Thread: To all the tight lacers out there...

Just wanted to let you know that I've found *cotton* seamfree camisoles at primark for 2 quid each! I always have so much trouble finding things suitable for wearing under my corset, I can only assume some of you have the same problem. Of course they're not 100% cotton as they've got some stretch to them, but they are a sight more comfortable and breathable than the previous seamfree ones I've found.

Hooray!

Oh and they come in black, white, and turquoise for a change.

WARNING

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I got some black ones for when I start wearing corsets more frequently with a view to tight-lacing. I was going to buy a corset liner but was informed that they are really just strapless seamless vests.

They had all sorts of colours when I was in, I saw various pinks and greys. In the underwear section they also had a two pack of them, slightly different texture, described as seamless "camisoles" and you got one black and one nude coloured.

I want to start tightlacing. any advice? xxx

The most important thing is that you get a waist training corset that's custom made for your body shape, otherwise you can seriously injure yourself. I'd recommend www.desertorchidcorsets.com for starting out, they do lovely work and are very pleasant to deal with.
Once you've got your corset, make sure you have a good stock of seamfree camisoles to wear underneath it, and some talcum powder to put between your skin and the camis. Then you'd want to gradually build up until you're wearing your corset about 22-23 hours/day (this is assuming you're aiming for drastic, permanent change over time). You will slowly find that you are able to lace tighter and tighter, and once your corset can be fully closed in the back you'll need to order a new one with a smaller waist.
Things to be aware of going in:
The cost of the corset isn't the only money you're going to have to put out -- as soon as you get down to a waist size that is uncommonly small compared to the rest of your proportions you are going to have trouble finding clothes. I've got to the point where I either have to make my own skirts, buy dresses that are too big and belt them in, or alter whatever I purchase. The zippers on skirts that fit my waist aren't long enough to allow them to be pulled on over my head or hips... it's very annoying.
Be prepared to be rather uncomfortable for a week or two as you get used to the constant pressure on your ribs and stomach. You'll need to eat more, smaller meals and generally adjust your daily habits until you become accustomed to it. Eventually you'll be addicted to the 'constant embrace' as Mr. Pearl calls it.

Best of luck!

Wicked thanks for the advice!!! I'm not too sure to start now though as I am losing weight, so I should wait till I get to my weight target?

Originally Posted by BetteBloom

Wicked thanks for the advice!!! I'm not too sure to start now though as I am losing weight, so I should wait till I get to my weight target?

Hello :-)

There's mixed opinion on this. Wearing a corset can, as mentioned above, result in eating more lightly and therefore loosing weight more swiftly. It isn't a great idea to rely on that though. Also, if you want to tightlace you will need a custom corset. And investing in a good custom corset when you're loosing weight is risky, to say the least.

It might be worth thinking about purchasing a reasonably cheap RTW underbust corset (the more steels the better), and wearing that for a few weeks/months. This will give you a good idea of whether daily/regular wear really is for you. Then, once you're weight has stabilised and you're confident it'll be worth it, invest in a made-to-measure corset (with mock-up to check fit). This has the added benefit of giving you plenty of time to research corsetmakers. You'll quickly be able to tell the good from the bad, and recognise mass-produced stuff when it is being fraudulently presented as handmade! One excellent MOB corsetmaker I'm mates with is Alison of CrikeyAphrodite, she really knows her stuff :-)

Crikey Aphrodite - Corsets & Garters - Welcome

Hi again,
I have to disagree with the above post -- tightlacing for any prolonged period of time (ie: more than a night out, for days/weeks at a time) with an off-the-rack corset is *not* a good or safe idea. The reason that a custom corset is recommended for tightlacing is that it does change the shape of your body and shift your organs around, and if you have a corset that's not tailored to your shape you can do yourself lasting damage.
Unfortunately this does mean investing in a bespoke corset before you know whether you'll be able to stay the course, but I found that the money I invested is part of what made me stick with it for the first few uncomfortable weeks.

As far as weight goes, I would say that if you honestly think you'll shift the weight quickly then wait, but if you're like me and most people I know (and lose weight depressingly slowly) then I'd suggest starting with it now, because it can help your eating habits and will still fit you for a while.

xx

Originally Posted by Chassy vanKlaas

Hi again,
I have to disagree with the above post -- tightlacing for any prolonged period of time (ie: more than a night out, for days/weeks at a time) with an off-the-rack corset is *not* a good or safe idea. The reason that a custom corset is recommended for tightlacing is that it does change the shape of your body and shift your organs around, and if you have a corset that's not tailored to your shape you can do yourself lasting damage.
Unfortunately this does mean investing in a bespoke corset before you know whether you'll be able to stay the course, but I found that the money I invested is part of what made me stick with it for the first few uncomfortable weeks.

As far as weight goes, I would say that if you honestly think you'll shift the weight quickly then wait, but if you're like me and most people I know (and lose weight depressingly slowly) then I'd suggest starting with it now, because it can help your eating habits and will still fit you for a while.

xx

Apologies, I should have worded that more clearly.

I'm not suggesting she should tightlace with the RTW corset, simply *wear* it on a regular basis. I am a bespoke corsetiere who can lace down 6" myself without regular waist training (I have a "generous" starting size!), and produce corsets for clients with widely varying requirements (eg: some tightlacers, some not, etc.). I find that the idea of being corseted and the reality are two very different things for potential clients. It would be unethical of me (as a business person with a vested interest) to encourage somebody new to corsetry to invest immediately in a bespoke corset, when they may not even enjoy the physical sensation of light waist reduction.

Yes, if she (or anyone) wishes to get straight into tightlacing then custom/bespoke is the way to go and no-one should (in my opinion) aim for a waist reduction above 4" with a RTW corset. But for someone whose body shape and weight is fluctuating, and who doesn't have an intimate knowledge of being corseted, it may be imprudent to drop a large amount of money on a physically challenging, custom garment before they are sure it's what they really want.

I hope that makes more sense now?

Oh sorry about that Sparklewren - I clearly misunderstood you. I see you know what you're talking about! I just had a look at your website and you make some beautiful pieces.

x

Originally Posted by Chassy vanKlaas

Oh sorry about that Sparklewren - I clearly misunderstood you. I see you know what you're talking about! I just had a look at your website and you make some beautiful pieces.

x

No worries Chassy, I should have been more clear in the first place :-)