Corset style tops seem to be everywhere you look at the moment; from high profile events to local club nights.  All shapes and sizes and all price ranges, but what really is the difference? Why do some look extravagent and some look cheap and tacky? Why are some incredibly expensive and some as cheap as chips? Its all in the making...read on to find out.

The recent trend for 'Victoriana' seems to have brought with it a new-found love of the corset.  High street shops have exploited this by selling coset style tops which are actually plastic boned bustiers with flimsy hook and eye closures and shouldnt be described as corsets.  They do not reshape the silhouette and offer only light support for fashion purposes.  This is fine if thats what you want but don't be duped into paying big money for these fashion items on the belief that they will change your figure...they won't.

Corsets are garments which were traditionally worn to shape and enhance the curviness of the female silhouette; to give an hourglass figure where there wasnt one before.  There are different names and styles of corset (underbust, overbust, cincher, waspie etc) but these are usually just a matter of personal preference. For a temporary effect you can usually knock 2 - 4" off your natural waist size as soon as you wear your corset (lace in) depending on how "squishy" you are. Permanent waist reduction can be acheived over a period of time by lacing the corset in a little more each time and this is called waist training.  A waist tape in a corset is often a good indication that the corset is suitable for waist training (tightlacing) but you should always ask.  You should also make sure that the corset is made of good quality material and has more than one layer as this is where the corsets strength comes from.

If figure shaping, temporary or permanent, is what youre after then there are a few things you should be looking for in your purchase;

• Multi-layer - preferably with a coutil layer either for the interlining or as the fashion fabric; coutil is a specialist corsetmaking fabric which is strong and features in many traditional corsets
• Steel bones - sprung steel and spiral steel mix is a good combination to look for - this offers strength with the flexibility of spiral steel usually down the sides.
• Front fastening steel busk - a busk is the method of fastening used in traditional corsets, not hook and eye.
• A waist tape - this is usually sewn to the interlining of the corset and not visible to the wearer, you can however feel it if you run your finger around the waistline.  If you are going to waist train or cinch down then a waist tape helps with the corsets strength around the area.
• A corsetmaker willing to listen to your requirements and work according to your bodyshape rather than traditional 10-12-14 sizing.

The combination of these things means that you will have a corset which not only shapes your body comfortably and safely but also a well fitting and comfortable corset that will last for years with lots of love and care.

If you should decide that that you would like a traditional corset then please visit our eBay store for a selection, alternatively for advice or more information visit our 'about me' page for contact info and feel free to get in touch....hope youve found this information helpful.

For corset making services/advice, please email tallulahtank@btinternet.com