Satin Corsets

The benefits of corsets are well documented, from their aid in correcting posture to the way that can flatter and promote the best of any type of figure. However, it would perhaps be fair to say they are not the most versatile of garments, either being so understated they can only be worn as underwear or so outlandish and dramatic you need to be attending a big event to justify wearing one.

It is this problem that a satin corset can solve. If you are interested in corsetry but unsure whether or not it is for you, investing in a satin corset as your first purchase would be a wise choice. With a satin corset, you can first adjust to the feeling of wearing a corset, while also having the truly versatile option of dressing it up or down.

On the other side, you can also wear a corset as outerwear, and it is perhaps the corset most appropriate for wearing during the day. The key to this is the shine of the material; this helps create the effect of it being an outer garment in itself. As the material is enough of a statement, few satin corsets are adorned with lace or other such material, as they would spoil the effect of the satin. This means a satin corset can easily pass for any normal top, just one with a little more structure. It is the easiest type of corset to wear with a simple pair of jeans; while not completely casual, it is definitely as casual as a corset is going to get, thanks to it’s simplicity of style and material.

That doesn’t mean you can’t dress a satin corset up. For a night-time outfit, the shiny material is also beneficial - where in daytime it can look understated and simple, at night it can be used as the starting point for a fantastic ensemble.

For daytime, keep accessories simple and other garments understated. At night, you can wear exciting pieces of jewellery to compliment the sheen of the material. You can also add brooches and pins to the corset itself, and wearing it with a skirt and a pair of high heels will create a dynamite outfit. In daytime, a satin corset looks soft and welcoming, where at night it can look exciting and fresh - which is versatility to the extreme, and all down to the satin itself. Add this to the usual benefits of wearing a corset, and a satin corset is an excellent investment that you can use again and again.

Firstly, you can wear a satin corset as underwear, either on it’s own or underneath an outfit. As well as being made from a soft, shiny material that moves easily underneath other layers, satin corsets are usually unadorned and structured practically and simply, so there is nothing to interfere with the flow of a dress. People new to wearing corsets often find that the feel of the satin against their skin is also quite cooling and allows for freedom of movement, within reason.

Underbust Corsets

One of the most common misconceptions about corsets is that they are too tight, too restrictive and just downright uncomfortable to wear. The truth is somewhat different, as no corset is pre-designed to a certain tightness - if you wish, you can wear them laced tight to create a tiny waist, but the best way to achieve the classic hour-glass look is if you wear them laced firmly, but so they are comfortable. After all, there’s no point in looking stunning if you feel tightly bound and your breathing is restricted.

However, even wearing corsets relatively loosely can be too much for some people. There is no doubt that they are designed to be worn close to the skin and some people do feel a pressure on their ability to breathe naturally even when a corset isn’t pulled tight. If you call into this category but still want to achieve the classic corset look of a nipped-in waist, an underbust corset is the perfect solution.

The underbust corset is exactly what it says on the tin; a laced corset, but instead of covering the breast it finishes just underneath the breasts. Most people who struggle with the claustrophobia of a traditional corset design find this style much more comfortable, as an underbust corset doesn’t apply any pressure to the top of the chest where most people breathe from. While allowing this freedom, it still creates a slim waist and the most prized of womanly shapes - the hourglass - by pulling in the waist in exactly the same way as a more conventional corset design.

There are other benefits to the underbust corset. The female form is a changeable thing, and no one woman is the same - for a woman with a large bust but slim waist, a conventional corset (or “overbust”) can be difficult to fit due to this discrepancy in size. With an underbust corset, this isn’t an issue, as you only need to fit the waist and hips, instead of both of these and the breasts as well.

An underbust corset is also good to wear underneath any type of clothes, including ones with a low neckline. It can be hidden, an unseen aid to the slimness and definition of a woman’s waistline, in a way that an overbust corset cannot. The underbust corset allows for a greater varity of choice, as it is suitable for use with tops, sweaters, sleeveless garments as well as dresses.

Some may assume that due to the relative ease of this garment it is not as effective as an overbust corset. While it may not achieve the same smooth clean line that skims from collarbone to waist, an underbust corset still neatens the waist and smooths the hips. It is also a popular choice of outerwear, usable as almost a particularly large, wide belt. It is also a highly sensual garment, as it pushes the breasts into a more prominent position, meaning it’s comfortable and eye catching - the perfect combination.

Boned Corsets

Admit it, the words “boned corset” strike a little bit of fear into your heart, don’t they? After all, we’ve all probably seen period dramas with girls being winched into corsets that look horrifically uncomfortable, and Keira Knightley’s character in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actually passed out due to the tightness of her corset. Most of us associate the most unpleasant aspects of corsetry with the boned corset and though its uncomfortable - literally - history is not an entire fabrication, it isn’t a true representative of this staple of a female wardrobe.

A boned corset simply means a corset stiffened with bone, known as ribs or stays. Although soft, or unboned, corsets are now widely available, to create a truly classic shape a boned corset is required. A range of different materials can be used to create the ribs, with history using whalebone and - at one time - straight steel. However, most modern corsets use the far more durable option of plastic for cheap and light corsets, with the more expensive ones using spring or spiral steel.

The advantage of boned corsets is that, unlike a soft corset, they not only suck the body in but also help form a shape. If you want a truly feminine definition to your silhouette, then a boned corset is always going to be your best option. They help make the most of what a woman already has, and if an aspect isn’t there in the first place, they can help create it.

There are dangers associated with wearing a boned corset, and to most people the idea of lacing a corset so tightly that it eventually results in a reduction of waist size (known as “tightlacing”) is a terrifying idea, though it is still in practice. However, if you wear a corset correctly - laced firmly but not overly so - then there are no health risks whatsoever. In fact, a properly laced and fitting boned corset is beneficial to health, as it helps correct posture.

So yes, while I admit a boned corset does sound terrifying, it really doesn’t need to be. The truth is that some garments - particularly long, sweeping evening dresses - will not hang correctly, and therefore not be showcased to their fully glory, without a corset. Very few women have a perfect hour glass figure, so why not create one?

There are so many types and styles of corsets available now, most of which can be worn both as outerwear and as undergarments. As well as being beautifully designed and tailored to be comfortable, the garments themselves are often intricate in pattern and detail and are truly beautiful items of clothing. In addition to the flawless shape a boned corset can create, this makes them a must-have for any woman’s wardrobe.

Just remember, although a boned corset is by design a restricting garment, it does not need to be uncomfortable. The word to aim for when lacing is “firm” but not “tight”. When wearing your corset, you should still be able to breathe easily, stand up and sit down without problems and it should not pinch. Get this right, and that Jessica Rabbit figure can be yours.

Vollers Corsets

Some names and concepts just go together. Kerry Katona and cheap Iceland food, Twickenham and English rugby union or even Diego Maradona and blatant cheating. My point is, when a certain name is mentioned, an association that runs so deep springs to mind – a case in point being Vollers, and corsets.

When it comes to corsets, Vollers are the best there is. Unlike many, they are not lingerie designers who have turned their hand to corsetry – Vollers are the corset experts, the specialists, this is what they do and what they always have done. Vollers Corsets are special, the foremost word in corset design and perhaps the last word, too.

Vollers Corsets, a designer lingerie company to shame all other designer lingerie companies, started in 1899. Usually a long and rich history is a good sign for a company, but in the case of Vollers it’s even more important – when they were formed, corsets were everyday wear for most women. If they didn’t know and understand their market, they wouldn’t have survived 100 days, never mind over 100 years. The company is the oldest of it’s kind and is amazingly still in the hands of the Vollers family, now being run by Ian and Corina Voller from their factory in Portsmouth, UK.

The truly wonderful thing is that, amongst the range of 50 or more corsets available, many date from original corset designs from the beginning of the company. If you want authenticity, Vollers Corsets have it. They offer both overbust and underbust styles as well as a unique – and surprisingly well-priced – made to measure service to ensure the correct fit.

Vollers Corsets are never going to be the cheapest way to buy corsets, but they are probably the right way. If you’re looking into a corset for the first time, their years of expertise and guidance will help you find the right fit, the right design and will also help you learn how to lace and wear a corset. Unlike many companies, they offer a direct phone line straight into their office in case people need guidance when buying – which isn’t surprising, as you don’t last as long as Vollers have as a company if you don’t provide wonderful aftersales support.

Within Vollers, whatever corset type you want is catered for. There is everything, including PVC, leather, satin, lace, specifically glamour and burlesque. They also offer specific bridal and prom ranges, while most of their corsets can be worn as an undergarment or as outerwear. With the introduction of a range of blouses and skirts, Vollers now provide the possibility of a full corset-inspired outfit.

When it comes to corsets, Vollers are the very best, the epitome of style and longevity. Every woman should, even just once, have the indulgent pleasure of absorbing a little of the Vollers history and wearing one of their stunning creations. It is a choice that will never be regretted.

You can buy the sexiest Vollers Corsets online at Miracle Fashion’s lingerie store.

Gothic Corset

What do the words “gothic corset” make you think of? For me, a gothic corset is taking corsetry to it’s most extreme and inventive level. Think Morticia Adams, think beautiful grand sweeping designs that conjur thoughts of darkness and fantasy, think adornments and explosive design. Yes, a gothic corset is one of the most eye-catching garments a woman can possess.

The typical gothic corset will be made of leather or, in extreme cases, PVC. It will do all the work of a normal corset, such as helping shape a figure, as well as being a showpiece in itself. The most common denominator in gothic corset design is the additions - anything from feathers, to glitter, to swaths of material can appear on a gothic corset, giving it that extra oomph.

Unlike most corsets, a gothic corset is not designed to be worn underneath clothes. Its place is not to aid an outfit, it is to be the outfit. As well as being a staple of any dominatrix, a gothic corset has a more sedate role in adding drama and vibrancy to an outfit - you don’t have to be fond of dungeons to wear one.

The most common feature of gothic corsets is front-lacing, though this is often a fallacy. The lacing at the front of a gothic corset, which is usually in a vibrant yet seductive shade such as red or deep violet, is usually merely for ornamental purposes only - as the actual securing of the garment is still at the back, creating a double effect. A bonus of the front lacing is that as it is usually in a different colour to the base material, it creates a streamline effect when viewed from the front, narrowing the figure of the wearer.

There is no doubt that a gothic corset is not something you should be contemplating wearing to college, work or a meeting with your boyfriend’s parents. Reserve it for special occasions, nights out and times when a little added drama, a little addition of minx, is needed. The true trick of a gothic corset in standard wear is to keep the rest of the outfit simple, letting the corset do the work and be the focus of your ensemble. A simple pair of tight black trousers works wonders, though if you really want to up the drama, go for a long sweeping skirt that moves when you move.

Wearing a gothic corset is going to attract attention, both for the physical effect it will have on your body and the drama and passion of the design. However, that is the point of the gothic corset’s existence, so wear it loud and proud, so long as the occasion befits. There are few other garments that have the heart-stopping effect of a truly masterful gothic corset, so glory in the drama and show a whole new, dynamic side to your character.

Corsets in London

Thanks to the internet, a vast array of corsets are now available to anyone who cares to search for them. However, if it is your first time purchasing a corset, it would always be better to visit a shop in person to make your corset purchase. Not only will you be able to browse the full range and try various items on to see which fits you best and gives the greatest overall effect, you’ll also have the benefit of the assistants in the shop who can advise you on comfort, fit and how to get the most after your corset. Considering the main criticism levelled at corsets is that they are uncomfortable and restrictive, specialist knowledge on your first purchase will prevent this as best is possible.

The place to go for corsets is London, the hub of fashion with a huge range of shops and boutiques designed to cater to every taste and body shape. Where you go depends on the type of corset you want.

When it comes to functional and shaping corsets, if you have a little money to spend then your first stop should be Rigby and Peller. This exclusive designer lingerie shop has three outlets in London city; Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, all suitably upmarket locations for the company that provides the Royal family with their underwear. Rigby and Peller will be able to assist you in finding the perfect fit, providing you with a sculpting corset that will give dimensions to your shape that you hadn’t even realised possible. They are expensive, but for a first foray into corsetry and the building of a corset collection, a perfect first stop. Their corsets can also be worn as outerwear.

However, you may be looking for something a little more risqué, a stunning item of clothing which in itself alone makes an outfit and creates beauty. For this, you’ll need to look a little outside the box. Traditional lingerie stores such as Agent Provocateur and La Perla have boutiques across London – with main stores usually being based in Knightsbridge – and offer a huge range of corsets ideal for any such occasion.

Yet you may still desire something more, something with an even bigger wow factor, that truly showstopping corset that will not only define your figure but look sensational – and, of course, London provides.

The best place for this type of corset is undoubtedly Fairy Goth Mother, who are corset specialists with a worldwide reputation. They offer everything from structural, demure corsets to corsets designed to get blood racing and grab attention. Prices are high, but it cannot be stressed enough that a corset is an investment. For it to look and feel right, a little money does need to be spent. This is because corsetry is a specialist art, which is why corsets are not made by every high street store – there is a recognition that they require extra work and thinking. Fairy Goth Mother provide this is spades. The variety of corsets they offer is staggering and, unlike most, their sizes go up to a UK 24. They offer pre-booked appointments outside of standard shop opening hours as well as running a range of made-to-measure corsets. Their shop is called Fairy Goth Mother’s Lulu and Lush and is situated on the edge of the old Spitalfields Market, on Lamb Street. The nearest tube is Liverpool Street. A wise choice indeed, if you have a little money to spend and want to make the ideal corset purchase in London, Fairy Goth Mother is where you need to be.

Bra Size Guide

It has become quite difficult in recent years to pick up a woman’s magazine and read about how many women wear a poorly fitting bra. Even a character in Sex And The City was depicted as not knowing her bra size, a reflection on how even the most savvy of women can get this most basic of necessities incorrect. It is indeed true that at least 70% of UK women are wearing a badly fitting bra or one that is the wrong size entirely, so when you’re aware of this fact, what to do about it? It is easy to believe the answer is simple. Most magazine will tell you to go and fight the embarrassment and be correctly measured, usually quote places like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams as having bra-fitting services. However, unfortunately it isn’t that easy – an American study showed that even in these specialist areas of department stores, around 80% of women are still fitted incorrectly, and variations between one measurement and one taken in another place can vary up to three sizes
I truly wish the problem of bad bra sizes could be solved just by a quick appointment at a department store or by following one of the many myself-yourself guides on the internet or in magazines. Unfortunately, it just isn’t the case. The only way to ensure you are always wearing the correct bra size is to recognise what constitutes a correct and fully supporting fit. There are hundreds of bra manufacturers out there and even if you believe you know your size with a particular designer, unless you buy nothing but one type of style and shape from that designer, you can still go wrong. Treat every bra purchase as a new experience and repeat the same process; learning to recognise a good fit is what will ensure a good bra and therefore good support. An actual size is a guide and nothing more, so while it is worthwhile having an idea of your measurements, never view it as gospel.

There are many ways to recognise a good fitting bra. First, the underband; the band of material that runs underneath the breasts and crosses the back, usually with the clasp in the middle of it. This should always be perfectly horizontal and should not ride up, dip in the middle or create an arch. This is the foundation of your bra and while it should be firm it should not be restrictive or uncomfortable. Second, consider the underwire in each cup. It should lie flat against the sternum, not your actual breasts – any contact between the breast tissue and the underwire is an incorrect fit. Thirdly, cups should cover the entire area of the breast, even when wearing a low-cut style bra like a balconette bra there should be no bulging. The cup should be close to the breast; a baggy cup is just as problematic as one that is too tight. Lastly, the actual support of the bra should never come solely from the straps – if straps dig in, the bra is not fitting correctly. Having badly fitted straps or straps that are too tight can actually cause nerve damage if worn for a long period of time.

If you remember these four cardinal rules and check every bra to ensure you have these factors, you will be wearing good fitting bras. Finally, don’t forget that your bra size changes constantly – keep assessing a bra every time you wear it.