes!

Re: comfort!

[fabricdragon]

since the lacing fit (waists size) is adjustable... and the length (up and down fit of the boning) isnt! you can .. if you are CERTAIN you are losing more weight... buy one a size too small. since one or two sizes wont affect the length fit.

i did .
they fit wonderfully. sadly i have re gained a few pounds...
but remember. a corset can be open pretty far in the back and still "work"

[dragonhearth]

Wow now I want a properly fitted corset! :)

[attack_laurel]

You do, you do - they're marvellously figure-flattering!

[fabricdragon]

yes you do.
great back support, wonderful "look"... much more so than a simple bodice (not to knock bodices, mind)

[attack_laurel]

Heh. That's why you don't see slouchy chairs in Elizabethan houses. :) Most of the evidence seems to point towards the super-long busked bodies as best-dress only; for Court and for very fancy elitist evenings, most people would be standing all evening (all the time at Court; no-one sits but the Queen), and the long busk is designed to show off the standing figure.

The woodcuts and paintings of regular working people show much shorter style bodies, even under aprons - you can't work if you're being stabbed all the time.

[fabricdragon]

well, i retail MOSTLY Brute Force leather... and thats what i wear, personally.
i also have a limited selection of Xcentricities corsets, as they fit quite differently in the waist. i admit i am not as fond of them, but i may be biased.. they dont fit me!

Tom (BFL/FAF) also makes a pseudo 'bethan. i think he called it his "ren fair" corset. i have two in stock. you buy it at LEAST one size larger than a victorian from him, as the fit is different.
they cost more.... they have shoulder straps, and waist tabs.

i know there are other manufacturors. but i have very little personal experience with them, so i dont usually mention them.