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).
Hi Lucy, firstly I absolutely love your site and youtube channel – you’re gorgeous AND intelligent. Definitely gives me something to aspire to. Keep up the good work!
I have recently purchased my first corset (off the rack rather than custom made) but I am not entirely sure if it fits me properly. As a fairly tall woman (5 foot 9) with a VERY long torso I opted for a 17 inch long corset which said it was aimed at taller women. However, I’ve found that when laced up the waist of the corset seems to come in just above my waist and the top part of the corset doesn’t really seem to cover my breasts. Basically if i raise my arms then my boobs slide out of the top! Am I doing something wrong or does it sound like the corset’s too short? Thanks so much for your help!
Hi sCurvyKnave, it sounds like the corset is not the right style for you. If the smallest part of your corset is at your true waist and the bust doesn’t come up high enough on you, I would try to return that corset and get another style, perhaps custom fit. I know I had that problem with most of my corsets from Corset-Story/ Corsets-UK/ CorsetDeal etc. The waistline on those corsets simply sit too high and I finally had to give up on any of those styles being able to fit me. So I don’t think it’s your fault.
Thanks for your speedy reply! The corset was indeed from corset-uk so I think I will probably take your advice and return it. Thanks again
Oh. and I also collect swords ! -sold four this year- and have enough sewing tools, fabrics and equipment to fill six big moving boxes. I own a Babylock sewing machine.
I dance with a sword balanced on my head in my Middle East dance performances.
Anisa
Hi Lucy! I’ve been looking into waist-training for a while now, and I’m still trying to decide on what corset I should order. I’m deciding between the Josephine from Isabella Corsetry and a waist-training corset from Elle of Heavenly Corsets. I prefer the silhouette of the Josephine, but I’m also concerned that it’s not categorized as a waist-training corset. Thoughts?
Hi Danya! I do know several people who wear their Isabella corsets on a daily basis and they’re holding up well, however if you can afford the Heavenly corset then go for that one as its strength layer is coutil instead of twill – also it will be custom made to your body which will be more comfortable in the long run. Cheers!
HI! :( I NEED HELP! I LOOKED INTO CORSETING A BIT AGO, AND FOUND A STORE IN MY HOMETOWN THAT SELLS THEM. BUT! THE LADYS AT THE STORE SUCKERED ME INTO BUYING A BEAUTIFUL CORSET THAT WASNT THE ORIGINAL STYLE I WANTED!!!. so I need help trying to figure out what kind of clothes I can wear with it. I looked all over ur utube videos and couldn’t really find what I was looking for. im hopeing u can help me.:) ur so experienced with corsets! please get ahold of me and ill show u a pic of the corset. :D
Hi Sierra! Oh no – are you not able to get an exchange or refund on the corset and get the one you actually wanted? Anyway I have a playlist “dressing with your corset” which might give you a few ideas on how to wear your corset both over and under clothing. I’ll be adding more to it over time as well.
Hello Lucy =) love your videos! have a Simple question ; What do you wear under your Underbust Corset for Everyday wear? i need to look as “normal” as possible for Work / everyday modern life. Thank you!
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for your comment! What do I wear UNDER my corset? Either a tight-fitting t-shirt or camisole, or a corset liner if I want to wear a light shirt overtop. :) When I don’t want to draw attention to myself with my corsets, I wear a lot of empire waist shirts or dresses as it hides underbust corsets and cinchers well. :D Cheers!
Hi Lucy,
I have recently started researching waist training with a corset. I actually stumbled upon it by accident and have been researching ever since. Here’s the thing. I am 5’4, and weigh 118 pounds. I am very thin, always have been my whole life – fast metabolism. I thought after having 2 kids I’d be able to hold on to some weight but it turned out not to be the case. So as I said I am naturally a thin girl. I have absolutely no waist, well just barely. I’d like to have some kind of indentation in my mid section to give me some kind of waist. I absolutely do not want to lose weight, and I love to eat. I lose weight extremely easy and don’t like the way I look when I lose weight. My question is: Is this something you think I could try to get the results I am looking for? I feel like I have tried everything else, and nothing works, but I worry that waist training with a corset will cause me to eat less, therefore causing me to lose weight. Meh. Any advice would be much appreciated.
By the way, love your videos! :)
Hi Raquel,
Yes, a corset is able to give you an hourglass silhouette and the bit of curve you desire. If you go with a shorter cincher then it’s less likely to reduce your ability to eat compared to a full underbust corset, although in any corset you will have to break down your meals so that they’re smaller and more frequent – many corseters will graze throughout the day. I hope this helps!
Awesome! I finished watched all the videos you have on corsetry which was extremely helpful. Thank you so much!
Hello Lucy! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, and am quite interested in corseting. While I am a bigger girl and I love the classic beauty of the corset, my interest is mostly in posture problems. I have a tendency to hunch, especially when I play viola (I’m working on my undergrad to play – hopefully – professionally) to the point that I have noticed mid-back pain. Combine a 17″ monster viola with a family history of lumbar problems and a…*coughcough*…”generous” chest measurement, and I need all the posture support I can get. :) Is there a particular style of corset that is best for posture improvement? Should I be looking for a higher back? Underbust, overbust, etc.? Any advice is welcome!
P.S.: Student budget is also a factor. :)
Hi Amanda,
In terms of quality construction I do like the Timeless Trends corsets best as they are made for daily wear, come with a lifetime guarantee, and are only $100. I wouldn’t distribute them if I didn’t believe in them! I have a few selections on this page. You’d be extremely hard pressed to find another corset that will last several years without needing repairs, for a price lower than that. :) It has a relatively natural silhouette and comes up pretty high in the back so it’s good for hiding under clothing if need be, and provides posture support. Underbust corsets are good to start with as they’re easier to breathe in, gives you relatively more mobility and easier to hide under clothing. However if you’d like an overbust corset then What Katie Did makes some flattering cuts, although not made for daily training. :D I hope this helps!
Lucy,
I love your videos and I love your website! While I have a good corset to begin waist training, I am at a loss on how to create a waist training program. Frequency and length of wear, foods to avoid, exercise, etc. Can you recommend a good book, website or other publication that might answer these questions?
I appreciate all that you do for the corseting community! You’re amazing!
Thanks so much!
Kat
Hi Kat, I recommend the book “Corset Magic” written by Ann Grogan, owner of Romantasy. It’s a fantastic resource for waist trainers. :) Thanks for your comment!
Hello
Found you about a year ago, revisited your youtube videos. Then found your site. You are very informative. Thanks! Just to clarify, these corsets are for waist training? And also what do you think about the “Crepe Suzette 426 Premium Longline Contoured Maroon Authentic Underbust Corset” from Orchard Corset? Is it steel boned? Any other info you have would be great! Thanks again!!
Crystal
Hi Crystal, thanks for your comment. I’ve written a review for the Orchard Corset piece you’ve mentioned. Yes, it’s steel boned, and I think it gives a lovely silhouette, however I’ve noticed that it’s stretched a bit over time. It’s a tightlacing piece but definitely not for training every day. Cheers!
I’m a long haired piano teacher who loves to sew, too!