Corsets

[Winter Steele]

Does anyone know if I can get a corset for a reasonable price that wont fall apart ?

[Onyx]

Honestly, probably not. I've got a few cheap ones I wear to events where I might get a ciggy burn or something spilled on them and they are uncomfortable and they do not last. Also, without the good spiral boning, you won't get the pretty waist shaping of the more expensive ones.

A bit scary that they cost so much, but once you've had an expensive one on you'll definitely see the reason for the high price.

If all you want is looks, I've found some cheap reasonably pretty ones at Charlotte Russe.

http://www.charlotterusse.com/corp/index.j...r=&state=MI

[Nienna]

You can find a "corset like top" for under $100 or maaaaayyyybbbbeeee (not likely) a used one on ebay or something. A true corset with steel boning that is made decently will most definately cost you more. That being said leather ones from Alter Ego Erotics (on Ebay) can go for as little as $150 in my experience.

[Fierce Critter]

Actually, I haven't paid more than about $100 a piece for my AEE ones on eBay.

If you really pay attention to their auctions, she puts so many up at a time that very rarely have I seen any sell for more than the start price.

I just double-checked. She has buy-it-now prices of $99.99 on very many of them, and a lot of them start at $89.99.

AEE corset are excellent for the beginning corset wearer. The prices are excellent, the quality is very good, and there are a LOT of styles to choose from.

[EAF (1)]

Okay with corsest, how should you figure out your size? get it big? get it small? bust size? waist size? same size as your shirts?

Also what is the diffeance between a wais cincher, an underbust corset, and a regular corset, does the number of bones matter and does it make a big differance with lacing in back or front or both? Any recomendations for a beginner corset?

(sorry I just really know where to start lol.)

*edited to ask more questions...lol*

[Fierce Critter]

Okay with corsest, how should you figure out your size?

First off, let's show you how to measure bust, waist and hip. This picture is a decent illustration:

Bust - right under the armpit, across the bust, and I suggest wearing a bra so your boobs are up where they would be if supported by a full-length corset. DON'T squish them flat.

Waist - where your body is at it's narrowest. Again, illustrated well in that pic.

Hips - generally, for corsets, they fall short of the pubic area, usually a few inches below the belly button. Measure across the widest part of your body in that area.

The most important measurement is the waist. For illustration sake, let's say your waist measurement is 30".

get it big? get it small? bust size? waist size? same size as your shirts?

If you are muscular, you can shoot for about 6" of tightening. So if you have a 30" waist, shoot for one that, when closed all the way, is a 24". If you are soft around the middle - like me, I'm FAT - you can sometimes go for even more. My first corset was 8" smaller than my waist measurement. After wearing it about a year, I can now close it almost all the way. My second one is 12" smaller than my waist measurement. I've only worn it a couple times and can close it with about a 5" gap. Again - I'm VERY soft around the middle.

Keep in mind that leather corsets also stretch a LOT more than fabric ones, so you should allow for stretch. If you don't mind a decent amount of gap in back (I think about 4" of gap is SEXY), get a smaller size. In other words, if you have a 30" waist and would ordinarily shoot for 6" of tightening, but don't mind some sexy gap, get a 22", not a 24". Again - if you are MUSCULAR or FIT, you will not be able to tighten as much as us flabby chicks.

Also, a note for the flabby chicks. I found when I got my corset I was disappointed - I couldn't wear it with all those beautiful straight skirts I'd been collecting. Because I got squeeze-out at the bottom that showed through those straight skirts. If you think this will happen to you, plan to wear full skirts, tutu's, or add a scarf or large sash.

Also what is the diffeance between a wais cincher, an underbust corset, and a regular corset

A waist cincher can also be an underbust, it varies depending on where you buy it from. Underbusts definitely stop a bit under the boobies. Waist cinchers can sometimes be almost like a wide belt.

A regular corset pretty much also covers the boob area.

With waist cinchers or underbusts, plan to wear a bra along with it. Full corsets can be worn with nothing under it, or things like fishnet tops, etc. Underbusts are great for wearing with things like tanks, bustiers that you want to show off, etc.

does the number of bones matter

The more bones, the more control and shaping.

And does it make a big differance with lacing in back or front or both?

If you need tummy control, try to stick with a design that has a front busk. I personally don't trust zippers, but I'm a big girl and need all the control I can get. As far as I know, all genuine corsets lace in back. One I've got laces in the back, and also has lacing in the front neckline and two short ones on the front thigh area. That allows for some extra fashion, but itn't really important to the fit.

Any recomendations for a beginner corset?

Here is a link to a full list of Alter Ego Erotic's corsets for sale on eBay. I highly recommend starting with one of theirs because of the affordability, quality, and variety. Also, leather ones, like I said, stretch. So they conform REALLY nicely to your body eventually, and can be quite comfortable for tight lacing as they have some natural stretch (they are fully cloth lined).

[Winter Steele]

Thank you soo much for all your help ! I will take all your advice and let you know how it goes.

[Marmee_Noir]

A waist cincher can also be an underbust, it varies depending on where you buy it from. Underbusts definitely stop a bit under the boobies. Waist cinchers can sometimes be almost like a wide belt.

A regular corset pretty much also covers the boob area.

With waist cinchers or underbusts, plan to wear a bra along with it. Full corsets can be worn with nothing under it, or things like fishnet tops, etc. Underbusts are great for wearing with things like tanks, bustiers that you want to show off, etc.

The more bones, the more control and shaping.

I have a question about underbust corsets.. lol You know how with a regular corset you get a bit of pudge in the back top.. I really like the underbust styles but how they sit lower it's kind of a toss up in my mind. Would you get more back pudge with it sitting lower and being laced tight or since it sits lower on a leaner part of the back would you bypass the whole lil back pudge thing all together??

By the way thanks FierceCritter for the help before with picking out my corset.. Woot woot, I'll be at City Club this Sat night {first time} if you're there remember I owe you a drink..

[Fierce Critter]

I have a question about underbust corsets.. lol You know how with a regular corset you get a bit of pudge in the back top.. I really like the underbust styles but how they sit lower it's kind of a toss up in my mind. Would you get more back pudge with it sitting lower and being laced tight or since it sits lower on a leaner part of the back would you bypass the whole lil back pudge thing all together??

By the way thanks FierceCritter for the help before with picking out my corset.. Woot woot, I'll be at City Club this Sat night {first time} if you're there remember I owe you a drink..

I have noticed that the back length on full-length corsets is generally shorter than the front and sides. And that the measurement of the back of underbusts are about the same as full-length corsets. That is, with AEE's corsets. Do a check yourself - look at an underbust you'd be interested in, and check the length compared to the one you already bought. I'll bet it's the same, if not close.

You're welcome. Not sure if we're going this weekend, but I'd like to.

[EAF (1)]

And thank you for answering all my annoying questions lol

[Draco1958]

And thank you for answering all my annoying questions lol

Hopefully our answers were just as annoying. LOL

[EAF (1)]

lol...

and can I get your guys' opinions on this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEATHER-CORSET-Uber-Re...1QQcmdZViewItem

I wanted something I could wear anywhere and with anything...I wear this style of shirt a lot anyway and I like it but would it still support well and be a good beginner one? And would it even look okay on me?

[Fierce Critter]

I wanted something I could wear anywhere and with anything...I wear this style of shirt a lot anyway and I like it but would it still support well and be a good beginner one? And would it even look okay on me?

I tend to try to start with something very simple that can be worn with anything. That one is very stylized, and you'll be hard pressed to find a LOT of things you can wear under it. I wouldn't recommend it as a starter corset.

But I do tend to, like I said, start with something simple. My first one was this one:

Leather corset on ebay. I can wear it with a tank top, with a frilly blouse, with a fishnet shirt, with NOTHING, with something black, red, blue, green, puce, etc.

My second one isn't available anymore, but it is similar to this one:

Black and red leather corset

A bit more limited, I tend to stick with black & red items.

Also, the one you're looking at doesn't have a front busk. A busk goes a long way to training you how to get in and out of a corset.

You can do whatever you want. But I wouldn't start with that one.

[Marmee_Noir]

lol...

and can I get your guys' opinions on this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEATHER-CORSET-Uber-Re...1QQcmdZViewItem

I wanted something I could wear anywhere and with anything...I wear this style of shirt a lot anyway and I like it but would it still support well and be a good beginner one? And would it even look okay on me?

I was scoping out that one also thought it was cute, at first. But if you really look at it you can see enough things that really don't seem all that practical. It looks like the girl can barely move her arms. If you look closely at the pics it looks like you wouldn't be able to move your arms straight up. And it doesn't have a busk. But if you like that look you can wear a shirt with similar sleeves under pretty much any corset.

[EAF (1)]

So it's not a very good trainer one and is really more for just looks then support? Okay, that is why I was asking lol...thank you very much!

Would this be a good training corset?

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEATHER-CORSET-Steel-B...bayphotohosting

[Fierce Critter]

That is a very hot corset.

It's a better choice than the first one. However, again, it has no front busk. If you have a decently proportional figure with minimal tummy bulge, then it should be o.k.

however, if you need tummy control, look for one with a busk.

[EAF (1)]

oh...well that's the part of me I hate the most So i want one...but how can you tell if it has one? Will it just say in the description?

[Fierce Critter]

It should say in the description.

The busk is a metal piece that runs down the front with latches. You can see it well on this picture:

Once you know what it looks like, you will know it when you see it on the AEE auctions.

[SuZQZ]

Damn, all this great info! Thanks FC. I think I will be Ebaying tonight!!!!!

[SuZQZ]

One more question FC... What style, in your opinion, is best for those of us who aren't very well endowed... like not much of anything?

[Fierce Critter]

One more question FC... What style, in your opinion, is best for those of us who aren't very well endowed... like not much of anything?

Hm. Good question. I'm not sure I have the authority to answer that. I've got D-cups.

Let me just offer what I know of what corsets do to my figure and maybe that'll give you some insight.

(I know I'm not the only person on DGN who wears corsets, and I'm not necessarily the most knowledgeable - I did a lot of research before buying my first, and asked advice from the good girls here just like ya'll are doing. I'm repeating a lot of what they told me. But maybe some girls out there who are A or B cups might have some more suitable advice?)

Anyway...

The corsets I have do not have built-in cups, nor do they have any special designing of any kind for boobage. I have one with laces at the cleavage line, but it's mostly for looks. The corset fits so large on me, that I have to lace that neckline up completely to get a tight enough fit.

Corsets that don't have a built-in cup of any kind basically squeeze everything flat. You actually have to position your breasts within them.

If you're big breasted and saggy, you can actually flatten your breasts so your nipples point south, which results in a sort of binding effect that flattens your profile a bit.

Or, once you are tightened-in, you can stick your hands down into the top, lift up your breast and position it so that your nipples are pointing forward. Then you push them out towards your armpits for less cleavage, or in toward each other for really deep cleavage. I opt for deep cleavage.

If you are smaller breasted or have "perky" breasts with nipples that still point forward, you will more naturally get the 2nd effect where your breasts are squished flat with the nipples pointing forward. If you have small breasts, you won't have as much cleavage. If you have larger breasts, you'll be able to have more.

I am wondering actually if the flat-chested will 1) look more flat-chested due to the squeezing or 2) get more cleavage than they can get with a wonderbra? That is something you might want to e-mail AEE directly about.

AEE actually sells some designs with cups built into them. I will tell the big-boobied amongst us that they should probably avoid these because the cups are usually B's at most. I had a patent bustier once that had cups like that. I had to do the "squish boobies flat with nipples pointing down" thing in it, and actually, the cups were empty and only stood out because they were stiff leather. It worked in that case.

On the other hand, for the small breasted, these might work better for giving cleavage. Even if you're an A, you'll still get an illusion of bigger breasts because just like my bustier, the cups are usually rigidly constructed and hold a naturally perky shape.

Again, that only goes for leather corsets. That's not going to work with thin fabric "corset tops" and the like.

I hope this helps. I highly recommend picking out a style you like and then e-mailing AEE directly to ask advice on fit. In general, I've found her happy to help. I used to bug the living crap out of her with questions, and I think I got on her nerves, but I didn't care - I wanted to be sure I was spending my money wisely. If she knew how much I push people to buy from her, she might not mind so much.

[Fierce Critter]

I did a little googling on "corset" and "small breasts" Here's what I found:

(from a website selling sexy lingerie like shelf bras, cupless bras, etc) If you do want to enhance your cleavage, choose corsets with boning and lacing. You actually might not want to pick underwired bustiers if you have a smaller bust. Underwire is set to a specific curve, and while it does enhance most women's busts, smaller chests can get lost in it-- especially if you're an unusual size like a 36A or 40B. Corsets with structure but no underwire allow you to work with your specific figure, adjusting the lacing to suck in your tummy, push out your boobs and create some nice cleavage. Leather is especially good for this-- as I've mentioned in other columns, it's extremely supportive and can help a lot with molding your body to exactly the shape you want.

A woman on a message board shared that she is a 32A, and this corset gives her "cleavage she never knew she had":

So maybe go for something with a v-neck or otherwise shaped neckline rather than one that is straight across.

[Fierce Critter]

Some more advice.

Pay attention to the pictures! See this one:

V-neck AEE corset

See how well-endowed this chick is? And she is wearing a v-neck corset - and she is SWIMMING in it. I wouldn't order that one for myself, much less with a smaller chest.

Now, the woman in this one isn't as well endowed, and is wearing one with shaped cups: Cupped AEE corset. You can't see visible cleavage on her, but it's very flattering.

Pay attention to that sort of thing when you browse the designs.

[Fierce Critter]

By the way, ya'll are making me REALLY REALLY want to be bad and buy my 3rd AEE now. I seem to buy one every year around this time. I have been wanting an underbust, maybe I'll see if she has come out with a design I actually like (I've been wanting one that's matte black with a busk, and for a long time, all she had either had a busk, but weren't matte black, or matte black with no busk).

And this is the one I want to get now:

Leather underbust by AEE

[GothicRavenGoddess (3)]

check out these sites:

http://www.arsenicfashions.com/index.html (scroll all the way down until you see the male, female, corset pictures, then click one)

http://www.goodgoth.com/corsets.htm

http://www.lip-service.com/results.php?sea...rset&page=1

http://www.noirleather.com/store/index.php...5fa64fbae9ee4ae

http://www.findcoolclothes.com/scan/co=yes...=DYNLOOKUP.html

http://www.lingeriediva.com/Corsets_s/27.htm

http://www.fairygothmother.com/Corsets.htm

http://www.laracorsets.com/index.htm

http://www.corsetconnection.com/

I did some hunting. There are tons more sites, just keep looking.