Questions & Answers

Underwired cups were designed to be a cheap way to mass-produce women’s underwear and they are exactly that. They are also not the best way. Under wire actually gives very minimal support. All it does is hang a large bust from the unlucky recipient’s shoulders which usually results in back and shoulder pain. On a small bust, they do even less! Any woman with an A-cup can remember at least one incident of raising her arms and landing up with her bra cups hugging her armpits! Boning when correctly placed and cut will take the weight of a large bust and place it on the hips rather than the shoulders which eradicate back problems. On a small bust, it will give more push-up and cleavage than any wonderbra.
Another reason for not putting under wired bra cups in corsets is that your bra is then anchored to your corset (which just to further complicate matters in a off the rack will seldom match your torso length resulting in your cups sitting too high or low) If you twist your torso or lift your arms, your bust will fall out of the cups which are not moving with you.
Many women when they lose or gain weight, notice it first in the size of their bust which results in them needing a collection of bra’s for various bust sizes. A boned garment will fit pretty much three cup sizes up or down.
Convinced??

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That depends whether you want to emphasize or hide your bust. A happy medium is the classic Victorian, Gothic, or Sweetheart Overbust which can be cut with either natural or Edwardian cups. If you want to de-emphasize your bust, A 50’s overbust, banded or corded overbust are good. If you want to show off your bust, V-front and vest styles are great. Avoid Underbusts as you will hang over the top of them. For a comfy everyday corset (tightlacer) that will still give you good support, go for a maiden.

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If you are looking for an everyday tightlacer, go for an underbust style which will flatter your waist without flattening your bust. If you are an A-cup or smaller avoid maiden styles. If you want an overbust style, a gothic overbust (or anything with an Edwardian cup actually) flatters all bust sizes. Corded styles can give the illusion of more bust as can the Peasant and Mary Jane overbust. Avoid 50’s and Victorian overbusts as the straight high bust line will flatten you. A Marie Antoinette bodice is a great period look for a small bust.

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The first thing to think about is how much restriction you are comfortable with. Corsets aren’t uncomfortable, but they are restrictive. A Merry Widow is the lightest and a great starter corset as they give good results with minimal restriction. A bodice is next up. For those who want a tightlacer but are still a little scared of them. A tightlacer is the Holy Grail of corsets but even these have levels of restriction. An underbust is the perfect everyday corset for those under a C-cup as they have minimal restriction. A maiden will give bust support while still been relatively unrestrictive and an overbust (unless you are over a DD cup) vest or corset dress is for evening wear only.
Secondly think of what you want the corset to do for your body. If you want only a bit of smoothing and lift go for a Merry Widow or girdle. If you want a lightly corseted look for an evening out go for a bodice. If you want to have gorgeous curves, or want everyday discipline, go for a Governess or tightlacer. Merry widows are perfect for everyday or beneath clothes for bust support and smoothing. Bodices are designed for short term wear.
A Governess is partway between a Merry Widow and a Tightlacer. It is a moderate weight non stretch corset designed for everday wear under clothing. It is lighter than a tighlacer, but gives more shaping than a Merry Widow.
A tightlacer will stand up to more than 9000 hours of continuous wear.
Also think of will you be driving or sitting a lot in your corset. This can affect the cut of the bottom.
How often are planning to wear your corset?
For an everyday garment, look at what colours you have the most of in your cupboard and preferably go for something fairly neutral if it is your first one. It is fine to desperately want a red corset, but what will you wear it with?
What kind of shape do you want for your body?
How long are you willing to invest into getting that shape? Tightlacing down to beyond a 4” reduction on your natural waist takes months if not years and is a full time discipline.
What cut will flatter your body?
What texture fabric will you enjoy feeling when you are wearing the corset?
Last but definitely not least - what is your budget?

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Yes. It is a myth that women died from corsets in the Victorian era much the same as it is a myth that all women had 18” waists. That said, it is possible to hurt yourself if you are careless or your corsetiere isn’t knowledgeable as you are modifying your body and the placement of your internal organs. Tightlacing must be done under the supervision of a skilled corsetiere who has anatomical training. It is a process that may take months if not years and must be done slowly, the slower the better. Rushing the process and lacing too quickly will not only damage and shorten your corset’s lifespan, but also may hurt you.
As long as you listen to your body, take it slow and have have the support of your corsetiere should you have any questions. It is completely safe.

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When you are past the first trimester of a pregnancy.
If you have any digestive problems - ulcers, IBS, etc resolve them first then corset when you are healthy again. Yes IBS is curable!!!!!
If you have a hernia
If you have had any operations to the abdomen within the past two years. It takes the body two years to heal properly and settle again after an operation.
If you have had gastric bypass surgery
If you are Obese. It varies from person to person but beyond a certain size it is dangerous to corset as the corset compresses the fat into the internal organs and can have complications. Apple shaped people hold more fat on the abdomen and therefore have a lower fat threshold to corseting than pear shaped people who are naturally hourglass shaped and can corset with a higher body fat percentage.

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If you are tightlacing, in all probability, yes. Corseting is definitely not a quick fix to weight problems though. When tightlacing, most people have to change their diet as junk food and fizzy cold drinks are out. You also have to exercise to prevent muscle atrophy. It is a lifestyle. The corset compresses the digestive organs which also slows the digestion. You will be able to eat less than half what you usually do, but you will need to eat pretty near continually to keep up your energy and get in enough food. I usually have a box of fruit on my desk to snack on. The average person will lose between 5kg - 7kg when they start tightlacing.

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Good pain (If there actually is such a thing - I just haven’t come up with a better way to differentiate them!) Is muscular pain. You will get back-ache when you first wearing your corset. This is completely normal. Our posture is so bad due to our lifestyles that when we are forced to actually stand up straight our bodies rebel against it and we get back ache. It is normal and will disappear after a week or so. If it doesn’t disappear, speak to your corsetiere.
Bad pain is any nerve or internal pain. If you get any pain that is not a muscle, loosen the corset immediately, wait a few minutes, move it around a little and then re-lace it slowly. A common problem if the corset is sitting too low is to get a small kink in your colon. It hurts like hell but is immediately resolved by loosening the corset and moving it up a little. If you lace too tightly too quickly you don’t give your organs enough time to move around and find their places and so you may compress one of them incorrectly. If you get any numbness in a limb or a shooting pain, the boning of your corset has probably hit a nerve. This is more common in off the rack corsets and corsets where the corsetiere doesn’t have sufficient medical knowledge. Find the corset bone closest to the pain/numbness and bend it outwards - away from your body while the corset is off. Re-lace the corset and try again if necessary. Lymph drainage can be a problem on tightlacers who stand a lot. That is why it is crucial to exercise. If you have swollen ankles. Take the corset off and go for a jog (or a swim or pretty much any else that’ll get your fluids moving again)

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No. This is probably the most frequently asked question. Even full time tightlacers nowadays don’t and haven’t been able to spend enough time in their corsets to enable a permanent change. At one stage girls were corseted from the age of 12 and they basically grew into a corseted shape. Once you have reached adulthood, your body has reached it’s final shape and a permanent change is no longer possible no matter how long you spend in your corset. It will become easier and easier over time for you to lace smaller, however as soon as you take your corset off, your body will resume it’s natural shape.

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Yes. A well made, corset is like a good pair of leather boots. Your first week is a bit uncomfortable as the corset is still stiff and new, however as it wears in it will get more and more comfortable until it is like a second skin.

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Some move up and some move down. Basically your organs move around in the same way as they would if you were pregnant to make way for the baby. As long as you lace slowly to give your organs the time thy need to find their new places you are perfectly safe. This is why it is actually healthier to tightlace fulltime rather than to only lace on the odd day - you put far more stress on your body trying to lace down for an individual party than you do if you are steadily lacing.

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Not always a good idea and the same goes for energy drinks. The corset slows your digestion enabling you to drink far past what you usually would, however as soon as you take the corset off all of that alcohol finds it’s way into your bloodstream very quickly. Drinking in corsets is fine as long as you take care not to exceed what you usually would drink.

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Traditional hook & eye tape closures -as seen on "underwear corsets" aren’t strong enough. Any corset you see that has a hook and eye back isn’t a real corset. Hooks and eyes will break after a wear or two. They also make it impossible to get a correct fit.

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I do use busks, but they aren’t a common choice as they are difficult to do up and undo (especially if you are left handed) the modern busks also aren’t as stiff as they should be and they have to be re-inforced with extra steel. It is very common to break a busk and if you do, you have to throw away the entire corset. Busks are also very expensive. The zips that I use are made especially for me by YKK. They are very strong and hardwearing. They are easy to do up and loosen. A zip in a corset is also like a fuse - If you over-lace your corset (which is a very common problem especially for beginners) you will break your zip before you harm yourself or damage your corset. If you break the zip it is cheap and easy to replace. That said, you really have to try hard to break the zip.

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No. How will you adjust it? If a corset has a zip in the back, it isn’t a corset.

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No. That is where the shape of your corset is. If you put a zip there you will not only weaken the structure of the corset but ruin the line. Again - if a corset has a zip in the side, it isn’t a corset.

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No. I can do a mock lace-up at the sides, but to have the lacing at the sides will interfere with the shape and structure of the corset. Meds and the Marie Antoinette styles have a double fan lacing at the side front, not the exact sides. If you buy a corset with lacing at the sides, it isn’t a real corset.

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Probably. It depends what type of corset you order and what type of clothes you plan to wear over it. Merry Widows are the least conspicuous as they have a natural shape and are designed to smooth out the body. Tightlacers are the most obvious as they are heavy and definitely not a natural shape. If you want to wear your corset under clothes, Make sure that your clothing is well lined and shaped, but not skintight and definitely not stretch fabrics. Suits or well tailored shirts are the best for wearing over corsets. Unfortunately modern clothing and fabrics are generally not well suited for wearing with corsets. You will probably need to have your clothing altered to fit your new shape - it is worthwhile learning to sew.

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Cording is a finish which was originally designed to be a cheap and flexible alternative to boning. In antique corsets it is often used over the bust, stomach and hip areas. It is unfortunately no longer a cheap finish as it is very labor intensive. It is still used in very much the same way it was, but now in conjunction with steel boning. It is used in areas where you want extra stiffening, but not heavy boning such as the top and bottom bands, bust and hip area. It is a comfortable textural finish that looks in no way vintage.

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Whether you plan to lose or gain weight.
Whether you have had any abdominal surgery in the last two years
Whether you have any digestive problems
What you want your end result to be - waist reduction, overall shape etc
Whether you have broken any ribs before
Your lifestyle - do you drive, sit or stand a lot. How much flexibility do you need to continue your present lifestyle with minimum alteration.

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Off-the-Rack corsets are fantastic if you want a corset for a night out. They are not for full time wear. It also depends on what type of corset. A Merry widow o-t-r is fine as it is very flexible and stretchy. A Bodice or Governess is light enough to also be comfy o-t-r. Never ever by a tightlacer or steel boned corset that is not custom made. Each and every person’s measurements are different and even a slight change in the torso length of a corset is enough to cause you discomfort if it is to be worn for extended periods. This is also why my o-t-r range is based on clothing sizes and not waist sizes - it makes for a far better fit and also has room for small adjustments on length, bust control etc.

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Not a problem. My patterns are designed so that the length is easy to adjust for a person of longer or shorter torso. You just need to specify that you would like the corset to be made for a longer or shorter torso.

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It depends how severe it is. A corset will help most people but must be made and fitted by a specialist. I do corsets for people with spinal abnormalities, but not mail-order. In less severe cases a corset can fix a curvature over time, it is not a quick fix though and must be used in conjunction with physiotherapy and other exercise to strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases the corset will help to straighten the spine and can improve difficulties in breathing etc which are a side-effect of the bent or twisted posture. This is a much more complicated area than can be tackled in a FAQ. If you would like to know more, please mail me.

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Yes, just less than you usually would. Because the corset compresses the digestive system and slows digestion you will only be able to eat half to 2/3 of what you usually would.

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A Merry widow is fantastic and really comfy, If you want to get into corseting slowly, this is the one. Otherwise if you want a corseted look, but aren’t up for steel, go for a bodice for a night out or a Governess for daywear under clothing. They are light and flexible and will give you a slight waist reduction and fab cleavage. Everyone will think you’re in a tightlacer.

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Nope, sorry.

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Yes. Couture garments are still my first love and the core of my business, however I will no longer do custom made garments through mail order.
If you are interested in a full custom garment, you will need to come through to my studio for measurements, fittings etc.

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You will need to come to my studio. I unofrtunately no longer do tightlacing garments for mail order as they absolutely have to be custom made due to the complexity of the fit.

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Usually shop pieces will be shipped within two weeks, however sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control (fabrics on order etc) it may take longer. In this case, we will keep you updated on the progress of your order

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Merry Widows basically smooth and sleek more that give a waist reduction. They flatten tummy, lift bust and round the hips. Basically, they tuck in all of the "squishy bits" that we women love to hate. A Bodice will pull you in by up to 2" (5cm) which will help to give a lovely natural hourglass shape. A Governess will give you a waist reduction of up to 4" vavavoom curves!

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No. Sorry, I do not allow clients to supply fabric as i am very fussy with the quality of fabrics. The majority of my fabrics are imported from the US and Europe. I do not use chinese imports under any circumstance.

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Yes, but only on custom order

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No. What you are refering to is not a corset, it is lingerie or a lightly boned top. I do not make corsets in this style for a number of reasons.
1: You will be lucky if it lasts one wear
2: It will stretch and distort almost immedietly
3) it is very uncomfortable due to #2
4) It is unflattering - try putting a sausage in a too tight fishnet stocking and you will get the basic idea. It doesn't matter how skinny you are.
5) it will not offer any support or shaping whatsoever which contradicts the whole idea of a corset.
6: Any pictures you find of people wearing this sort of thing have been photoshopped to hell.

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1) We do not hire out. No exceptions.

2) We will only lend out garments to certain magazines, not to private individuals or film.

If you are a magazine wishing to borrow something for a photoshoot, we require:
* a deposit of the full cost of the garment which will be refunded upon the garment been returned timeously and in original condition.
* Cost of Dry-cleaning of said garment
* fitting with the model proposed.
* Full ID of the person responsible for the garment as well as proof that it will be used for the said magazine and not for personal purposes.

We do not do pro-bono dressing of individules for functions, film or theater.

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No. Steel-boned corsets are for long term daily wear only. for great curves under clothing, go for a Governess, or if you want a corset to wear as an outer-garment, go for a bodice.

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All of our corsets are real corsets, they are just all designed to do different things. Some of them are for under clothing, some for outerwear, some for long-term wear and some for occasional wear. YOu can't choose a specific corset because you like the name, it needs to be correct for your body and the occasion for which it will be worn.

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The classic 50's undergarment of choice has a new lease on life! Available in either natural or edwardian cup styles with supple
elastic powermesh sides, beautiful retro styling and a straight cut bottom the Merry Widow is the perfect starter corset. Ideal for
either outer or underwear it is smooth and comfortable. Merry widows are designed to support and uplift the bust, flatten the
tummy and sculpt the hips. Perfect for under a wedding or other formal dress and the best (and completely strapless!) support on
the market for those with a larger bust.

Merry Widow Features:

* Elastic Powermesh sides
* Reinforced waist and tummy support
* Diagonally boned bust support
* Built in lining
* Light flexible construction

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The Governess is a light flexible undercorset for the woman who wants the comfort and invisibility of a Merry Widow but with the
body shaping of a Bodice or tightlacer. Unlike a Merry Widow, the Governess has no stretch, but is still invisible enough to wear beneith
clothing and with a waist reduction of up to 4”, it creates an unashamedly feminine hourglass shape. Plastic boning is light
yet strong and moulds to your shape with body heat for an impeccable fit.

Governess Features:

* Non stretch
* Built-in lining
* Internal waist reinforcing
* Diagonally boned bust
* Light construction
* Soft flexible boning at the sides for shaping
* Stiff boning at the front and back for support

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A midweight outerwear corset. Whether a rich brochade for a formal event or printed cotton to wear with jeans, the bodice is
versatile, modern and elegant. The sleek 7 panel pattern spirals forward over the ribcage creating a flattering vertical line while
stiff plastic boning nips in the waist and pushes up the bust perfecting your curves to create a sensual hourglass shape.
Fully lined
with charmeuse satin for a luxuriously soft finish.

Bodice Features:

* Non stretch
* 2"-3” waist reduction
* Diagonal bust boning
* Floating satin lining for a smooth interior finish
* Heavy plastic boning (moulds with body heat for a comfortable fit)

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In the 1920’s, girdles took over where corsets left off. Ultra light powermesh construction enables them to be completely flexible
but still supportive underneath modern skirts and dresses. Where a corset pulls in the waist and pushes up the bust, a girdle
smooths hips and thighs and lifts and shapes the bum. It is lightly boned at the waist for structure. Wear a girdle with a corset for all
over body sculpting.

Girdle features:

* Powermesh construction for flexibility
* Nearly invisible under clothing
* Non-stretch panels for tummy and bum support
* All day comfort with minimal restriction.

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