Corsets are everywhere once more, and are becoming a mainstay in erotic clothing, gothic fashion, and deviant tastes everywhere!
I hear a lot from models, photogs, and casual observers a lot of comments about my love for tight lacing (real waist reduction training via corsetry – or in other words stuffing myself into a corset). Most of the comments are “doesn’t that hurt?!” – Shockingly…no, corsetry does not hurt. When worn properly, and trained into properly, a corset is more like just a tight shirt. Waist training, and proper wearing – I wont touch down onto in this email.
But in my time, I’ve learned that a lot of people simply don’t know much about –real- corsets. Keep in mind, there is a major difference between a real corset, and a $60 ‘corset’ you get from V. Secrets. The major difference being the boning/support structure – mass produced corsets have plastic boning, which in time breasts, gives, and can actually cause kidney damage (this is because of the point where most of the plastic boning gives, is kidney level).
A true corset, is an investment that will last you years. But before you even think to rush out and plan for a corset, there are many kinds of corsets out there, each with their own look and body modification style.
Below is a general run down on styles of corsets I found online, sadly I long lost the source, else I would credit them. Should anyone find the source please let me know. The source is pretty bias toward one style or another – in the end, the style you like (if any) is up to you.
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Basic Styles (keep in mind there are many more styles than mentioned)
In chronological order. This Researcher owns at least one of each of these, so these opinions on how comfortable, what enhancements they give (or not) and how much you should be paying can be trusted.
Elizabethan or Tudor
• Description - Straight-fronted, conical in shape, rarely extends below the waist. May be fitted with 'tabs' along the lower edge to hold a farthingale in place. Lace-up back only.
• Effects - Gives the illusion of a small waist if worn with the correct skirt. Doesn't actually do much cinching, as they are not structured enough to provide comfortable reduction. Pushes up the bust; this can be very dramatic, if you want.
• Feels like - Doesn't have the all-round figure support of later models.
• Drawbacks - Not recommended for long periods as outerwear. For one thing, you'll be forever repositioning your cleavage for maximum effect. Can become wearying around the armpits and bust line, tendency to dig in somewhat.
18th Century Style
• Description - Straight-fronted, but much more shaped and fitted, with subtle curves. Still somewhat rigid and unforgiving. Usually extends below the waist, with either tabs or split panels which are usually decorative. Lace-up front and back, usually, although the front can be closed or include a plastron or stomacher to hide the laces.
• Effects - Support below the waist and shaping above it makes reduction more comfortable. Low front showcases the supported bust and shoulders.
• Feels like - Nicely supportive, but not too rigid.
• Drawbacks - Gives a subtle enhancement to the figure, rather than reshaping. Maybe slightly over-exposing for some occasions.
Wasp-waist hourglass
• Description - The early Victorian shape, following the exact lines of the figure but bringing the waist in sharply. The top edge is usually straight, providing a shelf-like bustline.
• Effects - The waist reduction is very dramatic, and the bust given firm support. The rest of the shape is faithfully replicated.
• Feels like - All strain is on the exact waistline, firm support elsewhere.
• Drawbacks - Looks very contrived and unnatural. Instead of a graceful curve, there's a sudden sharp indentation which is not considered altogether attractive. The bustline is also odd-looking, seemingly squashed out of place. On the whole, a little too outmoded for most of today's tastes.
Pipestem
• Description - Not a style in itself, or belonging to a specific period, but rather a particular type of reduction. The waist is greatly reduced but also lengthened, so not only the true waistline but some distance above and below are lessened. This gives the effect of two round objects skewered in the middle by a stick.
• Drawbacks - More pressure than usual is exerted, and for tight-lacing progress is slower. Hard to maintain. To extremes, can look unnatural.
Late Victorian Hourglass
• Description - A gentler curve than the wasp-waist, gradually sweeping in from bust to middle. Often descended low over the hips to balance the effect.
• Effects - A noticeable reduction of the waist. Gives bust support without overly forcing upwards. Also, can smooth and narrow the appearance of the hips and flatten the stomach. With the buttocks uncovered, there is an effect when walking in that the lower body has a pronounced sway while the middle remains seemingly static. Good for sustained tight-lacing.
• Feels like - Comfortable, as stress is distributed more evenly than before. The all-over support is more noticeable. Examples that descend to the hips give a pleasant sensation of tightness.
• Drawbacks - Undue pressure on the abdomen can sometimes result, and it is easy to lace too tight with no apparent discomfort at first.
Edwardian S-curve
• Description - The front is perfectly straight, with the top edge just below the nipple. The lower front is very long compared to the back, and often has attached suspenders. The front is highly decorated.
• Effects - The straight front results in the bust being projected forwards and the backside outwards at the rear, with the whole figure (seen from the side) slanted forwards. The waist is noticeably narrowed from three directions, in an almost diagonal line from the top edge.
• Feels like - No idea. They don't really make these anymore.
• Drawbacks - By far the most dramatic reshaping effects, and the most unnatural. The whole body is thrown into a different position, with very contrived posture. More like a fad.
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Do you corset? What is your natural waist size? What is your corset size? What are your long term corstry goals? what style fo corset do you perfer? How many corsets do you own?
My natural waist: 29 inches
Corseted Waist: 24
Goal Size: 20 inch waist
Style: I love them all :)
Corsets owned: I own -2- TRUE corsets, each a custom. 1 latex (for a 24 inch waist), 1 a every day training corset (for a 23 inch waist).
