Help, I’m lost!

Last updated on February 24th, 2016 at 02:19 pm

Are you looking to buy a new corset?

Are you trying to find a corset maker who lives near you?

Or do you just want to “window shop” and learn more about all the different corset brands out there?

You’ve come to the right place.

Welcome to the Corset Shopping Guide! Here you will find some of the tools, maps, lists and databases I’ve compiled to make your research faster and easier! Click on any of the headings to begin your search:

Corsetiere Map

Click here to go to the corsetiere map

 

This is a database and interactive map to help you find corsetieres (aka corset makers) who may live near YOU, where ever you are in the world. Look up their general location, website, email, Facebook and other social media. You can also narrow down your search by clicking the “Tried by Lucy? YES” toggle at the bottom, to find corsetieres I’ve personally done business with.

Corsetiere Map PROS: Meeting in person with a corsetiere can be useful – they can help you take your measurements and determine your size, they can help you figure out what type of corset would work best for you, and they can also make you a beautifully-fitting custom corset. If you’ve never seen or felt a corset in person before, they may have samples to show you, so you know what to expect.

Corsetiere Map CONS: Getting a custom-made corset from a corsetiere can be expensive.  If you’re looking for something cheaper/ a smaller investment, check the next heading below. The corsetieres marked in red are those that I haven’t personally tried so cannot vouch for their quality. I advise you to do your homework on any corsetiere and look at their past work before investing.

Corset Brands by Price Range

Corsets by Budget: Corset Shopping Guide

Want a comprehensive list of all the corset brands that I (Lucy) have personally tried and tested? You got it! The list is separated by price range so you can easily find corsets that fit your budget. Beside each brand, I’ve also provided links to their website, and also to my objective and in-depth review(s).

Price List PROS: This list includes off-the-rack (OTR) corset brands which ship immediately and are often lower in price. You can also compare and contrast the different styles, silhouette, quality and price using my corset reviews, so you have a better idea of what to expect.

Price List CONS: Many of these brands are online-only businesses (no storefront) so you may not always know exactly what you’re buying. Research their shipping fees, exchange/ return policies, and whether or not to expect taxes/duty.

Guided Galleries for Corset Window Shopping (highly recommended!)

Specific Corset Styles: Corset Shopping GuideShopping by price alone (like you’ll find above) sometimes isn’t enough. What if you’re looking for a specific kind of corset? If you’re short, you need a cincher. If you live in a hot climate, you might like a sheer/ mesh corset. If you want to correct posture, maybe you need a corset with shoulder straps. If you’re full-figured, you need to find a corset company that supplies plus-sizes. That’s what these galleries are for.

Gallery PROS: These galleries organize corsets by specific type, so you can narrow down what you want/ need in a corset, and find corsetieres that can cater to your wishes.

Gallery CONS: Not all of the corset brands and makers in these galleries have been personally tested by myself, so in some situations the quality is unknown. Take the information with a grain of salt, and if you do plan to purchase from a certain maker, be sure to email them and ensure they are the right “match” for you. You can also use my consultation service to help narrow down your options.

Corset Dimensions Directory (Lace-Base)

Corset measurements and dimensions: Corset Shopping Guide

Are you interested in the “hard numbers” of a certain corset brand, but you can’t find a sizing chart on their website? Look no further! I’ve taken all the standard sized corsets I own and measured their bust, underbust, waist and hip circumferences, as well as their length in the center front and the princess seam (from underbust to lap). A well-made corset should reduce only your waistline and match the rest of your measurements as closely as possible. This chart will help you find the corset with the right curves for your body!

Lace-Base PROS: These charts take the guesswork out of finding the “spring” in the corsets (difference between the waist and bust, waist and hips etc), and numbers don’t lie! If you’re worried that a corset you find on the internet won’t be as curvy in real life as it is on the website, this chart will verify whether it will truly fit you.

Lace-Base CONS: While a picture of a “floating corset” doesn’t tell the whole story, sometimes numbers don’t tell the whole story either. For instance, a corset might be too narrow around the sides of the hips, yet it might also give too much extra space in the front and bow away from your lower tummy! This is a drafting issue, even if the overall measurements are supposed to be okay. To see the fit of all the corsets on my body, please click on any hyperlinked name in the chart and it will take you to my review where you can learn more about the corset overall.

Can I Waist Train in This Corset?

OTR Corsets for Waist Training

 

Many OTR corsets seem to be well-made and give dramatic curves, but are they suited for waist training, or only tight lacing? On this page, I summarize the corset brands and styles I’ve tried into an easy-to-read table, comparing construction concerns, curve level, customer service and my opinion on whether someone would be able to use the corset for daily wear or waist training under proper use.

Please note that is one of the most subjective pages on my entire website – what I may consider fair for waist-training is what many others would consider not suitable. Sometimes my opinion differs from what the brand advertises themselves, so take this information with a grain of salt. I’m still of the belief that a custom-fit corset made specifically to your body and your specifications by an experienced corsetiere is the absolute best option for training.

Corset Reviews (Video Playlist) (Written Reviews)

athenacopy

I have now tried an estimated 105 corsets from 46 different brands (not including my own corsets), and I’ve filmed and written reviews for  over 60 of these so far! It is my hope that before the end of the year, I will have recorded another 20 corset reviews. My reviews are in depth, fact-based and not opinion-based reviews of products that I purchased. Over time, both myself and my viewers learned more about how the construction, pattern, materials, etc. can vary so widely from one corset brand and style to another. My aim is to show the corset in enough detail that the viewer feels as if the corset is right in front of them, so they know what quality to expect.

Corset Review PROS: Each corset is treated like a case study, and the corset is shown and described in high detail. The structure of each review is more-or-less the same, making comparison of small components between corset styles and brands quite easy. Over time, those who watch my reviews gain a true understanding of what quality is, and what construction techniques and features they prefer for their corsets.

Corset Review CONS: These reviews are not for the impatient. If you’re looking for quick, opinion-based reviews, you won’t find those here (although you’re welcome to read my “Final Thoughts” section of my written reviews). Also, I’m just one reviewer – my experience may be different from another customer’s experience – do your research and look for more reviews than only mine!

Consultations

 

Click here to go to the Consultation page

Still feeling a little lost even with the tools above? I offer consultations on this site – you pay the fee, fill out the questionnaire as best as you can, and I will point you in the direction of the corset brands that I think will best suit your needs and preferences.

Consultation PROS: If you don’t have the time to learn about corsets, I take the guesswork out of corset shopping. This potentially save you hundreds of hours of research and thousands of dollars in waisted corsets that don’t fit you properly or doesn’t suit its purpose.

Consultation CONS: This is a paid service (hey, my time and experience are valuable – I’ve spent 4+ years and close to $20,000 on this corset/Youtube passion, and published my articles and videos for free) – and you don’t get the joy of learning for yourself by watching videos, reading articles and immersing yourself into the corset community.

Take a peek in my online store.

 

black-leather-hourglass-corset

The corsets in my shop are tried, tested and true. Timeless Trends is the only OTR corset company that offers a 45-day exchange window, and Lifetime Warranty on their corsets – I’ve had the immense pleasure of working directly with them for years and have even played a part in designing their new Hourglass line. I’m proud to be a distributor of Timeless Trends corsets.

 

83 thoughts on “Help, I’m lost!

  1. I am astounded with the amount of work you accomplished on this site
    Additionally, I am amazed with your knowledge and your professionalism – OUTSTANDING!
    SUPERB indeed.
    Thank You so much.
    WoW! I am throughly impressed.

  2. Hi Lucy,

    This is possibly going to sound freaky and weird. I suffer from severe back pain and have for many years. I also tend to sluch when sitting on the sofa (Couch) I have thought about a corset on and off for some time. I now seem to have worked up the courage to go through with it. However due to a bad leg I don’t get out often so I am not exactly slim. I am also a male. Sorry if this offends I don’t mean too, I am serious about trying to ease my back pain. What sort of corset would you recommend me to get? Thank you for your videos they’re very informative/ Especially the self lacing.

    1. Hi David, there are quite a few brands that now cater to men wearing corsets! Have you seen this gallery on corsets for gentlemen? By clicking on any of the photos it will redirect you to that maker’s site / online shop where you can learn more, contact the owner, or make an order.

  3. I am so so lost… I am getting married and the foundation garments suck. I am a plus plus size and have a pear shape small bust and x-large hips. I have been to lingerie shops that put me in 3 garments like a sausage so I couldn’t breathe (they thought it was great – I didn’t). I need something to shape and push up my bust and smooth under my wedding gown. Any clue as to what might help? will a corset do this? The site I just visited suggested I buy 4 corsets and try them and return them. Now I’m so confused with numbers and websites – I have no idea what to do.

    1. Hi Melissa, I have a measuring tutorial and contact form on this page and I’d be happy to let you know which corset might fit you best.

  4. Dear Lucy
    I found your homepage looking for a corset matching a costume I plan for a party. I must say that I am an absolute beginner concerning coresets and therefore need a little advice.
    I LOVE that copper hourglass corset! But actually wonder thatt would be the right choice for a first one. I am rather short (3.2 feet) and of normal figure (52 kg). So – I was wondering what you say. I could also picture a cincher or Underbust corset with slim silhouette. The hourglass form kind of scares me … But would the others come in that copper tone?
    AND: do you think it would be possible to time a delivery fort he end of August? I live in Switzerland and will be visiting the US end of August/beginning of September. If receiving it while visiting it would probably save me from expensive delivery cost as well as massive toll cost in Switzerland.
    Looking very much forward for some advice – with best wishes
    Sandra

    1. HI Sandra, so sorry for my late response. We do have some other brown and copper tone corsets in the slim silhouette, but in order to figure out which style would fit your body best, I have a free sizing service (just watch the tutorial and fill out the Google form on this page). Our corsets are all pre-made and in stock so whenever you will be in the US, we can ship it to you within 3 business days. :)

  5. Hi Lucy! I am Lexi and I would like to inquire more than a couple of things to you.

    First off, you and all of the other girls I’ve seen in YouTube that are serious on wearing corsets and/or waist trainers say to go to the doctor and get his approval before starting to wear a corset for any reason.

    I agree with that, I’m just a bit confused to which doctor should I go to since all of the “media doctors” classify waist training as a devil’s way to deform your organs and it will eventually kill you.

    Seeing you and many others waist train safely and gradually makes me believe that it is safe done correctly, which I already have an idea on how I’ll start.

    So ultimately for my first point, who can I go to? I live in Los Angeles.

    Second, I was wondering about for corsetting as waist training and the cinchers, I saw a video where you explain what their differences are and how they look, the spandex uncomfortable ones? I was wondering that since they also have them in orchard, if those would be any different, I’m still not sure what to start in first, I am a corset lover, a goth rock lolita type of person, and I’ve just wanted to do this for so long now, but I need something that gives me the figure while letting me move, please help me out with this one.

    Lastly, I would like a custom made corset, would you recommend going to a tailor or could I get the same result by sending pictures of my body and measurements online? Do you know an average price when it comes to a good custom made corset?
    Which would you recommend for starting?
    How can I make sure to get a corset what will help me gain the figure I want specifically?

    Thank you so much for your help, I want to be well informed before starting and I feel you are one of the best options to get info on corsetting.

    1. Hi Lexi, I would still recommend speaking to your doctor if you have any major concerns about corseting, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. I made an article / video on how to approach this with your doctor – I was pleasantly surprised to know that my family doctor, chiropractor, dentist, and even the therapists I’ve contacted have all responded so positively to my corseting! Some doctors have read my book on therapeutic corsets (Solaced) and have changed their minds about corsets.

      For ready-made corsets in the Los Angeles area, I know that What Katie Did has a shop there where you can try on. For custom corsets, you are welcome to check out the corsetiere map. Personally, I love Puimond and have owned several of his corsets. There are others nearby though, if you’re willing to travel a bit. While most people can get away with off-the-rack corsets to start with, there is nothing better than a fully custom corset (including mockup fitting) for a perfect, glove-like fit. But it depends on your commitment level and personal budget.

  6. Do you guys custom make corsets?

    1. Hi Kim, I don’t take custom commissions anymore – but all of the makers featured in the Corsetiere Map make custom corsets, and there is a chance that one or more corsetieres work in your area!

  7. you demonstrated on your blog how to use a longline spoon busk corsette. it was pink in colour and the girl who demonstrated it I think her name was angie. where can I see this corsette? for sale on your website.

    1. Hi Gill, I think you’re referring to this article about the belly ooze? The corset I wore in that video is from Axfords Corsets. The black spoon busk corset my aunt was wearing was a custom fit piece I made for her about 6 years ago, but unfortunately a car accident has stopped my custom corset commissions for the time being.

  8. Hi Lucy,
    I’ve got a question about where to position your under breast corset on your body.
    On Saturday I bought this corset in red: http://laced-up.nl/shop/index.php/juno-black-satin-longlline-underbust-corset.html

    The corset did not close at first but I wore it for several hours and I got it closed. I wore it home from the store and we tightened it as the day went on.

    Yesterday we tried to put it on again (me with the help from my husband) and lace it up for another seasoning session. However, we couldn’t really grasp exactly how high up the corset should sit, since the ladies in the shop positioned it for me and so we forgot to get some advice on this. When we first got it on and started to tighten it it felt ok.. but as we went tighter and I sat on the bed it felt like it was pushing my bra wires up and also like the edges of the corset were pushing into my underarm. I think the position we had was with the curves just under my breast and the middle point just at the top of my ribcage. When I was in the store I don’t recall feeling this pushing and poking. I only felt it at home last night and wonder if either I had the corset too high or maybe it was because I was sitting on the bed before it was completely tightened closed in the back. For instance, perhaps once it closes more it will sit in place better? It didn’t have any movement at that point though when I was sitting on the bed. Now we are confused about where on the ribcage/breast area the top of the corset should be. Do you have any guidance? I want to try again tonight to season it some more.

    1. Actually I have to change one thing from my above comment, the middle point of the corset was higher than the top of my rib cage.. the 2 curves were just resting between the bottom of my breasts with my breasts resting just above the curves. I could still get a bra under it though it’s just it pushed up my bra and I don’t recall that from when I wore it home from the shop. Are these corsets made to be completely straight around or do they sit a little lower in front and higher in back? Reason I ask is that we had taken a photo of the back on Saturday night and we thought we positioned the back in the same place so could it have been correct in the back and too high in the front? Thanks for your help! It’s confusing and I’ve been reading online and here on your website but I’m none the wiser. :)

      1. Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment. The waistline of the corset (indicated by the waist tape running horizontally through the corset – you might see the outline of it) should sit at your natural, skeletal waist (the squishy part below the ribcage but above the top of your hipbones). Sometimes your apparent smallest waist can be a touch above your true skeletal waist. If your corset is feeling a little high / pushing up on your bra and you don’t remember it doing that when you first had it fitted, there’s a good chance you need to pull it down by an inch. I have a video demonstrating the difference between “smallest waist” and “skeletal waist” here. Good luck!

        1. Ok thank you I will check your video!
          I have another question.
          Is it normal that you cannot close the corset completely when you first purchase it? With the modesty panel closed I cannot cinch the corset closed all the way when I first put it on. There is about a 3-4 inch gap where I’d have to cinch it tighter before the modesty panel would cover my skin.
          The lady who sold me the corset told me that this is normal and if I bought the corset any bigger that it would not lay flat against my hips when it was finally cinched closed. She said I had to “season” it and that eventually it would fit better. Is this normal and can I expect the modesty panel to eventually cover my skin when I first put on the corset after seasoning it?

          Thanks in advance!
          Regards,
          Lisa

  9. Hi Lucy,
    I got a question that I can’t find much info about.
    Might be an idea for a future video.

    I stopped wearing corsets because of a hysterectomy (a year ago) and even though I’m fully healed I’m still scared of wearing corsets again. It doesn’t hurt or anything. The same corsets don’t fit me anymore (gained weight) so it’s not comfortable either.
    It pretty much just the idea of organs shifting places while my organs are not in the exact same position as before.
    All I managed to find was wearing elastic “corsets” during the healing process to help it or something.
    I guess it has to be purely theoretical how an corset affects the body after a hysterectomy or other surgery in the belly.
    I know you can’t give medical advice as you’re not a doctor but you do know a lot about corsets and anatomy so maybe you can theorize when safe to wear a corset again.
    Your accident which affected your spine is something different of course but I also wonder how you decided you could wear a corset again.

    I hope I was clear and that you can answer.

    1. Hi Ruby, thanks for your comment – you’re right, I’m not a doctor so I can’t comment authoritatively on what happens to the body when it’s corseted after a surgery. There have only been 3 corset wearers who have gotten MRI or CT scans (that we know of), and prior to that, even doctors were speculating on how corsets affected the internal organs. Unfortunately because no studies have been done, no one can truly prove yet how each type of surgery affects corset wear from an internal perspective – while I could speak theoretically, I’m not sure how useful it would be. But I do know of several people who’ve had hysterectomies and were able to resume corseting after fully healed.
      After my car accident I took several months and I spoke to my doctor before resuming. She has known for many years that I wear corsets and I’ve always been a big proponent of being open and transparent with one’s physician. :)

  10. Hi, couple questions : if I use the hourglass standard for awhile and it train my waist and rib cage to my desire ideal size/measurement, should I keep wear it or just wear less hours? And I still have to keep wearing it, how long and do I need to wear it entire my life to keep it?
    And would this change my upper hip original size or shape at all? What if I like how my upper hip size/measurements already?

    1. Hi Annie, once you reach your goals, you can wear your corset less, but there will always be some maintenance required to keep your results. It’s the same as anything else – if you stop lifting weights you will lose your strength; if you stop stretching you will lose your flexibility. I have a video called Permanent Waist Reduction here which goes into it.
      Regarding changing the shape of hips – some people have reported a filling in of “hip dips” over time, however a corset will not change the width of the pelvis and it’s not wise to try. If you like your hip size, you should get a corset that matches your upper hip measurement (this is what I recommend for people anyway).

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