FAQ & Contact
Let me preface this by saying, YES – when you email me or send me a message, it is really me (Lucy) who is answering you! I have no customer service employees. I am a one woman show wearing 17 different hats, and there are limited hours in a day.
This blog and my Youtube channel is my passion, and I don’t want to shut it all down from exhaustion – but I also don’t want to ignore those individuals who truly need the help.
I have over 700 helpful videos, and there is a 95% chance that you will at said find the answer to your question in one of them – please consider typing your question into the search bar of this site or on Youtube, and watch the video before contacting me.
If you have a question that is better suited to the customer service desk of a specific corset brand (e.g. pricing, sizes, return policies, shipping times), please contact that brand’s customer service, as I am not a paid employee of any other brand and I do not earn a commission on any sales except those that are purchased directly from my shop here.
If you need a comparison between brands that look to be of similar quality and price, you are more than welcome to use my research area which is available for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
(and where the answers are hiding):
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Hair growth/ hair health/ hair related anything
I have a playlist called “Hair Videos”. If you want natural (nutrition and lifestyle) tips on hair growth, see my video “Hair Growth Crash Course“. If you want to know what products I use, see my video “Updated Hair Regimen.” If you want me to donate my hair, watch this video on why I refuse to do so. Please note that I do not personally use, nor recommend any hair growth serum or growth product whatsoever.
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I’m a total beginner to corseting, where do I start?
Here is my playlist on General Information about corseting. I discuss everything from corseting goals to regimens, from how to buy a corset to how to care for it. Any lifestyle questions that remain unanswered here (like how to sleep or go to the toilet while wearing a corset), you will find in my “Physical Effects” playlist.
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What happens to the body when you corset? Is it dangerous?
On the condition that you’re already in good health before corseting, you wear a well-fitting corset responsibly and lace down slowly, and you have realistic goals, corseting is not dangerous. The corset has been blamed for many diseases and ailments for which it was not responsible at all – however, in some cases (like high blood pressure or uterine prolapse) corseting can exacerbate pre-existing conditions so I always recommend speaking with your doctor about any concerns before trying a corset. That said, I have also heard hundreds of stories of how corsets have helped people with pre-existing medical issues! I outline both the risks and benefits to wearing corsets in my playlist “Physical Effects of Corseting.” Most of the videos are organized based on the system of concern, although there is understandably some overlap as the body works as one. This list also includes tips on going to the bathroom and sleeping in your corset. If you have very specific questions of a medical nature, I am not a doctor and I am not qualified to diagnose you – I recommend you direct your questions to your trusted physician.
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I don’t know how to lace my corset!/ I would like to try a different form of lacing. Can you help me?
There are dozens upon dozens of helpful video tutorials on lacing up your corset on Youtube, but if you would like to see how I officially lace my own corsets, do check out my Lacing Techniques playlist here. More often than not, I prefer the “inverted bunny ears” method of lacing.
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What do you think of (insert corset brand)? Is it any good? Which corsets have you reviewed already?
I’ve reviewed over 70 different corsets from over 40 different brands, and have tried on/ tested over 100 corsets, so there is a good chance that I’ve tried the corset brand you’re interested in! I have three different playlists for corset reviews: underbust OTR corsets, overbust OTR corsets, and custom/ bespoke corsets. I make objective reviews, stating the facts wherever possible (unless I’m commenting on the fit/ comfort) – to get the most from these reviews, you need a fair understanding of the parts of a corset and where you would be willing to sacrifice quality for your budget or time constraints. If you have no prior knowledge, please see my playlist for beginners.
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What is the BEST corset on the market, or the BEST one I can find for (insert budget)?
There is no one best corset that will fit every person. That would be like saying there’s one shoe to fit (and flatter) every foot. You are welcome to look at this page which tells you whether the OTR corsets I’ve tried will hold up to waist training/daily wear (in my opinion). Also have a look through my corset reviews (see the question above this) and decide for yourself which corset you like best for the price, silhouette, quality and construction. I have organized the brands I’ve tried by budget as well, if that is your your highest priority. If your highest priority is buying local, consulting in person with a professional and having someone take your measurements, you might be able to find a corsetiere who lives near you. If you know your specific measurements and want to buy a corset based on its curviness/ silhouette, see my Corset Dimensions Directory (Lace Base) here. Or if you would like to bypass the reviews and have me hand-pick several corsets based on your needs and preferences, please see my consultation service.
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I have a special case and I’m looking for a very specific type of corset. Where can I find a corset for scoliosis/ a mesh summer corset/ a plus size corset/ a men’s corset?
I have many different pages dedicated to specific types of corsetry in my Guided Galleries – whether you’re looking for a specific silhouette, or a corset for a medical condition, or with a rare aesthetic (such as fan-lacing, lattice corsets or corset-bodies), chances are you will be able to find what you’re looking for in the Guided Galleries.
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I want to make my own corset. Can you help me?
If you’re stuck on a step and just need clarification on how to proceed, I can help. Unfortunately I do not offer corset making classes at this time. If you don’t know the first thing about making corsets, I invite you to check out my Corset Making playlist on Youtube. There are also plenty of corset making resources out there, including groups both on Facebook and on LiveJournal, and also instructional books and DVDs (some of which I’ve featured in my book reviews playlist here).
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Is there anything I should wear with my corset?
You can wear almost anything you like with your corset! But whether you prefer to wear your corset under or over clothing, you will find some inspiration in this “Dressing with your Corset” playlist.
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My corset broke!/ My corset doesn’t fit!/ Can I alter my cheap corset to be better?
If you’re looking to completely rework your cheap, too-big or worn-out corset, it’s usually easier to start a new corset from scratch than to save the old one. Sometimes it’s better worth your time and money to sell your old corset and use the money you made to put towards a new corset. But if you’re looking to do some slight alterations or repairs, then you’ll find some helpful videos here in my Corset Modifications & Repairs playlist (known unofficially as “Pimp my Corset” playlist).
Please note that I generally do not take on alteration projects, as I unfortunately don’t have as much time to sew these days, and shipping the corset back and forth to Canada (where I live) would likely be more expensive than buying a new OTR corset.
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Do you make corsets too? Can I buy one from you?
Yes, I do make corsets! You can see examples of my work in my Case Studies playlist, and also in my Gallery (although neither have been updated in awhile because I haven’t had the time to sew lately). I was unfortunately in a car accident in 2014 that made it painful to sew, and I had to stop taking custom commissions, so now I outsource my designs to other manufacturers. I now have affordable, ready-to-wear corsets readily available for purchase. See my shop here (best for desktop) or here (best for mobile).
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Can you send me a free corset?
Unfortunately not. I’m an individual corset enthusiast and almost everything I earn after rent and bills goes back to my channel and reviewing corsets for my viewers! “Corset Samples” mentioned in the Bronze Line are not free samples; in reality they are usually one-of-a-kind/ one-off practice pieces, which may be discounted because they might not be perfect (but they are still fully functional). However, I do corset giveaways on Youtube and Facebook when I reach new milestones, so please subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win a free corset.
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Other miscellaneous questions may be answered in my “Q&A” playlist, although some answers may be slightly outdated.
Find me and follow on my social media!
If you see any other “Lucy Corsetry” account from any other social media that is not included here, it’s not me.
Email me here if you have exhausted all other options.
Please note that due to the huge volume of email I receive, I may only respond to serious inquiries or questions that have not been answered by my videos or blog. Please keep your emails clear, polite and concise!
I DO NOT MAKE PERSONAL CALLS. If you prefer to communicate by voice, leave a voice message here and you may have your question featured in a future episode of Fast Foundations!
For fanmail or product samples – please note that this is only a P.O. box. I do not have a brick-and-mortar store or business office. Additionally, I do not open mail that has no return name or address. That said, I post fan art and give thanks/credit on this page!
Lucy Corsetry
17600 Yonge Street, RPO Upper Canada Mall
P.O. box 21545
Newmarket, ON, CANADA
L3Y 8J1
That’s all for now. Cheers!
75 thoughts on “FAQ & Contact”
Comments are closed.
I’ve been searching to see whether you’ve already addressed this issue, but can’t seem to find the info I’m looking for.
I recently purchased the CS-426 (short) from Orchard Corset and have been seasoning it. The gap is parallel and correct based on your corset gap video, etc., and my laces are evenly distributed on either side.
However, one side of the entire corset appears 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch higher at the top on one side. The two sides do measure the same, it’s just that one side is sitting higher on my hip, and therefore goes up higher on my back. Even when I re-lace and re-lace, this recurs. Do you think this is simply a lacing issue, a body issue, or a manufacturing issue? I have one other corset that I do not have the same problem with, but it has a much different silhouette. If you’ve already addressed this in one of your videos or elsewhere, feel free to just direct me there.
Thank you for your time!
Hi Rachel, sorry for my late response but I was waiting for my own CS-426 to come in the mail! I wanted to compare your experience to mine. My corset seems alright, but there are a couple of things you can do to investigate the asymmetry further:
1) Instead of measuring each total side length, try to measure from the bottom edge of the waist tape up to the top of the corset and down to the bottom of the corset, and see if perhaps the waist tape is lower on one side and pulling the rest of that side of the corset down.
2) have a friend measure each of your legs and see if they are both the same height or if one hip is slightly higher than the other. You can also measure from the armpit down to the iliac crest on each side and see how they compare. Let me know if you find anything. :)
Hi Lucy, love your videos! I am still researching to buy my first corset, and I have a few in mind. I am looking for a several inch waist reduction more along the lines of waist training than tightlacing. I am not tall, but have a long torso (14 inch from underbust to lap) I am full figured and not very curvy (38 inch underbust, 37 inch waist, and 43 inch hip) I have looked into, and watched all of your reviews on the pink satin longline from Hot Corsets, the longline underbust from Timeless Trends, the longline underbust from Orchard Corsets, and also the Josephine underbust from Isabella Corsetry. If there are any others you think I may find more suitable or more comfortable, I would love any Input or opinion you may have!
Thanks, Morgan
Hi Morgan, thanks for your comment. I actually have a gallery dedicated specifically to longline corsets for tall / long waisted people! You can check them out on this page, and also take advantage of the sizing calculator in the Lace Base. :)
Hello! I was wondering… are cinchers a good way to begin corset training? I was told through youtube by a kinda unexperienced corset wearer that cinchers are useless for corset – waist training. True or false?
Hi Stacy,
It depends on what kind of cinchers you’re talking about. There is a sort of “Brazilian Cincher” or “Squeem” style corset with plastic bones and elastic panels, which is supposed to make you sweat. I personally don’t like those because they’re uncomfortable, the plastic bones warp and poke into me, and the panels give my skin a rash. I wouldn’t use those to waist train.
However, in the corset community, “cinchers” may refer to any corset that is quite short (e.g. 8 inches in length or less). It’s constructed and made from the same materials as a real corset (strength layer, steel bones etc) except it reduces a smaller area of the waistline. I actually prefer to train in cinchers, because it targets the waist while leaving most of my ribcage and hips free; it allows for easier breathing and better mobility compared to longer underbust corsets. So in that context, training in a cincher is perfectly acceptable.
Cheers!
Hey Lucy,
I wondered if you have ever heard of Ravanche de la femme or Tom.to? If you ever purchase one of these corsets please do a review, I would love that.
Greetings from Germany
Hi Johanna, I don’t have any personal experience with those brands although I have looked at their websites MANY many times! And of course I will do a review if I ever get the opportunity. :)
I’ve been wondering this for a while, but what is the red corset that you have on in your banner for the site?
Hi Emily, it’s my “Sebastian Corset”. It’s one of my homemade pieces.
Hi Lucy! So I know you’re fairly busy and all but I had one question that’s kind of been bugging me: How much does your physical size matter when buying a corset? I am overweight and I have “love handles” filling up the space between my belly button and my hips. I mean, does this interfere at all with wanting to waist train? Any information would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance!
Hi Ivy, your starting size shouldn’t be a huge factor as an experienced corsetiere will be able to work with your curves instead of against them. Some makers charge more if your waist is larger (often if you need a corset that’s 40″ or larger) but some others don’t; it depends on what you need and where you’re looking. I believe Orchard Corset has some corsets that go up to 44″. If you want a corset that doesn’t pinch the hips, I think the WKD Mae Extreme might work.
thankyou so much for your reply.i`m almost ready to move down a size.ps is it possible to bone my modesty panel without removing it?
hey Keith, I’m replying as a sewing person, not a corsetier, and i know i’m replying to years late, but the response is yes. You can undo the bottom or top seam to slide in the bones and then stitch it up after, but this will likely be more hassle than it’s worth unless the modesty panel is secured by the binding or grommets somehow. With the Orchard corset style modesty panel it will likely be easier to remove, bone and then reattach rather than worry about accidentally sewing through your corset or fiddling with re-hemming the edge under all those little bones. with a good matching thread your re-attachment should be undetectable and should the side of the modestly panel you picked open have a less than perfect look it will never be seen. (leather and some more delicate fabrics may retain the original stitch holes)
Hi. Would you happen to know what percentage of people still corset?
Hi Taylor. It’s a bit difficult to tell, as corsets are no longer “the norm” but rather it’s a personal fashion choice. Determinining the percentage of people who own corsets would be like asking what’s the percentage of people who own a pair of Oxford shoes, and then how often they wear it would be another question entirely.
hello princcess lucy,i`m not a tightlacer,but I`m am wondering when is the right time too move onto a smaller corset?what I mean is,i`m able to close my corset completely,and I want to know when I should get 1 size smaller.ps I really enjoy your videos on youtube.,your are very informative on your reviews and straight forward,not like my spiral boning lol,sorrry geeking out. Please if you every except commissions again I would like to take part.don`t know if I`m the first male,but I would like to be. huge hugs and kisses from America. yours truly,keith
Hi Keith, thanks for your sweet comment. :) If you’re able to close your corset and keep it closed comfortably all day, and if it feels loose on you (especially if you’re able to get a hand between your torso and the corset) then that is the appropriate time to size down. Best wishes!
How much are your corsets and do you have a shop or show room in toronto?
Hi Kim, thanks for your comment – no I don’t have a storefront. I work from a home studio. My underbust corsets tend to be around $300 and overbusts closer to $400 but at the moment I’m closed for commissions. Thanks!