Corsets (etc.) 101

i have been doing some research on corsets and other feminine fashions of that nature. i have yet to find a site that really "explains" the how to's, what to's, etc.

Not entirely sure what i should be asking... since corsets to me have always seemed confining and painful. But, then again, i have never had one on either... i have an aversion to anything tight so have always just "assumed" that corsets fell into that category!

So... anyone with experience care to offer some advice or some links? (pm the links if need be!)

Any help would be appreciated!

Well, what exactly would you like to know?

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Originally Posted by LikelySuspect

Well, what exactly would you like to know?

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That's the point... everything and i don't know where to start. The entire thought is overwhelming to me in some ways.

If i knew "exactly" what i wanted to know i would have probably found it by now... *giggles*

How about starting with definitions of the different types of corsets and which are better for which body type? (If that is even a question that can be answered in the corset realm.... )

Well, you have different kinds of corset.
I myself wear corset from clotheshops for gothic, punk etc.
You can wear them just like t-shirts etc., not (only) as underwear.
You can wear them all day long without a problem.
Maybe you should try that first. They are much cheaper than real handmade corsets.

I've got some practical advice. When a girl tells you to "pull as much as you can", it doesn't actually mean that. She woke up eventually.

I watched a program that talked about corsets. They claimed that the corsets worn in mainstream fashion back in the early 19th century are different as the ones worn now. The ones now are simply tight but are not intended in the long run to mold your ribs in order to have a smaller waist size like back then.
But on a size, they said that to start with, measure your waist, and try a corset an inch or two smaller. Although, you might want to check that on wiki, I was studying while I was watching the program on TV.

hoping to do some personal research on this soon...smiles!!!

nk_8950: absolutely, the Victorian corsets would have seemed outright sadistic today. *gg* They were like actual caging. Either way, I must agree corsets are beautifully sexy....

you can buy "corsets" in the stores adn corsets. I love corsets did a research paper on hte awhile back. What you can buy in the store is for fashion only. The do not shape. the have plastic bones that are pokey and get molded into odd shapes and eventually look like crap. If you just want the pretty look of a corset with out any of the benifits of a really one buy one from a store. I own 6 that are store bought that I wear when ever I feel like it. they are like a tank top. You can wash and wear then adn there isnt' any super special care for them.

If you are interested in real corsets then you pay much more for them online or learn to make them yourself. I won't go into too much detail unless you want, but real corset is made of heavy duty fabric adn boned with metal boning. It is designed to and properly constructed to cinch you in alot. they are not washable as metal rusts so you either dryclean, or spray with fabreeze or water adn vodka...

Now what do you want the corset for occational wear or waist reduction training? That answer will determine if you get one that is constructed to be seen with pretty fabrics or if you get one that is more plain to wear daily under clothing. The fashion ones can work as both, but I have found that depending on what you are wearing over it colors adn can run adn bleed... i'll just continue rather than ramble here...

A real corset you generally buy 4-6 inches smaller than you waist measurement, if you are a big girl like me you can 6-8 because we are more squishy... Those are general good starting meaasurements. You want about a two inch gap down your back when you first start wearing them.

There are an array of types, under bust, over bust, with gussets for shaping, flat front, waist cincher, full body. all of then have different effects so you just have to choose what you want.

There is probably a ton more i can tell you. So ask away if you have anything specific....

I'm walking into this kind of late - had a very busy few months and haven't been here in a while.

I have been tightlacing on an almost-daily basis for 5 years. My inspiration for it was mainly about reshaping my body, but I absolutely love it. A perfect analogy I heard once is that wearing a corset is like "wearing a hug". As with any other activity, it should NOT cause an undue amount of pain. If so, then it's too tight! Gradual tightening is the key. I was able to immediately reduce my waist by about 6 inches (but I'm a larger person). Thinner people may only be able to start off with a 2 inch reduction.

Some really good reference sites:

* Long Island Staylace Association
*sorry we do not allow links to commercial sites
Tons of articles, stories, pictures, etc. A great place to start if you need information.

* Vajsha's Corset Links http://vajsha.tripod.com/
Links to retailers, custom makers, articles, supplies for those who want to make their own, etc.

* Wasp Creations
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Probably America's top maker of quality custom corsets that stand up to the rigors of tightlacing. Amy (proprieter) has made some custom BDSM style corsets and has an interest in the lifestyle herself. Click the "Corset Articles" and "FAQ" menu options for some great general information about tightlacing.

Hope that helps!

Might I also add fallen angel corsets

*sorry we do not allow links to commercial sites.

They are wonderfully made and are well worth the money. Plus they know there stuff about corsets and fitting. My pet has had hers for 5 years now and is still very happy.. Thinking of buy her another one soon.

i've been enjoying this thread guys :) thanks for all the info!!

one thing though...the Forums do not allow links to commercial sites. i know you are just posting the links for informational purposes and aren't spamming, but rules are rules. so i had to take some of the links out. BUT...i did leave the names of the sites up there so if someone is interested they can google them and still find that information.

back to corsets...they are something i've always found very beautiful, but i don't think i'd ever like to wear one. heck i remember wearing jeans that were too tight once and i nearly passed out! ~laughs~ i can only imagine what squeezing my innards with a corset would do. thanks again for posting all the info on the different types and how to wear them safely! :)

You grow used to the corset very quickly and they really aren't as tight as one thinks. You would be amazed how much squish the body can take.... I find then oddly supportive and comfortable.. you have better posture in them.

How much do they restrict more, uh, athletic activities? Would wearing a corset make it hard for me to run around, jump over things, climb fences, etc?

(I don't do those things very often, but not having the option tends to make me very uncomfortable.)

Natalie - The biggest issue with exercising in a corset is that lung capacity is very restricted. There are some that exercise while wearing a corset, but I personally remove mine for any kind of vigorous activity. I need all the breath I can get. ;)

I where them out dancing. I actually have found that wearing the corset helped me figure out how to isolate my lower and lower body for belly dancing. You aren't going to wear it to run a marathon, or do the high jump. You eventually learn how to move just fin it it with the limited flexibility it provides. Generally when You being training with one you wear it only a certain number of hours a day and maybe have a day off each week. But you can always choose not to wear it on a day you might do these activities

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Originally Posted by quietkarin

Natalie - The biggest issue with exercising in a corset is that lung capacity is very restricted. There are some that exercise while wearing a corset, but I personally remove mine for any kind of vigorous activity. I need all the breath I can get. ;)

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This could also because you may not be use to the corset. You really need to brake them in… i felt that way when i go my first steal boned corset but after wearing it every day for a few hours i got accustom to it. Now I wear it in almost all my play