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Guide to corsets

Buying a Corset!

There are many fabulous reasons for buying and wearing a corset - they look and feel great, they give excellent support to the larger breasted women and push up those of us that are not!

The corset enhances the waistline to form a feminine silhouette to transgender and cross-dressing men with a minimum of fuss.

A corset can be worn for a special occasion or simply 'bedroom fun' or like most converts, incorporated into your everyday lifestyle. They can be used to train your waist, and they can be used as part of a fetish scene.

Many people feel more confident, sexier, more feminine, and most often incredibly sensual when wearing a corset. Thats why We only offer good quality, steel boned corsets made in the traditional way. . . Plastic bones are much cheaper but they have several major drawbacks; they bend much more easily than steel, they warp and stay warped, they do not provide the same sort of support, and they allow you to slouch in the corset which is both uncomfortable and bad for you. 

You won't find cheap imitations here.

What makes a quality corset?

Corsets are often mixed up with bustiers, which are simply tight fitting tops that may or may not have lacing. Corsets, if they are good quality, are firm, have steel bones, have lacing and they can be custom made to suit your personal measurements. Most corsets have a 'modesty panel' but can also be worn with out. This a segment of fabric to go behind the lacing so as not to show too much skin. 

Different corset designs

Corsets come in two main variations: over bust and under bust. As the names suggest the over bust style corset come up over the bust and supports the breasts, whereas the under bust is for waist and tummy definition. 

Under bust corsets are sometimes called waist cinchers, and come in two designs, the 'pointy' and the 'Waspie'. In the pointy style the front of the corset comes up to a point between the breasts, and down to a point in front of the hips and can also be front lacing. The 'Waspie' style is straight across at the front and at the back, and has the lacing at the back.

The over bust corsets have much more variety, and both styles are equally popular. Over bust corsets normally have three styles at the bust; the straight up and down style, in which the corset simply expands and the breasts are pushed up into the classic 'shelf' look; the molded bust style, in which the bust is completely covered and the corset molds around the breasts to give firmer, but more defined support and have the cup style, often seen in bridal wear.

Aside from these differences there are also many different designs based on the historical era from which the corset originated, such as Edwardian and Victorian, and other variations such as the well known Femme Fatale design.

What style of corset you chose is entirely up to you, and should be selected on the basis of the shape you want to create, and whether you want to have your bust inside or outside the corset. 

How to measure yourself for a corset?

These are general rules for choosing the correct corset size and are based mostly on your natural waist size. The actual corset size you select should be 2-6 inches smaller than your natural waist measurement, depending on how tight you want to lace the corset. 

If the corset has two lacing panels the recommended size is 3-6 inches smaller than your natural waist size. Corsets are also usually made to fit a particular cup size range, e.g. A-C, and you should make sure that the corset size is appropriate for your cup size. 

Most designers also recommend that you give them measurements such as hip (high and low), bust, back length, side length, and height when ordering a corset to ensure the correct size, however they also do custom corsets. 

How to wear a corset

Corsets are most comfortable when they are tight, but not so tight that you have difficulty breathing. It is important that when you first put the corset on you do not lace it too tightly, as the corset will warm to your body, and can then be tightened to a more comfortable position. This is particularly important for leather or PVC corsets, which expand as they get warm. 

A corset is supposed to make you sit up straight, and you will no doubt discover with your first wearing that slouching while wearing one is very uncomfortable.

Corsets are perfectly comfortable to eat in, but a full three course sit down meal will be difficult to eat. 

A corset should be laced so that it is supportive, and 'holds you in', but not so tightly that you are uncomfortable, and have difficulty taking large breaths or feel faint. 

Over time the corset will mould itself to the wearers figure and it may then be tightened further. We recommend that waist training is never undertaken without proper medical consultation as inappropriate reduction may lead to organ damage.

Why Buy a Corset from Pixxi?

There are many benefits to wearing an authentic, high-quality corset from Pixxi. Our corset collection is selected and made by designers such as Vollers and Axfords of England. Both are family-owned businesses that have been manufacturing corsets for over a century using traditional Victorian techniques and patterns. We are also proud to offer Velda Lauder designs, she has dressed celebraties including corsets for Vita Von Tease. Velda creates beautiful designs in unique & exquisite fabrics, that shape and sculpt the waist without oppressing a woman’s ribs or hips. Her bespoke corsetry is all hand made in their London studio using the most luxurious materials and finishings. We have a stunning range of passionatly designed leather collection to offer from peek-a-boo burlesque to the femme fatale.

There is no comparison between our products and the inexpensive lingerie corsets available elsewhere. Lingerie corsets are for appearances only, and do not confer the benefits of a genuine steel-boned corset. Some of the benefits of wearing an true corset are:

Hourglass Figure: A properly-fitted corset can give any woman (or man) a trim, feminine hourglass figure.

Sexy & Stylish: Corsets are back in vogue - worn by celebrities and models such as Dita von Teese, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Kidman not to mention many a budding young pin-up in the burlesque revival, renaissance, goth & fetish scenes.

Waist Training: With regular everyday wear, the waist will gradually conform to the shape of the corset. The practice of "tightlacing" can allow one to acheive the wasp-waisted look so popular during the Victorian era.

Posture & Support: Corset wearing promotes good posture, which can make you look taller and more confident, and provide firm lower back support.

How To Measure Yourself For a Corset

For best results, use a full-length mirror and/or have a partner help you. The measuring tape should be kept horizontal all around the body. Pull the tape taut, not too tight though! Take several measurements to ensure accuracy.

Waist - Measure at the slimmest part of the waist, just under the ribcage and a few inches above the belly button.

Hips - Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Bust - Measure at the fullest part of the bosom, without a bra.

Underbust - Measure at the torso about an inch under the breasts.

Corset Sizing

For waists under 34", choose a size 4 inches less than your natural waist measurement. For waists 36" and above, choose a size 6 inches less than your natural waist measurement. For odd-numbered measurements, round down to the nearest even number.

It is also prudent to check the hip, bust and underbust measurements for the style you are ordering. See our measuring guide page 

If you need assistance in ordering a corset, please don't hesitate to contact us. Include the corset style you're interested in ordering, as well as your measurements.

Ordering Your Corset

Browse through our collection and find a style that you like. Remember that most corsets are available in a wide variety of fabrics - not just the ones pictured. 

Custom & Made-to-Measure Corsets

We have dozens of corset styles available in many fabric choices, with standard sizes ranging from small to large and above, so there's something for everyone. But if you have a different style/fabric combination in mind, need a size larger than what's listed, or if you're looking for a made-to-measure corset that fits your curves perfectly, we can order a corset custom made to your specifications. If you're interested in a custom style or a made-to-measure corset, please contact us for a quote. Include the style you're interested in, the fabric and the size, please include your natural waist, hip, bust and underbust measurements.

Please fill in your details here.

How To Wear A Corset

It is recommended that you wear a tight-fitting, breathable garment under your corset, such as a camisole or corset liner. This will help keep perspiration and body oils away from the corset.

Do not overtighten your new corset the first few times you wear it. This may result in damage to the garment, as well as discomfort on the part of the wearer. The corset needs time to "break-in" and conform to your body.

Here's a step-by-step guide to putting on your new corset:

- Loosen the laces 6-8 inches, just enough to easily fasten the corset.

- Fasten the front busk, starting with the top clasp and work your way down.

- Adjust the corset to the proper position on your body, then pull the loops to tighten the corset.

- Starting at the top, tighten the lacing by pulling at the crossed laces and work your way down.

- Once the corset is comfortably tight, tie the loops together in a bow. Tuck the loose laces into the corset.

- When taking off your corset, be sure to loosen the laces before unfastening the busk to prevent damage to the clasps.

Corset Care

Corsets do not need regular cleaning. Simply lay your corset out flat to air it out between wearings. You can lightly spray a fabric freshener such as Febreze on the inside of the corset to eliminate odors.

Dry cleaning is recommended, especially for delicate fabrics such as silk and lace. Use a reputable dry cleaner that has experience in handling delicates such as lingerie and bridal gowns, and consider paying extra to have it cleaned by hand.

More durable fabrics such as satin may be gently handwashed in lukewarm water using Woolite or other mild detergent. Rinse in cold water. Squeeze gently and blot excess water with a towel. Hang in a well-ventilated area to dry.

Leather and PVC can be wiped down with a lightly damp cloth and treated with a leather conditioner or PVC polish. Avoid getting your corset wet and never put it in the washer, as the steel boning can rust.

Store your corset flat - do not roll it up. You can hang it by the laces over a clothes hanger or store it in a drawer, gently wrapped in tissue paper or fabric.

Finally . . . we wish you well, on your journey of discovery!

Pixxi xxx


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