About Lucy (+ Measurements)
Hi! I’m Lucy. I’m a long-haired, piano-playing, corset-loving, health-obsessed nerd. I love dogs and my mom’s Jamaican cooking. I hate shoveling snow.
I collect corsets (of course), swords, convertible dresses, and convertible high heel shoes. I’ve always had a fascination with wearable technology, wearable art, and clothing/prostheses that are designed for multiple uses, and are beautiful to boot.
I’ve been teaching piano for 20 years (more than half my life) and have a passion to learn and to teach. Despite being on the music therapy path, I decided to switch my major to biochemistry in my undergrad and worked in a microbiology lab for several years thereafter in an effort to land a “practical, secure” career, but I was disenchanted by the endless pipette-pushing and lack of human interaction, and the arts kept pulling me back again and again.
In 2016 I graduated again as a registered nutritionist, a field where I can directly apply my biochemistry knowledge to helping people improve their relationship with food and with their bodies. I am fascinated by the parallels–and stark differences–between the nutrition field and the body modification industry. There is the obvious harm of “diet culture” and shapewear on one’s self-esteem and body image, and yet when used in a different manner, there is incredible potential to use food and corsetry for body positivity and personal autonomy. Instead of forcing everyone into one cookie cutter aesthetic, I am dedicated to allowing clients the freedom to explore their relationship with their own body, correct deficiencies, address strong reactions (physical sensitivities and psychological connections) to certain food, and help them find a healthy balance.
My History with Corsets:
I started studying corsetry and making corsets over 15 years ago, and it’s been my primary fascination-turned-business for a decade. I have a free excerpt from my book Solaced (and a reading thereof, if you prefer to listen rather than read) where I explain more about how I got interested in corsets!
A car accident in 2014 left me with chronic injuries and I am no longer able to take commissions for bespoke corsets, but in 2015 I was given the opportunity to outsource my work, combining anatomically patterned designs with OTR manufacturing for a comfortable, unique and economically priced option.
It’s one of my greatest privileges to combine my education in health sciences with my passion for teaching, and apply it to the art of corsetry. Contrary to mainstream views, corsetieres need a solid foundation (no pun intended) in anatomy and physiology to understand how the body responds to the pressure of the garment, and to create comfortable and safe corsets.
My Mission:
My original mission was to educate and empower the average corset-curious layperson; to provide a comprehensive and free body of work so anyone can compare the differences between corset brands; their prices, silhouettes, etc. In other words, to create a savvy community of corseters who they are not at the mercy of greedy brands that exploit and swindle their customers. This is why I’ve filmed over 200 corset reviews, created the brand research guide, and built the Corset Database!
Besides this… it has now also become my mission to let the world know that modern corsets are not the same stigmatized “torture contraptions” featured in sensationalized media, and they’re not purely for vanity; on the contrary, contemporary corsetry can improve one’s relationship with their body, and can potentially offer therapeutic benefits. Eventually, I would like to go back to school – again – this time, to study orthopedic technology to further combine my passion for the aesthetics of corsetry with the therapeutic benefits, and become certified to design physician-approved and insurance-subsidized orthopedic bracing devices that are also comfortable and beautiful – the best of all worlds.
My Measurements/ Stats
Although I try to be as objective as possible in corset reviews, the shape/fit/comfort section at the beginning of each video IS still subjective, as everyone’s body is different. At the request of some viewers, I’ve provided my natural measurements as I realize that it’s sometimes difficult to gauge how a corset will fit on your body based on how the same corset fits on me. When you watch one of my corset reviews, please pay particular attention to my hip spring and torso length especially, and never presume that a corset will fit the same way on everyone!
This set of measurements may also be a useful resource for “body doubles” when I’m paring down my personal corset collection. If you are curious about other numbers, please send me an email. Please don’t be creepy about it.
Circumferential measurements:
Full Bust: 35″ (89cm) (Left side is half cup bigger than the right side at times.)
Underbust (ribcage): 29″/73.5cm (full exhale); 31″/79cm (full inhale). (I generally request ~ 30″/76cm)
Natural waist: 27″ – 28″ /68.5-71cm (depending on time of cycle, how much I ate, etc.)
Corset sizes:
- Underbust OTR corsets I can usually close size 24″, or wear size 22″ with a small gap.
- Overbust OTR corsets I normally wear size 24″.
- Custom fit corsets I usually request to close a size 22″ but have gone as small as 20″.
Iliac crest (high hipbones): 33.5″/85cm (I usually request 34″, as my left iliac protrudes more than my right)
Full hip around the bum (about 7 inches down from the waist): 36″/92cm
Approximate vertical measurements:
Please note that my torso tends to be on the long side, and my waist sits rather low. For this reason, many standard-size overbusts tend to look too short on me, but this may not be the case for you. Don’t be surprised if you find that your own waist-to-underbust vertical measurement is an inch or two shorter than my own!
Full height: 5’5″ (165cm)
Waist-to-armpit: 9.5 or 10″ (25cm)
Waist-to-fullest-bust: ~9″ (23cm) with the tape held taut, 10″ (25cm) with the tape contoured around the root of the breast.
Waist-to-underbust: about 5.5″ (14cm)
Waist-to-iliac: 3.5″ (9cm)
Waist-to-lap: 5″ (12.5cm)
For me to sit comfortably, most longline corsets are no longer than 10.5 – 11 inches from underbust to lap, although the center front can be as long as 13 inches if the corset is pointed in the front (rises up over the sternum and dips down at the pubic bone).
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are engaged in making and exporting various 100% cotton tapes in China, including:
– Cotton tubular boning tape
– Cotton plain tape
– Cotton twill/bias tape
– Cotton herringbone tape
We also produce tapes as your samples and manufacture nylon, polyester and other material.
I am sure we will provide you with a high quality, best price and service.
Look forward to hear from you earlier.
Regards,
Alice
Eminent Industry Co., Ltd
te**@*****63.com
Hi Lucy,
I just wanted to thank you for your continuous dedication to sharing your knowledge and experiences. I decided to start corseting as I had read that for women like me (bigger and bustier) it can have a lot of health benefits unfortunately I also read that it could cause a lot of problems but no other site I found would go into any details as to what those problems were; you on the other hand give a thorough overhaul of so many of the issues as well as how to try to prevent them. You’ve really set my mind at ease so again thank you so much and please keep up the great work!
Hi Tori,
I’m so glad you like my site! Makes me smile. ^_^ Indeed there are some benefits to corsets including minimizing stress and injury on the spine and neck from weight of the bust, among others. :) Thanks so much for writing, and best wishes. <3
Hello Lucy,
your articles really lent me a hand. I have been wearing a corset for eight months now and in the beginning I experienced “bedsores”. I looked almost everywhere on the Internet but found no answer if bedsores from wearing a corset are normal. I suppose my old corset just was not right; it was a 28-inch corset, which I found… too big. I used my sewing skills (my hobby) to decrease it to 26 inches but there was a problem – my hips were too big and I think it was the reason of the sores (auch!). Now I wear a 24-inch corset and my hips are fine, though the skin get a wee bit sore and dry from time to time. Never the less, I find your website marvellous and extremely helpful! I finally learnt about the bedsores and read about corsets vs pregnancy. Your site is indeed an oasis among the desert of corsets-will-kill-you freaks.
Thank you very much! Bardzo dziękuję!
Best wishes, Karolina (Poland)
Thank you very much Karolina, I think that’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve received! I’m very happy you like my articles. Thanks also for sharing your experiences. Do you moisturize your skin? Using a nice non-greasy moisturizer may help prevent soreness. :) Best wishes!
Wow. Final Fantasy, Anime, Corsets, and swords! Just saying, you are like wonder woman :b Lol Hiya, my names Zara/Afsha, (also known as Lilith) I am 19y/o, from Winnipeg Manitoba, and I just wanted to say that your videos are extremely inspiring =] I actually decided to take up waist training a couple weeks ago and am getting my first corset in 2.5 weeks! <3 I didn't know anything at all about corseting, but have always loved the idea of them. I wondered onto your youtube videos that have been incredibly helpful and very motivational! Knowing the boundaries, side effects, portions,sizes, and basically everything else you have put up about corsets have been very helpful, and so I wanted to say thank you ^.^ I appreciate it greatly. You seem really nice and so I leave this simple message as a sign of admiration. Thanks again! xD
Sincerely: Lilith~
Hi Lilith (my fellow Canadian! :D)
Aw thank you for your message! It warmed my heart. ^_^ I’m glad my videos could be so helpful to you, and I hope they will continue to be a source of useful information when you start your corseting! Do let me know if you have any questions as I’m here to help. :)
So i just saw your youtube channel and I’m very interesting about you. Not to sound like a creep or anything but what made you decide to start wearing corsets? What was your mind-set? I’m only asking because I’ve always thought they weren’t very good for you. If you would like to email me back or w.e you want to do, I’m just very curious because this past week alone I’ve seen so much about corsets its sparking an interest i didn’t really know I had.
Hello! I first loved the look of Victorian style clothing and my mom helped me with a Halloween costume when I was 16 that had a Victorian gown, corset and petticoat. In addition to thinking I looked pretty good, I also loved the warm huggy feeling I got from a corset. It also corrected my posture and helped me control my food portions, encouraging me to eat healthier. I started wearing them on a regular basis a few years ago for back support during heavy lifting, but I also noticed that I got more respect from people because the corset made me stand tall and give the appearance of confidence/assertiveness. So it was really a combination of all these things that helped me decide that corsets were a thing I wanted to keep in my lifestyle. :)
<3 thanks a lot! you're a star!
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for your posts, they help a lot with online shopping for corsets. I have a question though. Have you ever bought from http://www.absolutecorsets.com? as far as I can see they stock WKD and Vollers but I’m not sure.
Hi Lelanie, I haven’t personally tried any of the corsets from AbsoluteCorsets, but indeed it looks like they stock many items from WKD and Vollers. I’m sorry I can’t help you more in terms of recommending their quality or their customer service, but I’ll keep it on my list of places to try in the future. :)
I am so excited to see that you are going to be making custom corsets now! I have custom waist training corset dreams but an off the rack corset budget, but I have hips and a short waist which makes it difficult. As soon as I get the funds I would love to get a custom corset from you. I have one that I have kept because I wanted to use the steel bones to make a custom buskless corset but I just don’t have the sewing skills for that right now. What do you think? Are you up for making (when I have the funds) a buskless corset for someone that has a short torso, 40″ hips and a 28″ natural waist?
Oh yeah, I adore the Jamaican flag corset that you made; if I thought it would fit, I would buy that one in a minute! Love your work, and congratulations on the site!
Oh thank you, you’re very sweet! :) I would love to make you a corset someday. Your measurements don’t phase me; bring it on! Hehe. Whenever you’re ready, check out the “ordering a corset” page (I will be updating it in the future with diagrams, more info etc so it will be more complete) and/or email me at bishonenrancher(at)gmail(dot)com.
Hi Lucy,
Thanks much for your sugestions, I’ll be sure to cheak both places out!
With Anticipation,
Leah
Hi Lucy,
My name is Leah and I am interested in starting corset training. I don’t know a lot about corsets, and I was wondering what the best type to start with would be? Also are there any good websites that I could buy from?
Much Obliged,
Leah
Hi Leah, I will be adding summaries of the corset reviews I’ve done to this blog over the next several weeks; however right now I’ll just say that the best “value” corset company in my opinion would be Timeless Trends as they’re $99, and they have 26 bones total, they give a lovely silhouette and they are fairly sturdy – they also come with a guarantee. If you’re looking for a custom-fit training corset, I suggest you email Elle from Heavenly Corsets as she makes very nice made-to-measure heavy duty waist training corsets (made from coutil and flat steels) for between $200-$250; the lowest I’ve seen of many corsetieres.