Last updated on January 17th, 2021 at 03:20 pm
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.
I would love to continue spending 12+ hours a day answering emails, messages and Youtube comments, but it’s unfortunately gotten to the point that I’m so busy answering individual questions that I am finding it difficult to make keep up with producing videos or get enough sleep.
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” or “Bishonenrancher” 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, not a residence and 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!
Hi Lucy,
Where did you purchase your grommet/eyelet manual press? Does it come with interchangeable dies?
Like you i Live in Canada and am trying to source a press with interchangeable dies for my Fashion Technology classroom. I have’t had much luck.
Thanks Justine
Hi Justine, my current press is a Cstep-2 machine with #x00 dies and grommets – but they are self-piercing grommets which some say aren’t as good as separating the threads with an awl. But if the grommets are for general use and not specifically for tightlacing corsets it might be okay.
Hi Lucy,
I was hoping to get added to your Corset Map. I believe someone in my company has spoken with you in the past about reviewing our product. Our Company is Taylor Lane Design and we are located at 625 N. Sylvania Ave. in Fort Worth, TX 76111.
Thank you!
Hi Taylor, sorry for my late response! Your company was already added to the map awhile back. You can see it in the directory and on the map (if you zoom in enough). I’d be happy to review one of your corsets any time you’re ready. :)
Hello Lucy! I have a quick question for you. A couple of years ago I was wearing a corset on a daily basis until I got an IUD (birth control) put in. I stopped wearing them out of fear of whether wearing a corset would impact that negatively. At the time there was no information regarding if anyone had personal experience with corseting with an IUD. Do you know of anyone with personal experience with this or were I could seek advice if not?
Hi Becky, thanks for your question. Unfortunately this is a sticky situation because I’m not allowed to give medical advice. I know that IUDs can be displaced or can puncture the uterine wall spontaneously even in people who have never worn a corset. I do personally know of a few women who have an IUD and wear corsets and haven’t experienced any negative effects, but this is simply anectodal. A Facebook group like the Tightlacing Society might give you more information, but the best thing would be to speak with your doctor.
best corset to hold in stomach..I’m physically fit 130lb..5’7″. ..Under bust 29..Waist 28…Hip 35…Length 8-9…With menopause I lost my waist and gained a pooch..Any sugestions
Hello Lauri, I’m so sorry for my late response. I have emailed you with my corset recommendations. Please reply by email if you have any further questions at all!
What am I doing wrong if one side of my back is sore after wearing my corset for a few minutes?
Hi Jen, how tight are you wearing the corset? Have you ensured that it is the right size and style for you? I have a series on seasoning here: https://lucycorsetry.com/category/corset-seasoning-mini-series/
Hi Lucy, do you ship corsets to Australia? Thanks! Eloise
Hello Eloise! Yes, I do ship to Australia – I haven’t been able to get my shipping calculator to include it, but I can easily fill the order manually. :) Feel free to send me an email if you’d like more information.
Thanks, Lucy! I would love to know that corset maker!
Just getting into corsetry for both fashion and back support (I’m about to have my third spinal fusion). I’m LOVING your videos. I’ve learned so much and can’t thank you enough for taking the time to share your wisdom and insights. :)
Thank you Diana! If you’re interested in finding a corset maker who has some experience working with clients who have had spinal fusions, feel free to email me – I might be able to introduce you. :)