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!
I want to thank you from the deep excitement of my corset training and overall health and well being! I have been feverishly watching your FREE tutorials and reviews on YouTube because I could not get a better education about corseting anywhere else. You are truly a role model in this community! Thank You for your time and commitment!! It does not go unrecognized by me.
Thank you so much, Jessica! <3
Thank you so much, I posted my question under their blog and haven’t gotten a response yet.
Here is their page with their contact information/ email and phone number, you should receive a quicker response that way!
http://www.orchardcorset.com/contact-us/
I wanted to start wearing a corset to work around my after pregnancy pouch that I’ve had for several years now. I came across the orchard corsets and I am very interested in purchasing my first corset from them. I’m not sure what corset to choose , I’m in between the 411 and 426. My waist measurement is 28 under bust 31 snd hips 37. I originally wanted the 426 because its longer but now I’m thinking the 411 since it will be my first. What do you think?
Hi Dima, if your torso is in between the 411 and 426, I would go with the shorter 411. If your torso is short then you may find it uncomfortable to sit down in the 426.
Do u know what torso measurements are okay for the 411 and 426. I am not sure what category I would place myself under. I’m 5.4 and 1/2 I would say that I’m average proportioned.
The 411 would be appropriate for someone with an underbust-to-lap measurement of about 8.5-9 inches, while the 426 is longer, you would need a torso about 10.5-11 inches long to sit down comfortably in that one. Orchard Corset has their measurements of each corset listed on the page, and they also have excellent customer-service – I highly recommend asking them directly these sorts of questions as they know their own products best. :)
Hi Lucy, I love what you do! I am working with naturopathic medicine: http://www.praxiskuepper.de. Write back! I live near Cologne, Germany, R.
Hi Lucy!
I’m a first time corset buyer and I’ve watched many of your videos. I remember you saying in one of your videos to be extremely cautious about buying a corset that costs less than about 50-40 dollars because the quality is usually not very good. I also watched your reviews for several Leatherotics corsets which were generally positive. I went on the Leatherotics website and they have some corsets that are on sale for as little as $39. The descriptions says that they are steel boned, but I’m still conflicted. Do you think that buying a cheap Leatherotics corset is worth the money?
Hi Alena! I believe the corsets on clearance are their old stock (before 2010) where they used the older, smaller grommets. Leatherotics says the newer stock has bigger and stronger grommets which don’t fall out like the old ones did. The last time I emailed them, they had mentioned something about creating a warranty on their corsets (something like 3 months on clearance and 6 months for regular stock) but I haven’t heard an update on that so it might be worth contacting them to see if that warranty is in effect.
Thanks so much Lucy!
Hi Lucy! I recently received the Josephine corset by Isabella Corsetry and I have a quick question… but first I must tell you that I adore you! I love that you mix your knowledge of anatomy with corsets.
Anyways, I am currently seasoning the corset and I have found that it is wrinkling (fashion fabric and strength fabric) right above the waist tape. My core muscles will not negotiate and I fear that I’ll rip a seam. It is only laced down a couple of inches so far. What do you think I should do? I was thinking about adding another waist tape. Thank you for your help!
Hi Juliette,
Thanks for your comment! I think the fabric will be fine. The horizontal wrinkling of the fashion fabric is common when the fabric is sewn flat as opposed to “roll-pinned” (I have a video that explains more on that). If you add another waist tape, you might end up putting too much tension around the lower ribs, causing discomfort or irritation. Unless you actually see threads starting to break, I think you’ll probably be okay leaving the corset as it is. :)
hey, I started corset training in 2011 then in 2012 due to moving and other issues , I stopped training, Im trying to start again but it’s not as simple as last time… I put on weight, and now the underbust corset leaves an A shape when I lace (I brought a new one), my hips are hard to accommodate, also I find that when I sit down.. this sort of overflow of muffin top happens and my boobs seem to be shoved right up near my neck…
I have no idea where to start anymore and its hard to start wearing them again when its obvious Im wearing something underneath my shirt..
any help, ideas, suggestions would be much appreciated…
Hi Rachel, you might benefit from my consultation, I can help you find a corset that you can wear under clothing and that fits you properly if I know more about your natural body type/ measurements, your budget, etc. :)
After following your posts and etc I’ve noticed one topic that would be helpfull for some of us out there using a corset to help in weight loss is at what point in the process after one has gotten their first corset to close fully should one look into getting a new smaller one.
I’m at this time enjoying wearing mine but i’m to the point that i could feel that if had smaller one it would close further. I fully admit after having it for a while the local person i went to which resales one of the OTR brands might have measured and suggested a size too large. right now as I work on the weight loss i’m mainly focused on buying one of the otr brands i was eyeing up the orchard cs426 recently. once I get down to my desired weight i plan to order a custom made one.
If you could cover this in a future post or where it might have been mentioned already.
Hi, I’m interested in buying a corset but I’m unsure what kind is best for me. I have broad shoulders, a short torso with 36-38 in. and wide hips (14 -16 size pants). I’m not sure what size or shape corset I should get.
Hi Martina, if your torso is really short (less than 9 inches) then the OTR corsets I sell here might be too long for you. If you’d like, you can go through my consultation service and I can help you choose some corsets that are suitable for your figure and lifestyle. :)
Hi Lucy, I think this is the best informed corset related site I have ever come across! As a male full time corset wearer I can endorse your comments; corsets aren’t the sole province of the fairer sex. A custom made corset is certainly the best option, even for females, but for males it is essential if you intend to wear a corset for extended periods of time. I have a custom made under bust “hour glass” corset which I have worn almost every day for 8 to 12 hours each day for almost 2 years and I have just ordered a smaller one from the same maker.
Hi Bill, thank you so much for your kind words – I’m appreciative and humbled that you, an experienced lacer, can endorse the information found here. :) If you have any information or experience to relay regarding the specific physical/ social/ psychological/ emotional effects of corseting, I would be honoured to read them. (Most articles have the comments section closed to prevent spam, but Youtube comments are always active). Best wishes!
Hi Lucy, my first corset was an off the rack product and I bought it out of curiosity. That was almost 40 years ago. I immediately felt a strange sense of “empowerment” when I laced myself. Not too long afterwards I met the love of my life, Susan, and we married. Susan didn’t like physical restriction of any sort but she didn’t object to me lacing and it often added an extra dimension to our love making. We enjoyed twenty nine years together.
Sadly, Susan passed away almost three years ago, a victim of cancer, the scourge of our age. I was devastated and lost interest in so many things. I can’t remember, exactly, when I decided to lace again but when I did I experienced such a great sense of “closure”. I felt as if I was in charge of my life again. I know Susan wanted me to live my life as if she was still with me in spirit. My corset empowers me; I don’t know why but why but when I’m laced I can seize each day and live it to the full.
Does wearing a corset impose any negative health issues? No! I leave the corset at home for at least two half days each week and go hill walking. Do I get any comments regarding physique or posture? Yes! all positive. Have I experienced any permanent body modification? Being male I have to say yes; my “natural” waist has moved a little higher and when I don’t wear my corset I still have a waist and hips.
I hope my experience offers a little insight into what is a somewhat controversial arena.
Best regards, Bill
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Bill, your story was beautiful. I’m so glad that your wife Susan was open and caring and accepted your corseting – this is true love. Your lifetime of experience with corseting is a wealth of information, and it makes me very happy to see that your experience has been positive. :)
Best wishes to you, and may Susan rest in perfect peace.