This is a compilation of questions we are frequently asked. If you don't see an answer to a question you have, please us.

1. Q.    If I want to lose weight, would I be wasting a lot of money on a garment that I may not fit into for long, or does the corset adjust down in size?

 A.    This is a good question. Here are your answers:

1. We ask you to update your horizontal measurements right before the corset is cut (they take from 1 to 6 months or more to produce without rush fees, due to the high demand and few qualified corset makers in the world.), so that your final corset is as nearly perfect as we can make it, and will provide you at least reasonable waist reduction for many years.
    

2. Eventually, your first corset may become comfortable as you get used to it, or even lose waistline inches, and then you can turn that corset into a maintenance or a sleep corset, or simply use it as a good, firm foundation that provides back support and control, even if there is no substantial waist reduction. At that point you might wish to order your next-sized down custom corset to continue training. You may even write us for permission to send yours back for us to consign and help you sell, or sell it on Ebay. In some circumstances, we can cut out about 1-1.5" in the waistline (from $75-100 expense for that service) and return it to you for many more years of wear.
    

3. When you update your measurements (we tell you when to do so), we together decide how much of a gap to make in the back.
    

4. Most people can easily lace down 1.5-3" and wear the corset for 4-8 hours rather easily. More will take time, as will properly seasoning the corset so you do not strain and damage the fabric and front busk. Thus, we decide how MUCH more we need of a gap to ensure that as you lose weight and learn to lace down more over time, there is still a gap to pull closed in back.
    

5. Remember. your goal in waist training should be to close the gap in back fully then wear the corset for hours and hours at a time--comfortably.  It is not impressive nor effective for permanent body reshaping or weight loss, to lace down quickly (in ten minutes for example) and wear it only for ten minutes then have to loosen or take off your corset.
   
   

6. If the gap is too wide (see photo right), the bones at the waistline in back could twist in the casings and bend outward, digging into your tender waistline in a very uncomfortable, even painful way and you will have to loosen or take off your corset.  The proper gap is a judgment call based upon the facts you provide your corset maker, and your corset makers long experience.
    

7. Even so, it is virtually impossible to tell, especially long distance, how "squishy" any particular individual may be, or how well or poorly she/he will take to corseting and waist restriction. That is a matter also, of genetics. For example, some people with a 45" waistline are very squishy and can easily lace down, and some are very firm and cannot lace down easily. You should tell us if you are squishy or firm at the waistline when you place your order.  Sometimes you and we exercise our best judgment about how much gap to put in the back, and you still find you can rather easily and quickly close down your first corset more than anticipated; sometimes it is the opposite. Personal traits and corseting reactions cannot be readily judged long distance. Even if we can see you personally and palpate your waistline muscles, sometimes we cannot accurate predict what will actually happen to your individual, flexible and malleable torso.
    

8. Please note. Producing corsets and waist training are not matters of hard science or easy prediction, but rather a melding of art, science, your genetics, corset-making and waist-training experience of your corset business advisor, and luck.

3. Q. I have a 30" snug natural waist. I was told by another corset business that I should order a "24" corset. I don't know what that means. Since I'm ordering your Sleep Corset, I would like a 24". Is there a problem with that?
   
   A.  We advertise the Sleep Corset as appropriate for a maximum waist reduction of 4" when the corset closes down in back, based on our field-testing of this style and quality compared to our high quality standards for ROMANTASY corsetry. Thus, your waist will reduce to 26" when you lace closed in back. You will need to decide if that is sufficient for your individual purposes, or if perhaps a fully custom, four layer, tight-lacing corset may better suit your needs.
   
   However, your question raises an important underlying issue that each corset client must understand if they decide to "go into" corseting and add to their corset wardrobe a variety of styles made by a variety of corsetieres over time. We do hope you come to ROMANTASY for all your corset orders because it is precisely our "education-first-then-sale-second" approach, plus an enormous range of real choices we offer for corsetry that will ensure that you invest wisely and well in the precise corset and size and waist reduction that fits your individual priorities and figure needs best. Education (both in words and images) first rather than last, will also help you develop realistic expectations regarding quality issues such as durability and comfort of that style, and fit issues on your individual body, not just apply a general rule or general expectation to all corset styles and all corsetieres, where such generalities will clearly not fit.
   
   If you feel you are a true corset enthusiast, intend to add corsets to your wardrobe over time, and desire to avoid wasting money on what might not work for you, then it is critical to understand that each corsetiere and corset expert has his or her own 'take' on corsetry in general, desirable amount of waist reduction when their specific style of corset closes in back compared to the quality they wish to represent, and what they know about your individual ability to tolerate and enjoy lacing down. Of course, you are not "required" to ever close a corset in back, however an exceedingly wide gap will not serve you well as the corset will then tend to torque and twist on the body. So most likely when any corset is seasoned, you will be looking for a 2-4" gap in back after lacing down to your level of comfort for the day.
   
   Without meeting you and without further detailed information about who your corsetiere was, plus the corset style and their specific constructions details, I cannot respond further but only tell you what we advertise and have field tested for our Sleep Corset in which you are interested.  In sum, what you "should order" depends on a lot of factors we have set forth for our clients to consider on our website here: 20 Questions.   At ROMANTASY we are always happy to discuss your further individual issues and concerns before you purchase your next corset from ROMANTASY!

3. Q. Why do you work with more than one corsetmaker, and how should I go about choosing among them?

A. To provide the best possible service to corset enthusiast clients, I decided in 1990 to organize my corset business around a team concept. Rather than learn to hone my personal corset-making and limited seamstress skills, I decided to purchase and wear many custom corsets to personally feel and see their differences, study, design, and embellish corsets, plus advise clients how to design their own corset to meet their individual needs, desires, and budget. I then searched the world, and continue to search in every possible location, for corsetmakers with a certain level of experience in making tight-lacing, high quality, well-fitting custom corsetry. Feel free to recommend anyone for our consideration to become a new team member!

Over time, we have worked with from four to ten or more, qualified corsetieres, each specializing in particular corset styles, fabrics, construction techniques, and particular strengths in terms of quality, waistline silhouette, and price points. Sometimes, our wonderful corsetmakers move on (please view BR Creations, and True Grace corsets). However, when you choose ROMANTASY for your corset, you may be assured that we will always have a team whose members can readily meet your individual needs, and we will not force you to accept one maker, or one style corset only.

As of 2006, ROMANTASY works with four team members: Sheri, Sue, Sharon, and Raven. We have additional corsetieres and seamstresses on staff to provide unique styles or other garments such as our Training Belts, the man's CorVest, and custom skirts, costumes, wedding gowns, posture collars, gloves, purses, and other fashion items to coordinate with your corset.

ROMANTASY also offers some private-label corsets, that are excellently and reasonably priced, but are readymade and not custom. You can review the ROMANTASY corsets by clicking here.

It is important to note, that in our many years in this specialty business, it has been incredibly difficult to finding qualified corsetieres for our team approach. Many claim to be corsetieres making tight-lacing corsets, but time and again I examine their work, or see how they relate to projects, clients, and deadlines, and they fall short of my expectations and strict quality standards. Our present team members are all excellent and meet my business standards.

The best way for you to determine whom you might wish to make your corset, is to first, review our below comments, and second, review each maker's pages. On that page, please find a photo of a client wearing her or his corset, one who is built like you, and observe how the corset makes the waistline and silhouette look, plus the technical features or each corset, and the cost mentioned at the bottom of each corsetiere's individual webpage. You will likely then be able to zero in on your next corsetmaker, and corset style. We are here to help you do just that and ensure that you are choosing wisely and investing well in a long-lasting corset.

Although it is difficult to explain each and every nuance and difference of one maker from another, or one style from another, the below-information should help:

All corsetmakers make tight-lacing quality corsets. All are extremely creative and will entertain requests for specialty patterning and embellishments, so please don't hesitate to ask. You may wish to review our initial comments on what might be the best style corset for you. 

4. Q. I've purchased corsets before and they squish out flesh over the top and under the bottom edges. How can a custom corset avoid that?
   
   A. Excellent question and common problem with store-bought or readymade corsets, or even with a custom corsets made from incorrect measurements. The simple answer is: Accurate measurements are the key to ensuring the best fit possible and avoiding this unsightly and uncomfortable problem. For example, if you measure horizontally around your rib cage and let the tape measure drop in back (below a lady's bra strap, for example), then the measurement may be too narrow for your actual rib cage and an underbust corset may be too tight at the top edge, causing flesh to possibly squish out. You should always have someone else measure you, because they can hold the tape up in the back to get a true rib cage measurements. Also, you should relax your shoulders and take the ribcage measurement three times, then average those three out to reach the best approximation.
   
   For the top edge of an overbust corset, only an interim "cotton muslin" fitting can ensure the very best fit. It is very difficult to fit the bosom without such a muslin fitting, and we simply will not provide that style without this step. Again you should rather generously measure and report the high bust (under the armpits), around the bosom in a bra, and then vertically up to as high as you can comfortably tolerate under your arms, in order to support the side of the bosom and not squish it out from over the bust cup of the corset. As another example, if you measure your pelvis horizontally but too high on your hip and not directly over the pelvic saddle hip bone, then you might measure too tightly and the bottom edge of the corset may be too tight. It then might pinch the hip skin and possibly cause numbness running down from the anterior femoral nerve, or squish out flesh from under the bottom edge of the corset. We sometimes recommend that full-figure clients consider investing in the interim cotton muslin (included by overbust styles but not for underbust styles) even for underbust corset styles, in order to double check how their flesh will move within the corset, and the precise lower edge shape they desire for best tummy control, before going to the final version.
    

5. Q. Does waist training last and how long does it take? I want to know what I am getting myself into. I don't want to have to wear a corset every day after reaching my goals.
   
   A. That depends. My waist-training coaching students seen on this page, and in my book on the topic, Corset Magic, have permanently lost weight and waistline inches:   Waist Training Workshop
    
   But does it last? No -- if you immediately stop training and pig out on Krispy Kremes. We all know that!  Yes --  if you corset about 2-3 days per week ("maintenance corseting") and maintain the moderate lifestyle changes proposed in my book.
   
   One entire chapter in my book is devoted to answering your question. More answers can be found in my former newsletters and on this page.
   
   If you read about and view students of my coaching program, you will see all that changes shown in weight and waistline-inch reduction happened to each in three months of about six-day-per-week of snug, long corset wear coupled with other moderately challenging program elements including proper nutrition and waist-specific exercises.  
   
   Waist training is not for those in a hurry or those who want immediate, easy results. For that, you should perhaps pursue (expensive and risky) liposuction and other cosmetic surgery. Even such quick fixes rarely work in the long run; I have plenty of liposuction patients come to me after liposuction for corset waist-training to create a noteworthy waistline and make lasting change.
   
   Liposuction seems only or best to flatten the lower belly but do little to sculpt out the side of the waistline. There is even some recent scientific evidence that by removing subcutaneous fat through lipo, this may accelerate growth of deeper layer visceral fat, the more dangerous level of fat that surrounds and may squeeze the organs such as heart and liver.
   
   In November 2007 we introduced "Sweet Dreams", a  fully custom corset by team member Jade, seen right. It is so comfortable from our test wearings that we feel it is perfect for maintenance corseting two to four days per week after formal waist training. Produced in a single layer of strong 100% cotton coutil with single outer bone casings and steel boning, and waist tape, it is a surprisingly excellent value at $150-170 depending on waist size (available in white, black, pink or ecru cotton coutil with black or white outer bone casings, your choice!). This nifty and cute corset is extremely light-weight and therefore suitable for wear as foundation under clothing or as a sleep corset. It is also suitable for post-lipo support and for mothers after childbirth to keep steady pressure on the torso as they train back to pre-childbirth weight. We wear ours out as a fashion garment as well, when we don't want the stiffer feeling of a custom corset with four layers and double steel boning.
    

6. Q. What is a "man's" corset?
   
   A. 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. What we note is that most "manly men" prefer the following options in their corset design: (1) a U-silhouette when seen face forward, underbust style (rather than a dramatic wasp or hourglass silhouette, or an overbust style), (2) more functional fabrics (such as cotton which is possibly hand-washable with proper approach and care) and neutral colors (such as black, ivory, or beige cotton), (3) a straighter top and bottom edge shape in both front and back (rather than points in the center front), and, sometimes (4) a shorter "cincher" style corset whose upper edge falls below the man's wide rib cage (rather than coming up fully on the chest or upper torso to where a lady's bra underwire would sit). We do not necessarily concur with some corsetmakers we know who advise men to order these shorter "cincher" style corsets, since they seem to permit a protruding rib cage to pop even more noticeably outward. However, if this is the image you desire when corseted, then by all means request the silhouette, shape, and height of custom corset that suits your individual needs and preferences.
   
   Transgender men (MTFs) usually, but not always of course, prefer quite the opposite to the typical "man's corset," that is, one or all of the following: the hourglass silhouette when seen face-forward, and possibly the straight-rib silhouette to bring in the upper rib cage and make is less noticeable, more elegant and glamorous fabrics and designs including lace ruffles and braid trims, full underbust Victorians (high hips on the side which maximizes the derriere, rather than the longline Edwardian which minimizes the derriere), and even overbust styles into which they can insert silicon enhancements as our moderately-endowed ladies do, too.
    

7. Q. I currently have a 28" waist, and would like to return to my pre-children size of 26".  I'm already at my pre-pregnancy weight, but I think my ribs have been pushed out, and I have that little pooch on my lower abdomen. How long do you think it would take if I only wore it during the day?
   
   A. This is a tough question to answer with precision. Conversion of the typical temporary 1-3" immediate and comfy waist reduction with a first corset, into permanent change, depends on several key factors, including: (1) your genetics, (2) your history with dieting and weight loss, (3) your motivation, and (4) your lifestyle and whether it permits you to adopt all six elements of our waist-training program that over 400 people interviewed, have confirmed has worked for them. You may visit our coaching program webpage located under our red "Waist Training" button, to view real life students who have achieved from 2 to 5" waistline reduction, and from 3 to 50 pounds of weight loss in only three months of six-days-per-week waist training. These students were obviously devoted to the process and motivated to follow through with our suggestions. The great majority of them also have kept off the weight, or only put back on 10% or less, a year to three or four after finishing the program. Obviously for them as for you, some basic lifestyle changes must continue to be implemented, and most likely some periods of "reminder" or "maintenance" corseting must occur to reinforce the healthy new habits our students learn from devoted, short-term waist training. We all know that reaching our goals, taking off our corsets, then pigging out on Krispy Kremes will work only to put that weight all right back on, and usually more weight than we had before!  See photos of our nifty "Sweet Dreams" sleep and maintenance corset and discussion about this inexpensive, high quality style in answer to question 4 above.
    

8. Q. I was wondering if training your waist at a young-ish age is easier than at an older age? I'm 16 (going on 17) and I've been looking into corset training for years.

   A. You have asked an important question, one that has an easy factual answer: Yes. Fashion historians say that there were at least two approaches to corseting the young during Victorian times. One approach put girls into structured unboned, or lightly-boned, bodices, then later, into boned corsets, starting at the age of eight or ten. The other approach did not corset the young lady until she reached mid- to late-teens. We can speculate that it was the latter group of girls who most complained and inveigled against corsets and tight-lacing, because their bones were more formed at that time and their bodies less accustomed to restriction, than were the younger corseted children. Also likely is that the younger group enjoyed much smaller waistline dimensions throughout their corseting practices. You have not asked *a much more crucial question* that must be addressed before you, or anyone, jumps into serious waist-training or remarkable waist reduction, even on a temporary basis. And that question is, "at my age of 16 is it HEALTHY for me to waist train?" If you-- like Romantasy-- value and believe that health comes first, then you will avoid serious waist training now, and only wear corsets with a 2-3" temporary reduction, and from time to time as fashion garments. The reason? Women's bones do not complete growth until age 20 and older! If you begin to restrict their growth now, you increase your risk of osteoporosis in your later years, something you may not appreciate now, but you will when you reach the post-menopause stage of your life. For the above reasons, we will not accept a student into our formal ROMANTASY Waist Training Coaching Program until she is at least 21 years old. On rare occasions, after an email or telephone exchange with a young caller, we will make a custom corset with a moderate waist reduction potential. However, we must be convinced that this client shares our priority of health first. We must also be convinced that she has common sense, and agrees to exercise it at all times when wearing a corset.

9. Q. When a skirt or dress is worn under a corset, should it have a waist band in the traditional sense, or should it be made to fit lower down on the top of the hip bone?
   
   A.  Either one, the latter being called a "dropped waist skirt." However, you must consider the nature of the waist band. Sometimes a "normal" waist band in a readymade skirt made to encircle your normal, unreduced waist size, will crinkle and gather as you lace a corset down on top of the skirt, since the skirt is made to fit your normal waist size, and not your reduced waist size. Sometimes gathered skirts or drawstrings at the top edge work far better because the size will reduce according to how far you lace down you corset. Pencil slim skirts never seem to work well with a corset, unless you are pencil thin with no tummy! A soft fabric A-line skirt will work well with a corset, and often any gathers as you lace down will not be that disruptive to your over all "look," however, crisper fabrics (heavy satins) don't work well with a corset, unless you have the waistline tailored down to your reduced waist size (at least 1" less than your normal waist). Some clients do tailor their skirts, if they corset a lot. I find that gathered skirts work best for me as do skirts and dresses made of lighter weight fabrics.
    

10. Q. How do I disguise my corset underneath my daytime clothing?
    
    A. 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.
    
    For example, you may wear one or two t-shirts, a slip, or a chemise/cami over the corset, pull control top pantyhose up over the bottom edge, wear your shirts or blouses looser, avoid spandex or tight lycra garments, and order a fully custom corset produced by an experienced, competent corsetmaker such as those on the ROMANTASY team, and made from at least eight separate measurements. Such a custom corset will contour around and snug up against your torso and be less noticeable under clothing (as opposed to one having poor technical construction or readymade to fit standard sizes that might pop out at the top or bottom edge, or buckle and wrinkle).
    
    Two clever French clients of ours carved foam rubber and attached it to a waist band to wear under their male business shirts to fill in the waistline gap created by lacing down and achieving an hourglass figure while corseting. Perhaps you can do the same.
    
    Another solution is to avoid daytime corset wear and rather corset and waist train while sleeping at night, but do not do so until your corset is well seasoned or you might permanently torque it to one side!
    
    Finally, if anyone sees or suspects you wear a corset, or happens to hug you or clap you on the back and feel the stiffness of it, just mention that you are wearing a back brace, that your back has been bothering you of late.
    
     

11. Q.    What condition is the skin in after wearing the corset for long periods of time tightly-laced?

A.    This is a complex question but we can suggest some answers. Basically, it depends. You will note wrinkling and possibly early on in routine corset-wearing, note some itching around your waist, especially after you remove the corset. That is normal. That is why we recommend you rub with your hand or a child's brush, the skin when you remove the corset. Watch for skin breakdown and do not use your nails to scratch. The skin could get red or bruised, so simply stop corseting and use common sense.

For lifestyle corseters, there can be serious skin breakdown (decubitus) that only stopping corseting will completely heal. It's far better to avoid these problems in the first place because after they occur, the skin becomes extra sensitive and thin. and you can get skin breakdown easier. Some use talc under the protector tube top, some don't like it. Cream after you corset, especially udder cream, has been recommended. Dry climates and hot water will irritate any skin itching and chafing.

12. Q.    What if any effect does the corset have on piercings that are under the corset? Do they become sore, or does the body reject them, etc.?

    A.    We have not heard of any such result. However, your piercing should be completely healed before corseting.
    

13. Q.    I was also wondering if the training belts are good to start with while waiting for my corset to be made?

A.    The answer is not simple and there are some caveats if you choose a belt for its quick delivery (in 2-4 weeks), or your budget constraints (about ½ to 1/4 the cost of a custom underbust corset). My BF wore a belt for two months every day about six hours per day, lost 23 pounds and 3 waistline inches, then converted to a corset. In two more months he lost 3.5" more and lost 11 more pounds.  Amazing.  However, the belt will tend to pooch out the lower belly, so wear it with a strong body briefer or girdle. I would need to know your snug waist measurements, then how wide you want your belt-- 2.25", 2.5", 2.75", or 3"? Which width you choose depends on your height and distance of lowest rib to pelvic bone, plus your tolerance for some discomfort during the seasoning process until your belt begins to bend at the top and bottom edge and thus, become more comfortable. We can help you make that decision if you send us that distance, and your height and weight.

Some like belts, some like corsets, it truly depends on the individual. I like both. I can breath easier in the belt but I go back and forth. One lady experienced a more gaseous tummy with a belt but not with a corset (more even torso pressure).

Whether you prefer a corset or belt with which to train depends entirely on your personal experience with each and your preferences. Further considerations include:  A corset (hourglass style) follows your normal body curves, while the wide belt presses awkwardly in a rigid fashion into the fleshy part of your torso between the lowest rib and pelvic bone.  I have many clients order both a belt and corset at the same time, then use the belt to train until their corset arrives. Afterwards they switch to the corset but alternate occasionally with a belt, which can be worn over a dress (it is a bit chunky but rather handsome even in plain black leather).

14. Q.    I only want to reduce my waistline by 1 ½". Is a corset for me?

    A.    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.

15. Q.    I work out and a lot of it strengthens my abs, therefore, will doing my regular workout hinder the effectiveness of the corset?

A.    Do you intend to corset and workout? It’s not impossible, but likely will dirty your corset far more frequently than normal. Depending on your workout, you may or will be developing muscles and toning others. You do not want to develop the six-pack abs (rectus abdominus muscle) but concentrate on toning the oblique side waistline muscles The pressure of regular corseting, plus better eating habits and diet, and oblique exercises, will serve to encourage reduction of the waistline. In addition, you will likely be losing fat first, unless you follow the inadvisable Atkins diet. Some lifestylers advise waist-trainers to cut out all exercise to intentionally weaken and eventually atrophy waist and back muscles. Frankly, that goes against common sense when it comes to overall health, and is possibly dangerous. Most people who wear corsets do not want to have to rely 24/7 on a corset when their back muscles atrophy without normal use and exercise.

16. Q.    Can you wear the corset to bed and sleep in it all night?

    A.    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.

17. Q.    In general how long will one corset last if you wear it 5-6 days a week for long periods of time?

    A.    The rule of thumb is: Wear a well-made custom corset in suitable fabric for waist-training, 24/7 at a 4" reduction and it will wear out in 1-1.5 yrs. Other than that general rule, it is impossible to say with certainty. The answer depends on the following factors, among others: (1) how well you take care of your corset; (2) how little or much you wash or dry clean it (wear it over our CorPro tube top to protect it from body oils); (3) whether you season it properly when you first receive it; (4) whether you rotate it with other corsets in your wardrobe, thus reducing stress on any given corset; (5) how much you lace down from your normal waistline and how long you wear it at that level; (6) whether you tie the ribbons in front (that rubs the fabric) or in back; (7) the nature and quality of the fabric both outer and lining; (8) whether the corset has waist tape or not; (9) whether the corset fabric is bonded, or the corset is interface; (10) the nature of the thread and the seaming used; (11) the number of bone casings (double, triple and quadruple bones laid side by side, or even one bone on top of another, will strengthen the corset); and other.

18. Q.    What is the difference between a department store belt and your waist-training belt?

A.    There is a great deal of difference. If you look carefully at the belt, you will see it is extra wide, from 2.25" to 3" wide custom. It is extra thick as well, made of very strong lattigo leather for sturdiness (two thicknesses), and nicely stitched four times. It has a roller buckle and five or six grommets and is larger in diameter than usual grommets in order for you to buckle it on more easily. It is not easy to put the belt on, once you start reducing 2" more from your snug waist size, the level where you should start waist training. You will need those larger grommets.

The training belt will withstand a lot of pounds of pressure at the waistline, likely to mount to 50-70 lbs. once you belt down 4" or more. Thus, it is completely unlike any commercially available belt you could possibly find in department stores. ROMANTASY designed this one specifically for waist training. It works extremely well for many clients.

A.    PVC is a plastic fabric that comes in all colors, including sometimes, amazing holographic. As far as I know, rubber and latex are the same material.  Both are made of rubber. Rubber is sometimes thicker for a corset, latex lighter. I've never trusted latex although I know one corsetmaker who swears her gluing technique makes latex stand up to tight-lacing. I cannot attest to that.  Mr. Garrod, for ROMANTASY, provided superlative rubber corsets which he both stitched and glued using thicker European rubber, but he never would guarantee a corset’s durability much past five years in any case.

Rubber/latex will eventually deteriorate. PVC can crack over time. My rubber and PVC corsets are doing fine; my two rubber corsets by Mr. Garrod are now 10 yrs old, but dulling. You shine a rubber or latex corset with Rubberall.

Sometimes PVC will crack at the waistline (where pressure is most) and show the stitch marks a little bit. Neither fabric is perfect for a tight-lacing long-lasting corset, but of course, almost any corset style can be made in these fabrics, if you are willing to accept the limitations and knowledge it won't last as long as a fabric corset, if you tight-lace.

A. It's easy to order.

21. Q. Don't corsets hurt?
    

A. Custom corsets don't hurt because the pattern is drafted to fit your individual body's hills and valleys; ready-made corsets may hurt since they are made from standardized patterns. Also, you can open up any corset at the back lacings to provide a more comfortable fit.

And, of course, you will go about this in a common-sense kind of way, that is, seasoning your corset slowly and gradually wearing it longer at a looser level before you lace tighter, in order to accustom your body to restriction and protect the integrity of your fine corset, right? We certainly hope so!

22. Q. How do ROMANTASY's corsets differ from others on the web?

A. They differ because we are a corset purveyor and designer who works with you to choose the precise style, design and corset maker to suit your individual needs, desires and budget: we have something for everyone and the widest variety of styles to offer on the web.  We also offer the world's finest tight-lacing waist-training corsets.
 
23. Q. I've found some of your styles on other websites. Why should I buy from you?
    
    
A. That particular style may not be the best style for you. Other corset makers and websites offer you limited style and option selections, price points, resulting body silhouettes once you corset, and only one or two basic construction techniques or fabrics. ROMANTASY has no particular interest in pushing you to purchase from one particular corset maker, or one particular style that does not suit the great majority your individual needs and which may not work best on your body or for your shape or figure issue. In addition, our owner Ann, is a corset expert: as of early 2007, she owns over 70 fully-custom corsets by her makers and by others around the world, and thus, knows her product intimately. In addition, she has worked with most of her corset makers on her team for at least six or more years, plus she has been in the specialized custom corset business since 1990, an amazing length and depth of experience she can bring to guide you properly.
24. Q. Does price really matter (see photo of corset made too large at bottom edge)?

A. Yes and no. If you buy the cheapest custom corset you can find, it may not be made up to standards in the profession if the maker is new and inexperienced. You may even receive misleading advice, such as one person who had been told by another business that she was ordering "custom," when all she was actually getting was a readymade corset based solely on her waist size which was the sole measurement that had been requested! More experienced makers as those at ROMANTASY have perfected their designs, fitting and construction techniques, and constructed at least 50 fully-custom corsets and more like 200 and more per style!, and for this expertise you will likely pay more--and rightly so! Also, ROMANTASY provides customer service and support AFTER your initial purchase--something many other corsetmakers will not provide. We help you maintain your corset over time at cost, by replacing bones or busks you may break, replace edging, and other. Please read this interesting viewpoint about price vs. quality.
 
25. Q. Why do custom corsets take so long to make (from two to eight months)?

A. Because they are so popular, because they are made custom or one-up, and because many makers are home businesses, not major manufacturers. One of ROMANTASY's famous corset makers working primarily alone, has 40-50 corsets in production at any one time.  You must learn to wait patiently for quality custom corsets.  We ran across a corsetmaker on the web in spring, 2007 who advertised that she was not even accepting orders until February of the following year!
 
26. Q. Do you have discrete mailing labels?

A. Yes. We respect your privacy above all; just tell us your mailing preference.
 
27. Q. Do you serve men?

A. With pleasure as with any serious customer. Over 60% of our business orders are placed by men. Therefore we know the special measurement and fit issues for the male body. However, ROMANTASY is not a place to merely discuss fantasy corseting or cross-dressing as our interest is in purveying quality corsetry.
 
28. Q. Should I come to be measured in person?

A. It depends. Ann has measured and read the measurements of over 7000 customers since starting the business in 1990. She can generally tell if you have made an error in your measurements and advise you to re-measure. This is especially true if you send digital (or snapshots) or your torso from a front, side, and back view. These are of course, confidential and used only to view your torso shape and if you have positioned the waistline ribbon in a correct position. If you come to San Francisco, you are welcome to make a private measuring appointment.  For overbust styles this is desirable; for underbust styles this is not necessary, but always enjoyable.
 
29. Q. What is the best style for me?
    
    
A. Without knowing more that is impossible to answer. Please read this page and get back to us with your answers.
30. Q. I've heard about waist training. Can I do it myself?
    
    
A. Yes and no. It is very important that you have a well-fitting sturdy underbust hourglass corset that is seasoned, and then attend to proper nutrition, diet, exercise and a gradual lacing down process in order to avoid damaging the corset or your body. It is best to be sure you understand the proper and moderate steps needed to "train" your waist down to a temporary or permanent waist reduction. You might consider enrolling in ROMANTASY's three-month Waist-Training Coaching Program, or purchase our unique 300 page book on waist-training, "Corset Magic: A Fun Guide to Trim Your Waist and Figure."
31. Q. What style corset do I need to waist train?

A. 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.
 
32. Q. Can I eat a normal meal while wearing a corset?

A.  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. Corseting encourages healthy eating habits including reducing fats, sugar, heavy protein, coffee and alcohol, because you might tend to get heartburn. It's also important to drink lots of water and choose cooked, high fiber foods if you routinely wear a corset. Our Corset Magic book contains lots of great nutritional information for those in serious corset waist-training.

33. Q.  I've been wearing my corset full-time for some months, and note that a bone has poked through the bottom edge in front. Can you repair it for me?  I also notice that the edges of the shoelace lacing cord has slightly frayed. What does this mean regarding quality?
    
    A.  I'm not too sure what you mean by "full time wear." The rule of thumb is, that a well-made corset as we provide, will wear out in about one year--if you wear it at a 4" reduction every day about 23 hrs per day. Most of our clients will not be doing that, of course. However, the more days you wear your corset, and the longer hours each day, the more stress will be placed on the garment, which is not indestructible.  In addition, the tighter you lace a corset and the longer hours you wear it, the more the bones will begin to push down and up inside each bone casing, since the fabric will tend to want to move or "bunch" a little bit toward the waistline. That is quite natural to expect, sooner or later, if you have been tight-lacing and/or seriously waist training for hours on hours and days and days on end.
    
    That one bone pushed out of one casing of your corset is not all that unusual for a well-made, custom corset, when you are wearing it every day for 6 to 12 hours of more, for months on end. From the rather severe or substantial bending of the bones at your waistline, we can see that you have well seasoned the corset by now and most likely are lacing down 3-4" or more, per day for long hours of wear.
    
    Please note that there is a judgment call to be made by every corsetmaker when they pattern and construct a corset, as to how long to make the bones. If they make them too long, they will soon poke out. If they make them too short, the bottom trim of the corset, even the bottom edge, will tend to turn up and wrinkle. Neither is a good result, however some compromise must be made. Your corset maker has many years in this business and has made hundreds and hundreds of corsets. We would put each Romantasy corsetiere up against anyone exercising this present-day art/trade, so you need not think that this indicates any professional inferiority, or unexpected or major problem.
    
    As for the silk brocade fabric you chose, we use it for about 50% of the corsets we produce made by any of our team members. It is very sturdy, although no one can say that a brocade or satin is more sturdy than cotton twill. Cotton twill is the best bar none, and that was used to line your corset. Some clients will choose cotton twill on both sides of a training corset if they know they are going to wear it every day for long hours at very tight levels. Other clients prefer the lovely look and feel, colors and patterns of silk.
    
    ROMANTASY never produces corsets in the lighter weight silk that is out there, that we've seen other corsets made of. We provide only the better quality silk that in our experience, stands up rather well to lacing and wear. However, no fabric is indestructible, except perhaps, Kevlar.
    
    One option for repair is for us to simply over-stitch the fabric at insignificant charge, and "remake" it to hold the bone in. This will likely secure the bones for quite a number of more months of wear, however, we cannot guess at that.  The other, more secure option available now or later if the bone pokes through again, is to remove trim, take out the two matching bones, find a pre-made shorter appropriate length, or even cut the bones down, tip them in plastic, reinsert then and resew on the trim. Inasmuch as there appears to be no damage to your bone casings that falls outside the professional quality standards in the corsetmaking field, there would be a reasonable charge for that. Kindly let us know your preference.
    
    As for the lacing cord, each maker chooses the kind of lacing she desires to use. One maker uses rolled satin cording, another delivers with 5/8" ribbon, and your maker uses a shoe lace. We stock yards of black and white shoe lace, and can sell you a length at $1 per yard plus $4 shipping (you need at least 1 yard per 3 grommets). We find that all three types of lacing are equally strong and except in rare cases, provide no problems.
    
    Since all ROMANTASY corsetieres use double-sided grommets that are smooth both front and back, I am at a loss to know why you are experiencing frayed cording. Are you tying off your lacing cord in front, rather than at the waistline in back as we recommend in our written instructions sent with your corset? Are you wearing rougher cotton-fiber over-clothing that might be rubbing your cording? Has one of the grommets come loose so that the rough edge might be rubbing against your cord? Without further information I cannot answer your question about your cord fraying  However, changing your cord to a new one (with lacing methods explored on our web page and in the instructions we sent you) is a simple, and inexpensive matter for sure. Over time and wear on all corsets, this may eventually have to be done, although personally I have never done it for other than aesthetic reasons!
    
    Thank you for writing and we hope our letter fully explains these matters to you. We await your reply and preferences.
     

34. Q. I have scoliosis with a 35 degree spine curvature. Could a corset help?
    
    A. Vertebral bracing used to be the medical treatment of choice for scoliosis, not surgery. Now we live in a want-it-now kind of society without patience to wear a corset brace for the long hours and years it takes to make change in a curved spine.
    
    If you  merely desire some back support and stabilization I would imagine a custom corset would work for you.  Certainly it fits better under clothing and is more comfy than a bulky medical corset: I know, as I wore a medical corset from time to time for back spasms; now I wear my lovely custom corset to prevent and to relieve spasms for a few days before going back to my physical therapy/exercise program to keep my back strong and healthy.
    
    Since I am not a doctor, I cannot truly answer your question. I do suggest strongly that you discuss your interest in corsetry with your physician. My guess is, wearing a corset in a moderate way would not hurt you and would stand some chance, maybe even a good chance, of helping.
    
    Please also realize that some physicians prefer to keep health-related information and supplies remotely "medical" inside the medical establishment. Furthermore, sometimes physicians don't have modern info on how well modern day corsetry fits and how comfortable it can feel, thus they may be prejudiced without basis against the custom fashion corset.
    
    I wish I had a definitive answer for you. The most I can say is if you decide on Romantasy as your preferred corsetiere, and we hope you do!, just know that since 1990 we have served several clients with scoliosis and a man with severe palsy. Know also that when you order, you must measure your body in two halves. Print our measurement form out and write at top of one: "from my eyes looking outward, right side" and "from my eyes looking outward left side."
    
    That way your chosen corsetiere will decide if she needs to pattern each side separately for you. Still, we cannot guarantee a corset won't torque a bit. You can always pull the corset in the opposite direction to straighten it up as best you can.
    
    In the end, it could be that only trying a corset will give you the facts that you need to decide if these will work for you or not. It will require some investment of funds to make that kind of real-life trial, but I would guess that you as have I, occasionally spent money on things that just don't work out, despite you having every confidence that they will.
    
    I don't want to discourage you as I truly believe these garments are magical and wonderful for everybody! I do however want to be cautious on your own behalf.
     

35. Q. You say that three torso measurements in particular are crucial ones to ensure a good fit on a custom corset. Can you assist me understand why and how to proceed?
    
    A. Those measurements are:  (1) sidefront of your body, waist to top edge of corset (number 7 on our measurement chart graphic), (2) center front of your body, waist to top edge of corset (not shown on our graphic), and (3) center front of your body, waist to bottom edge of corset (number 9 on our measurement chart graphic).
    
    First, as to the sidefront of your body, if you make this too high or tall, and since the corset naturally tends to rise a bit during hours of wear, the top edge of the corset may or will push up into your lower chest tissue on a man, or into bosom tissue on a lady. On men crossdressers, the top edge may or will push up into the bra and silicon inserts, and thus artificially elevate the bosom. This will force you to lean backwards when wearing the corset, or it will or might dig into flesh and possibly be uncomfortable. How much it will do all of the above depends a lot on the size of the bosom or chest, how long you wear the corset at one time, how new it is, and how tall the height is.
    
    If this measurement is perfect, the top corset edge vertically ends at, and the corset remains on, the vertical torso and does not go over a lady's bra underwire or a man's chest tissue swell.
    
    If this measurement is too low there is little negative effect for a lady, however for a man the chest musculature or ribs are typically larger than a lady's and both may tend to pop out and be exaggerated. Manly men may desire this effect, thus some corsetieres (not Romantasy) suggest that only shorter or waist cincher type corsets should be ordered. Crossdressers typically do not prefer a short corset, since it will tend to emphasize the "superman" manly rib shape, not tame the rib cage, and not push it in a bit creating the narrow torso shape more typical of a female.
    
    Second, as to the center front waist to top, this measurement is not shown on our graphic because usually clients defer to us for that. If they defer, our choice is typically one inch taller than measurement number 7. Why? Because 1" seems to us to be a measurement that most ladies, crossdressers and manly men want. It results in a gentle rise in the center of the corset, or a quasi-point. However, if this measurement exceeds more than 1" above the sidefront vertical number 7 measurement, a sharp point starts to appear, and emphasizes the breast shape more like a lady. Thus, a manly man might not want a sharp point or high rise center more than 1" above the number 7 measurement.
    
    Third, the center front waist to bottom of corset is challenging to get right. If too long, the bottom edge of your corset may push into your "privates" and make it difficult to sit! If too short then your tummy flesh may tend to squish out in an unsightly way. Our instructions request that you take this measurement several times both sitting and standing, and use a stiffer ruler (not flimsy tape measure) to push in the tummy the same way boning and front busk will do in a final corset, and then take the best average. There is no set rule as to what measurement is too long or too short, since how flesh moves is individual per client and difficult to predict with precision.
    
    Considering the above three measurements, and indeed all measurements requested for custom work, the best way to proceed is to actually try on a sample corset (especially made by your chosen ROMANTASY team member) and come up with final measurements in that manner, carefully reporting not only your natural body measurements, but also carefully observing and reporting measurements taken from what actually happens to your body.
    
    Barring your ability to personally try on a corset before ordering, following our measurement instructions to a "T" and sending us the confidential torso photos we request (we will get back to you with questions if we see anything amiss), will usually result in a well-fitting corset, even when ordered long-distance.
     

36. Q. As I lace my new corset on, the bottom edge in front kind of “pops” out away from my body. I wanted to know if this is normal during the breaking in period?
    
    A. Yes and no. There are at least four primary reasons that this issue might surface as you wear your corset. First, each corsetmaker (on our Romantasy team and out there on the web) chooses different strengths of fabric, interfacing and boning, and has different patterning and construction preferences that result in more of a straight-front corset (typical of the Edwardian corset in the early 1990s), or more of a curved-all-around-the-body shape (typical of the classic Victorian corset in the late 1800s). Second, the corset style chosen also results in different body curvature. Third, the tighter you lace, the more you move waistline flesh in, up and down. Thus over time if you don't lose weight, you will increase the flesh below your waistline as you lace tighter. Fourth, full-figure clients may note this issue sooner than slim figure clients.
    
    Specifically toning the transverse muscle (across the lower belly) will effectively address this issue. You might consider Chapter 8 from our Corset Magic book, our exercise chapter that addresses effective exercises to tone the transverse ($15).
    Seasoning your corset may also help reduce its initial stiffness as fabric eases and boning molds to your body. Also you will be able to draw the bottom back edge closer together over time, pulling the front busk inward and moving the tummy flesh inward as well.
    
    There are a few other tips we provide our clients on how to address this issue during the seasoning process, including wearing a body briefer to push the lower busk edge in closer to the body underneath clothing.