Buying and wearing a corset
Corsets have been used by women throughout the ages think Elizabethan era with the
huge crinoline skirts where they used to get sewn into their dresses; the Edwardian era with the fantastic bustles; the Victorian era where smelling salts were always on hand because of the tightly cinched waists; the saloon girl outfits of the wild west, and of course the fabulous corsets featured in the burlesque acts of the 1800s through to today.
A good corset is an investment. It can be worn with a long taffeta or velvet skirt as a cocktail dress (or black tie depending on the formality of the event), it can be worn with jeans to a club or worn in a full burlesque costume for fancy dress or for a bit of fun at home!
And of course, it's not just about how you can wear it, it's how it makes you feel. A corset will emphasise your curves and create a fantastic silhouette which will make you look and feel sexy.
Key features to look for when buying a corset are:
The boning steel is generally promoted as the best for its flexibility and strength.
Back panels (these are often optional but a good idea if you don't want skin showing though the lacing)
The lacing it should be proper corset lacing, not simply a ribbon if you really want to get the full effect.
Frills, lace and ribbon if you intend wearing the corset as underwear to emphasize your figure under a dress then keep the fuss to a minimum. If it's for show then go wild!
The fabric you choose will also make a difference. Satin corsets are smooth and the fabric holds its shape well, leather corsets will allow for a bit of stretch and heavier fabrics such as brocade have very little give at all. It's amazing the difference colour and fabric makes in changing a corset from uber-sexy to not-quite-girl-next-door!
Measurements and waist reduction
Standard measurements will usually give you a difference of 8 10 between bust and waist and 10 12 between waist and hips and you will get approximately a 2" reduction in waist size. If you are not a standard size you can get made to measure corsets.
When it comes to the waist cinch effect, for "beginners" you should aim for a 2" reduction in your waist size but you can achieve a 4" reduction over time. Corsets should always be comfortable so don't go for tight lacing straight away. Lace the corset so it is comfortable at first and gradually as you get used to it you can lace it tighter. It's also important to give the corset time to adjust to your body and lacing it too tightly at the beginning can place a strain on the fabric and stitching.
Other benefits of wearing a corset
I'm not claiming any knowledge or experience of these but there are some other benefits that wearing a corset can bring. They can help posture and support the lower back and they can help control overeating by having less room the wearer naturally wants to eat smaller meals.
Whatever about the physical benefits it's clear that a good corset makes the wearer look and feel womanly, sexy and fabulous!
For more information on whether a standard corset will suit your figure see
Standard or Made to MeasureBuying and wearing a corset
By: Kay Bornham
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