The patterns are not designed to teach someone how to sew. You will need basic sewing skills to make these garments. Very few sewing/craft retail outlets carry the supplies or are even familiar with them. There is a list of mail order suppliers in the patterns. No. The silhouette in #113 is historically correct from only about 1900 to 1906. Even so the period descriptions of the “corset girdles” were that they were appropriate for “young, slight” figures.

The ribbon corset in pattern #113 is best made the length it is. The others can be lengthened or shortened on the line designated. Remember you may need to use a different length busk and bones depending on how much you change the length. See similar questions...

The purpose of Victorian corset is to maximize the difference between the waist and the hips/bust. Some people can reduce their waist, some can’t. Also, corsets don’t create bigger breasts. If you want a larger difference between your waist and bust cut a corset that is too large in the bust and stuff it. See similar questions...

Yes! We have fabulous seamstresses that would love to make a matching skirt to go with your new corset. Please allow plenty of time to have any outfit completed. See similar questions...

Yes, with practice anyone can, with good arm movement, put a corset on and lace it closed. Each corset does come with a “how to lace” guide. See similar questions...

We include this information with all of our corsets, but here it is for reference. Undo the metal clasp in front (the busc), turn the corset over and loosen the laces. You will notice that there are two loops in the lacing at the waist in back - these loops will be where you pull to tighten the corset. Place the corset around your waist with the button side of the busc on your left. Hook the metal buttonholes over the buttons, and pull gently on the ribbon loops until the corset is just snug. See similar questions...

Good question! As with many other terms in common use in the corset world, there is no single rigid or technical definition, no matter what is currently being advertised as a "man's corset" on any other website you may have visited. See similar questions...

A muslin will get you in the ball park as far as size. It will also tell you if the corset is too long or short. If the corset is too long from waist to bust point you can cut it off or shorten it at the lengthen/shorten line. But if your full length corset (pattern #100) is too short you will need to lengthen it at the lengthen/shorten lines or it will be too short to support your bust. For instance, a friend fit a tall slender lady who needed the size 6 but had to lengthen it by 4 inches. See similar questions...

Yes, and No! We will be happy to work with you to get you the look you desire, but we will not directly copy another corsetieres original work. If you find a corset that you like the look of, but wish to have made by us, we will be happy to work with you to ensure a custom design that is similar in look and feel, but is not a direct copy of the original design. However, if the design you would like is no longer in production, we would be happy to duplicate that design. See similar questions...

Many of our stock-sized corsets are available for immediate shipment, and various other styles can be completed in 2-4 weeks for an additional rush fee. For custom or semi-custom fitted corsets please contact us to see if a rush order is possible. These may be higher during busier times of the year such as Halloween, Christmas, New Years and Valentine's day. The client is responsible for conducting the fitting upon receiving the muslin and overnight shipping back to us. See similar questions...

It's all about planning and record-keeping. Do what I do: Get a street map of the area, and block it out into sectors with a highlighter. Then, starting with one of the sectors, go up and down every last street shown on the map within that sector, and highlight the street as you stumble it. Repeat for each of the sectors. See similar questions...

Corsets are not easily disguisable under clothing because they are normally four layers thick and contain double steel boning around the corset, adding 1" of girth to your waistline. In addition, the top and bottom edges are somewhat thick considering that binding (another layer of doubled-over fabric) must be applied to finish off the corset. Thus, some wardrobe accommodation must be made to reduce the risk of the corset showing when worn underneath clothing. See similar questions...

That depends. Most folks can do this temporarily and immediately with a first corset, and be comfy for hours. That should be no struggle at all. Permanent waist reduction will also be rather easy as 1.5" that is not much, depending on your body tone, shape, and present measurements. With further details and measurements, we can give you a more educated opinion on the matter. See similar questions...

Yes, but only after you break it in thoroughly and practice sleeping, otherwise it may permanently twist and torque so that you cannot straighten it up even when you wear it during the day. It will have to be a bit looser at night for most folks and it may take you several tries before you can sleep all night long while corseted. See similar questions...

Our recommendation is a custom underbust hourglass with a front busk closure, because it follows the natural curves of the human body, is easier to close down than a longer overbust corset, and is more convenient to put on and remove. You may choose either the high-hipped Victorian, or the longline Edwardian underbust style. See similar questions...

Most likely, not. Most people find when they start corseting and for some time later, especially if you lace down four or more inches, that you eat about half as much, and at one-half the speed. It takes some time to get used to eating a meal while corseted. You should corset first, then eat. If you eat first, you will find it difficult to lace down. See similar questions...

Corsets are unnoticeable under loose fitting garments. The best guide is if you can see your bra or girdle, then your corset will be as visible underneath. See similar questions...

Pretty much anything. We have clients who wear them to anything such as dancing at clubs, luncheons, elegant evening black tie affairs, and weddings. A few wear them as foundation garments instead of a bra and treat them as a camisole at work. The possibilities are really endless. See similar questions...

All of our corsets are built to last. Care will depend on the fabric the corset is constructed from, but most corsets should not be washed. First, it's best to wear a camisole under your corset to keep it clean. When needed, lay the corset out flat on a clean surface to sponge the cotton lining with a just-damp sponge (not too wet - you don't want it soaking through to the exterior fabric!). Let it air until dry. See similar questions...