Calling all ladies with corset-wearing experience

[Fierce Critter]

Again, in anticipation of actually being able to recoup our Christmas spending money, I'm researching buying a corset. If able, I'm going to go with one from Alter Ego Erotics on eBay.

I'm looking for opinions from women who have some experience with corset wearing. You know who you are! Specifically, please tell me which design you think might be best for me. My concerns are: I'm plus-sized, which isn't an issue size-wise - even their biggest size is too large for me. But I'm disproportionate - with a very large stomach. If it weren't for that, I'd be better able to pick one myself without help. Also, I've never had one before, so I don't know how things like non-cup bustlines will fit on my between-a-C-and-a-D boobs, etc.

Also, in case this is important, I measured the length of my torso from the topmost part of my bustline (pretty much the armpit) down to the line that cuts through my belly-button. Measured from the front, that's 14". Measured from the side with the tape pressed AGAINST my side all the way down, that's appx. 17".

Here are the designs I've narrowed down to. I've written an e-mail to AAE asking them specifics about some of these designs. But I value the opinion of the corset-wearing ladies of DGN. (Note: disregard the sizes stated in the auctions - I'm just picking auctions featuring the styles I'm considering for viewing sake. Not asking about sizes.)

This one is my favorite for a "versatile, first corset buy". It has no actual bra cups, but does come up relatively high, with a flattering sweetheart neckline. The height in front would probably help eliminate "top bulgeout". The bottom in front and back are both v-cut downards, which I think might be good for the problem I anticipate with my disproportionate stomach "bulging" below.

Negatives: no busk in front, which I'm thinking would be a major mistake. Kinda on the plain side, though that bottom v in back is unique compared to the rest I'm looking at. But I also wonder if that back V would be uncomfortable?

Corset #1 auction details

This one I'm very interested in. It is possibly my front-runner. It has all the shaping of the one I list above, but has the benefit of a front busk. The side- and thigh-front-lacing isn't really an issue - it's nice that it's there, but it's not what I like this one for. Basically, the first one is my favorite for a "basic, first corset", but I don't like the lack of a busk in that one. So this one might be a great alternative. No bottom v in back, but as I say, that could be uncomfortable anyway...

Corset #2 auction details

This one has a nice, deep front neckline. Not sure if that will end up technically a bad thing - splitting apart too much and not giving much "control" up top. I like the overall shape, but am concerned about that missing downward V in front. (Again, since composing this, I've since discovered it may be too big for my bust size.)

Positives: front busk, styling.

Corset #3 auction details

This is probably the most unique one out of all the ones I'm considering. I really like the rings on the front of this one, with the lacing. Opens up some versatility - can lace it with chains, colored ribbons, etc. I've never been into the buckle motif, so though the side straps are a decent detail, they might actually hinder when I want a slightly more elegant look.

Not really sure how the straight neckline will sit with my size D's. And then there's the lack of the downward V cut in front, so a bit concerned about tummy squeeze-out down below. But if you check out the side view - it does look like it dips down a bit in front and back, without a v-point. That might be cool - allowing room for hips but controlling belly & back fat? (Size research shows this one is probably the closest to perfect for my measurements. So it's a very strong front-runner, except for that damned lack of front busk...)

Negatives: possibly unflattering cuts, no front busk. Not necessarily wanted buckle detail comes with details I do like.

Corset #4 auction details

I really like some of the details on this one. The front lacing is attractive, and versatile. It also creates a bit of a sweetheart neck. It has a front busk. The lacing at the legs is interesting. Though it doesn't have the striking D-ring detail of the one above, the lacing at the breast & legs does allow for some change-out of laces, chains, ribbons, etc. It also has a busk as a positive point against the d-ring one. Negatives: no downward V in front. Wondering if that lacing at the legs could be an "escape route" for bulge...

Corset #5 auction details

I'm crazy about the styling of this one. The bust area, the lacing on side front, etc. What I'm not crazy about: straight hem all around, not sure that top part will provide enough bust control.

Corset #6 auction details

This one has very, very similar styling to the one above - without the front lacing. Really nice styling. It has a really nicely shaped hemline - sorta batwing like. Same concerns about bustline control as the one above, and not sure that hemline will do as much for me as a full v-point would.

Corset #7 auction details

Thanks for taking the time, Ladies. As soon as I've figured out which one to get, I will ask them to put one in my size up for auction. So long as I have the ca$h available, that is.

[CandyQuackenbush]

Just remember, Whale bone is the best for corsets. I find them comfy.

[Fierce Critter]

Just remember, Whale bone is the best for corsets. I find them comfy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Unfortunately, my budget, if it allows at all, will only allow for what AEE is selling.

If I find I like corseting, I may look for a whale bone corset in the future.

Thanks for the suggestion, however. =)

[CandyQuackenbush]

Not a prob. I understand the budget thing, and holy shit, those are not a cheep piece of clothing! Hope you find something, I do like the ones you posted, quite the sexiness.

[Fierce Critter]

I have been browsing their designs for weeks now. I only discovered style #2 today. If I end up with that one, I hope they have it in my size.

And that I have the $$ in time to get it to wear to CC New Years.

[honeymustard02]

I say save up so you can get exactly what you want and need.

For the bigger stomach (my problem also) it is best to get a decent busk in front. That gives a lot more control. Also try to get a little bit of extra boning as that will help control and shape better.

Also make sure you get the right length. Too short and you tummy will pop out the bottom. Too long and it'll poke you when you sit down.

I found this web site a while ago. Lost of great info but they are costly.

http://www.romantasyweb.com/

[Fierce Critter]

I say save up so you can get exactly what you want and need.

For the bigger stomach (my problem also) it is best to get a decent busk in front. That gives a lot more control. Also try to get a little bit of extra boning as that will help control and shape better.

Also make sure you get the right length. Too short and you tummy will pop out the bottom. Too long and it'll poke you when you sit down.

I found this web site a while ago. Lost of great info but they are costly.

http://www.romantasyweb.com/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good tips.

As far as what I want/need, one of these will be fine for starters for me. I'm not even sure I'll like wearing them, so it won't be a lot of wasted $$.

And if I really, really don't like it, I can probably re-sell for what I paid for it right back on ebay.

[honeymustard02]

Depending on your measurements I could let you borrow one of mine.

I have two leather ones. One has a front busk and one doesn't.

I have to say I spent all day in 90 degree weather in one and I was comfortable.

[Lilith]

Good tips.

As far as what I want/need, one of these will be fine for starters for me. I'm not even sure I'll like wearing them, so it won't be a lot of wasted $$.

And if I really, really don't like it, I can probably re-sell for what I paid for it right back on ebay.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

be careful my $369 corset only sold for $25 on ebay...... :erm

My two cheap ones i got from fredricks for roughly $40 -60 went for $20 -$30

[honeymustard02]

If her and I are around the same size, I'd buy it from her

I LOVE my corsets!!!! They just make me feel amazing.

[saechalyn]

Definitely, definitely get one with a busk.

I have tried on both kinds and haven't noticed much difference in bulge with or without a V at the front.

As for support, I can't offer much advice- I don't expect or want boob support out of a corset; it 's not flattering or comfortable to me.

[Fierce Critter]

I'm probably going with #2.

Might have a buyer on that snowblower Thursday. If so, I'll contact AEE & ask them if they have it in my size. Fingers crossed...

[Fierce Critter]

Alrighty. I've narrowed my choices down to 4.

What has been emphasized by "those in the know" here has been length. "too short = no tummy control, too long = poking".

I re-measured myself to be sure. My measurements when using a tape held against my body are as follows: from top of bust area to belly-button = 14". From uppermost part of armpit (with arm down) to if my belly button were on my side (with tape held AGAINST my side all the way down) = appx. 15".

Now, all the ones I'm looking at are 15" on back. And it looks like all of them are going to hit at the exact same point on the bottom in front - pretty much right at belly-button level. With the exception of the first one, which will go 1-1/2" longer due to the downward V at bottom front. All of them are going to create belly-bulge - but I'm NOT going to let that stop me, I'll just look for full skirts to wear with them.

However, what I'm wondering about is that side measurement. I'm not sure what will and will not cause "poking". I got the lengths off all the ones I'm looking at, what do you think as far as the side measurements compared with mine and the possibility of "poking"?

The first one is still my front-runner. And happens to be the shortest at the side - 12".

16-1/2" busk, 12" sides, 15" back.

18" longest point in front, 15-3/4" sides, 15" back.

15-1/2" busk, 18" longest point in front, 15" both sides and back.

18" longest point in front, 15-3/4" sides, 15" back.

[Nienna]

I have #4, size 31" waist. I'm selling it. I donno if it would work for you, but I'll sell it to you for $50.

That said, yes, avoid cups like the plague. the wires will pop out and be a mess. You definately want a busk for the belly issue to give a firmer support in front. The lacing at the hips allows you to give more waist to hip difference which sounds like something you also want.

I think you should save up and go with something custom made though. You have enough issues measurement wise that you will be WAY more comfortable and happy in something made to make you into a work of art. Just my opinion, and you can get one wonderful custom for 2 off the rack corsets. It's totally worth it.

[Aralis]

I love #4 and almost bought that one. I don't own a "real" corset but I hope to own one someday.

A waist 31 huh? I am a 32 roughly. Would it work for me. I am a 36DD as well.

[Nienna]

errrr wait.. it's #5.. the one with the lacing at the hips and bust but also a busk. LOL. It's a 31.... I got a 6" reductoin out of it at one time.. lot too much weight now so it does nothing for me... I want to share the love! I only wore it twice!