FAQ’s

“I want a custom corset, can you help?”

Absolutely!  As everything here is made to your measurements it might as well be in your choice of fabrics and trims! We do take on random design commissions as well, knee length discipline corsets, opera and burlesque costumes, or any other idea you can imagine!

            “How long will it take to complete my order?”

If you have a deadline in mind for your corset you should always contact us BEFORE you buy, otherwise we may not be able to complete it in time. Turnaround varies between styles, but from the point that we have all your information (this means when we have all your measurements, choices of fabric and trim etc. If you change your mind half way through this delays the process) it would often be about 4-6 weeks. This may sound like a long time, but you have to remember that a) A lot of work goes into a corset, there are items you have to order after work has started and wait for them to turn up, there is a pattern to create from scratch and as the corset is custom, we may need to reorder your choice of fabric from time to time. As well as this, we have a long waiting list, which does impact on the process. We all work very long hours to make sure you get your corset as quickly as possible, so please be patient!

*Designs like Tulipa, Datura, and Tahlulah all need mock-up checks before we start work, so these take longer than other designs, especially overseas         

Sorry- No can do! As much as I would like to say yes to all requests, my vintage machine does not cope well with plastic fabrics, and the finished product never looks as good as it can do. For this reason I reccomend seeing a maker who deals solely in leather if this is you want anything of this sort- they will have the necessary tools! Yes- I know leather isnt plastic based, but in the same way as PVC it requires a special foot that glides over a "sticky" sort of surface and these are not supplied for my machine- its also a very hardcore fabric that would murder my equipment if used regularly! Velvet comes under the "sticky" foot situation because of the deep pile, and also, its a very chunky fabric that adds too much bulk to my process of composition- the end result making you look larger than before your waist was reduced! Thats no

good is it!        

"Do you make versions of your feminine overbusts for gentlemen?"

We can, and will! We are quite used to dealing with all sorts of requests from both sexes and can usually accomodate most tastes and styles. Please dont be shy about admitting that you are a male with an interest in corsets- its not as uncommon as you'd think, and if we know who you are and what you want we can offer you better advice, tailored to your needs. For instance there are some styles of overbust that work better for men than women, and some practicalities that you may not have considered!

“I’ve never worn a corset before, will it be uncomfortable?”

Off the peg, or ready made corsets can be uncomfortable because they will not fit you properly! Our corsets will be made to your unique shape, so whilst they will take a bit of getting used to, they would not be uncomfortable to wear. In fact, a lot of people find the support to their back is so good that they don’t take them off!  As long as you are realistic about the amount of waist reduction you aim for and the measurements you provide are honest you should not experience problems.

“I live outside the UK, can I still buy?”

Of course! The only thing to bear in mind is that no-one here speaks any language apart from English, and having a corset made requires a fair amount of technical phrases, if this a problem for you then we may not be the best choice of maker for your corset. There is a higher rate of delivery for shipping overseas as it costs us more, and remember you may be charged customs duties!

“I have some fabric at home; can you make me a corset in this?”

Not a problem, we will need to see a sample before we confirm as not all fabrics are suitable for corsetry, but if the material is suitable then we can make you a lovely corset from it!

“What measurements do you need?”

If you are buying a Madame Dulcibelle corset then we will need your centre bust, cup size, underbust, mid ribs natural waist, waist reduction amount,  hip bone, full hip, length and distance between all these sizes, (eg, centrebust to underbust, underbust to mid ribs etc),

If you buying a Desert Orchid corset we will need your centre bust, cup size, natural waist, waist reduction amount, hips, length and distance from bust to waist, waist to hips etc.

Dont worry, we provide full instructions for this, and its not as hard as it sounds!

“Can I come for a personal fitting?”

Youre more than welcome to come for a fitting, we are based in Powys, Mid Wales, and its a great oppurtunity for you to go through all our fabrics before making your choices, you will need to book in advance, and at busy times there may be a delay before we can fit you in! We charge £20 for this service.

"What style is best for my shape? Can you advise?"

Of course- if you have a particular asset you wish to make the most of, or something you'd especially like to control or hide, let us know- there may be something just right for you!

"I have a back complaint- will a corset help support me?"

We have a number of clients who buy their corsets primarily for back support for an existing condition- As long as you have discussed this method of treatment with your doctor or specialist BEFORE buying, this is all well and good! Generally, doctors seem to agree that a properly fitting corset is helpful to conditions like scoliosis or poor posture, but if another medical complaint makes the corset an unsafe option for you its important that you are informed!

"Can I wash my corset?"

NOOOO!!!  Never wash your corset in a washing machine, or even handwash it- for small stains, spot clean with a damp (not wet) sponge, and to keep it fresh, air it overnight (over the back of a chair or similar) and use febreeze liberally! Dry cleaning can be used for more stubborn stains.

"What size corset should I order?"

If you are buying your first corset, the amount of waist reduction can be a big decision. The trick we usually reccomend is to measure your natural waist (nice squishy bit between ribs and hip bones, not where your jeans sit) then to cinch the tape measure as tightly as is comfortable, and note the difference between the two sizes- this should give you your initial reduction. After this first purchase it should become clear to you wether or not you wish to go smaller! A lot of manufacturers reccomend a 2-4" difference for your corset, but this just isnt appropriate for everyone- I have seen first time wearers take an 8" reduction comfortably, and some experienced wearers stick to 1" reduction all their lives- it just depends on your goals and comfort threshold.

"How long will it be before I need to buy a smaller corset when waist training?"

This is, again, a personal choice- if you take to the corset easily and are very comfortable with your first size, you may wish to get a smaller one immediately to show off your sleeker figure, but if you find it better for your lifestyle to slowly accustomise yourself to the pressure (which we reccomend wholeheartedly!) then it may be a year or more before you feel ready to commit yourself to a smaller size- just dont be rushed by others goals for you! its your body and you are the one who has to live with the consequences!

Its important to mention at this point what a commitment waist training is- do not go into it lightly, or with a gung-ho attitude! If performed responsibly with a clear idea of your limits training can be safe and give fabulous results! If you take things too fast to chase a result, then you could hurt yourself or damage your health. Naturally, if you are trying for a baby or suspect you may be pregnant, cease wearing your corset IMMEDIATELY. These things are not worth risking for vanity! *waggles finger at you*