Modern Day Corseting

Fashion designers have reacquainted themselves with it and demonstrate this on the catwalks, fashion magazines as well as in the entertainment industry.  For some there are still the old stigma's of torture, health hazards and fainting fits, but today's corset is worn in comfort, and without health problems. The growing number of corset makers, internet discussion groups and websites make it clear that corsets are back. There is also a growing interest in corset making, in part because of the cost of custom made corsets, which can be $250 to $350. A home made corset can be made for less than $100, but this will require skill and some persistence. On the links page there is a listing of corset material suppliers.

To ensure a positive experience, especially for the first time, it is important to contain the enthusiasm and refrain from overtightening, which otherwise may spoil the first time wearer's experience. When a corset is laced too tight too quickly, it will uncomfortably confine the wearer because of lack of proper settling on the body. Also, discomfort may be caused by failure to remove the wrinkles of the underlying spandex tube or shirt. Note that the corset should not be worn directly on the body. Then, the lacing process takes time and only small amounts should be taken in at a time. If this is done properly the experience will be positive and long lasting. Training into a corset for a special event, such as a wedding, should start several months before the event, so that when the dress is made, the proper size is available. Otherwise stay with a 2" reduction. With planning on the other hand,  a 4" reduction is a reasonable goal and even further reduction can be achieved, provided sufficient time is allowed for.  As far as health concerns, we now know, that there are no known side effects from corset wearing or tightlacing, but the rule is to go slow and to loosen the laces when it hurts.
See also the Health page, and How To page.

In the past, girdles  and corsets were unmentionables. This is much less so the case now. Far from being hidden, modern corsets are so beautiful, that they are being worn on the outside as well as under clothing. As far as figure modification,  tight jeans and girdles can produce a flat stomach and improve the overall line, but they can also bind and pinch uncomfortably at the waist, something a corset does not do. In the corset, the pressure is evenly distributed, which makes it far more pleasant and relaxing to wear. 

For the bride-to-be, many wedding gowns either require a corset or have one build in. Modern makers can provide custom made garments specifically for this purpose, as they taylor the corset to the dress as well as the wearer. If sufficient time is allowed for in the wedding plans, there is the option of figure training for a few months and a stunning presentation can be made that will last a lifetime. Without training, a two to four inch reduction is all that should be aimed for. It will have a dramatic effect, and by the end of the day the bride will still be standing tall without a back ache! Over the past two years I have maintained an ongoing email exchange with a number of brides-to-be. Most of them achieved very comfortable 4" reductions and some achieved more, with only 3 months of training. Most succesful were those that kept the corset on for more than twelve hours per day.

For promenade dresses the same applies as for the wedding gowns. Teenagers and college students have gotten into corseting for a variety of reasons. It does help that they don't have the hang-ups of the older generation, and they often wear them as outer garments. Also, MTV, the movies, and prom dress designers, all do their part in putting corsets back into the mainstream.  Many college fashion and theatre programs have corset making in the curriculum, although in some cases old myths persist there.  As anyone who has watched a period play knows, when the costumes are worn over proper corsets, they always look incredible, but without the foundation it has the opposite effect.

For the business setting, Ann Grogan from Romantasy demonstrates how  a corset worn as foundation under the suit makes the wearer look just impressive. It gives women a real edge in the board or court room. For everyday wear, they are usually concealed, and a blouse with sweater arrangement over slacks or skirt works well. The corset edge at the bottom can be masked with a garterbelt, a light girdle or heavy pantyhose.