When Should you Start with a Versatile Corset and Not a Custom?
Often a custom made corset will be more comfortable, and fit your body best, but it is not always practical to start out with a custom made corset. There are many reasons to start with a standard sized corset instead.

1. Expense. Our standard Versatile Corsets are significantly less expensive than our Custom Corsets.

2. Timing. Our Custom Corsets take about a month to have made. We have many of our most popular Versatile Corset styles in stock usually in ivory and black.

3. Shape. Especially if you are considering your first corset, there is a huge benefit to trying a standard sized corset previous to ordering a custom corset. Many people purchase numerous corsets before they realize the shape and sizing they prefer.

4. Size. If you are considering tight-lacing or waist training, then you will probably outgrow your first corset very quickly, so it makes sense to start with a standard sized corset.

In conclusion, it is not always ideal to order a custom fitted corset to begin with. Most certainly, once you know what size you wear, the shape you prefer, and have a little experience with wearing a corset, THEN a custom fitted corset is appropriate and, in our opinion, necessary. *Especially* if you plan to tight-lace or waist train.

Will a corset make me appear slimmer?
Yes! An authentic corset will enhance your figure to give you more of an “hourglass” shape. Our corsets will reduce your waistline by an average of 2-4 inches, as well as flattening your tummy and enhancing your bust.

Will a corset help me to lose weight?
Wearing a corset will put some pressure on your stomach. For many individuals this constant restriction reminds them to stop eating before they are overly full.

Can I eat normally while in a corset?
While wearing a corset you may find that avoiding carbonated beverages and eating lightly makes your corseting experience more comfortable. The carbonation may cause slight discomfort as the bubbles tend to create gas which has nowhere to go. Overeating while in a corset may cause stomach pains, as the restriction on the waistline tends to make the stomach feel full quite quickly. Our experience has shown that taking a corset off directly after a heavy meal may also cause serious discomfort, so remember to eat lightly when laced tightly.

I am dieting, should I wait to order a corset?
If you are planning to lose more than 15-20 pounds it might be a good idea to wait to order your first corset. For each 10-15 lbs lost, we tend to move down one size. Purchasing a corset, and then losing weight may result in needing another corset. ** On the other hand, wearing a corset will make you feel full more quickly, and does help in the dieting process. Once you have lost the initial 10-15 pounds you can wear your first corset as a “sleeping” corset to help maintain the shape you are working toward. We also believe that wearing a corset while dieting can help to keep skin taught, thus possibly reducing stretch marks and loose skin. (We are not physicians, so please check with your doctor if you would like confirmation or denial of this).

Will my waist go back to “normal” when I take my corset off?
Probably. Every body is a little different, and each person will experience a little different result from corseting. If you are attempting to train your figure, you will probably need to wear your corset(s) 20-23 hours per day. (See “Waist Training”). If you simply wish to look fabulous while out on the town, then do so, knowing that when you take your corset off your figure will reassume it's pre-corseted shape very quickly.

What is Waist Training or Tight-lacing?
"Waist-training", or "waist training", is generally known as the process of gradually, over time, reducing the size of ones waistline. This is a process that needs to be done slowly to achieve realistic and safe waist reduction. In order to not harm yourself, or your corset, proper instruction from a waist-training expert is recommended. A corset should never be worn in any manner that causes discomfort or pain. "Tightlacing" or "tight-lacing" is the process of using a corset to achieve extreme waist reduction and modification of the shape of the torso. For tightlacing to be effective a corset must be worn 22-24 hours per day. It must be done with great care to reduce the risk of potential injury or harm to health. The potential for harm has been a source controversy over the ages. Consistent, gradual, moderate pressure is the only safe way to achieve the tiny waist that the tightlacer desires. Dramatic waist reduction, when done properly, can take many months and even years to achieve. A corset must never cause pain or discomfort. Before beginning waist training or tight-lacing program, please consult with a corseting expert and/or your doctor.

For More Tight-lacing and Waist training Information CLICK HERE

*Important Disclaimer* Although all of the corsets on our website are manufactured with strength and durability in mind, our corsets are primarily a fashion garment. Our corsets are not designed to be used as a medical or back support device without first consulting a medical professional. It *is* possible to injure oneself by wearing a badly fitted or incorrectly sized corset. We take no responsibility for misuse or extreme wear of any garment we sell, and we encourage you to submit correct and complete measurements at the time of purchase. All corsets must be "broken in" slowly, over time, in order to fit your particular figure. We are here to answer any questions prior to purchase. Please consult a doctor or medical professional before attempting any tight-lacing or waist training program, or before using any of our garments as a medical device or for back support.

For other questions or concerns please email us: support@versatilecorsets.com