Corsets!

[errantly]

I checked the tags and memories, and while I'll be considering recommendations from this post from 2005, I'd also like some updated personal recommendations for where to buy a corset - either custom made or off the rack

Comments

[_vivace_]

meschantes.com

[sharkcowsheep]

either custom made or off the rack

This makes all the difference. Pick one, we'll go from there.

[errantly]

I'd prefer custom, because from what I have heard custom = best fit, higher quality, worth the cost.

At the same time, I have also heard that there are a few gems in the Seattle area that offer off-the-rack corsets and sets, so I don't want to rule that option out.

Does that make sense?

[sharkcowsheep]

It does. The difference in fit is a big deal if you're thick, have a waist-hip difference that's unusual in one direction or the other, have a notably long or short torso or want an overbust. Any of that true for you? If none of these are a thing in your case, I'm going to blaspheme and say that you can probably just wing it with a store-bought and get decent results.

(I'm asking this mostly for the benefit of other helpful folks, I should add--I'm mostly only useful for mail order and a few specific local corsetiers who, so far as I know, don't do other knickers.)

EDIT: and just so I'm actually helping instead of belaboring a point, here's some of those links for mail-order places. I have heard very positive things about corsets from both of these companies.
http://www.corsets-uk.com/index.asp
http://www.timeless-trends.com/

[errantly]

Thank you!

I'm a 38-29-38 and looking for an overbust, so it sounds like I should be talking to a custom corsetier. If I can't get matching knickers, I'll survive - who do you recommend locally?

[loree]

Avoid off-the-rack corsets if you're wanting to wear it more than once. Most of those are going to use plastic boning, which deforms easily with body heat and thus is prone to sudden wardrobe malfunction. If you want it to last, you want your corset stays to be made of spring steel or better.

[errantly]

That's important information - thank you!

I am definitely looking to wear it more than once.

[dreams_in_reds]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/diva-dollz-seattle

They have off the rack and you can buy custom corsets from them as well.

If you are unsure if a corset is steel or not take a magnet and test it.

[dreams_in_reds]

Also I highly recommend this community:

http://community.livejournal.com/corsetry/

A good portion of the members make corsets and they are an excellent source of information.
Since you have a 9 inch difference in your waist to hip and bust size I would look into a custom. Typically you want a 4 - 6 inch difference in waist size. If you are a 29 inch natural waist you'd look for a size 24 or 26 more than likely. The thinner you are the less "squish" factor you have if that makes any sense. It really just depends on how much of a reduction you want (if any). If you aren't looking for a reduction you might be able to go with an off-the-rack.

[thisiserika]

I'm glad you're dressing up for when we meet.

[errantly]

Damn it. It was going to be a surprise.

[thisiserika]

Hiding it in the community we met in was a really good idea then.

[errantly]

Well, it was safer than the hall closet or under the bed.

You always look there.