Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome the to Frequently Asked Questions Page. Below are brief answers to questions that I answer on a weekly basis. I will be adding to this page as time goes by. Be sure to check out the Articles page for further information about proper corsetry and tightlacing.Happy Lacing,
Amy Crowder
What is Tightlacing?
I've heard that corsets can be dangerous. What are the dangers?
Will I be able to have children after using corsets?
Is it true that your abdominal muscles become non-existent?
Are the affects of daily tightlacing permanent?
How long will it take to reach my goal?
What is the best way to start daily Tightlacing?
How small can I lace my waist?
Should I rotate my corsets daily?
My corset is tied, what do I do with the laces?
Do you have a printed catalog?
I have a great idea for a corset, can you a design it ?
How do I lace my corset by myself?
Can I wear tight jeans over my corset?
Are your corsets visible under daily clothing?
Will a corset reshape my ribs?
What is Tightlacing? In short, Tightlacing is the act of wearing a comfortably laced corset, 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week. Over time, the body will adapt to the shape, and become curvaceous.
True waist training requires at least 12 hours a day in a properly tailored corset made for tightlacing. Yes, it will reform your body, but like a diet it is only as permanent as long as you stick with it. These 12 hours must be when you are most active. Also, in order for your body to adapt properly to the corset's shape, you must eat, drink, and do your daily routine while comfortably laced. Simply wearing a corset at night during inactive periods is not going to make a figure curvier.
For example, if you start a weight-loss diet that allows you to loose 20 pounds, you will continue to keep off the weight as long as you stick the proper nutritional standards needed for your new physique. The same is true with a corset. Yes, some folks (depending on their physique) will loose 4-6 inches at the waist line. But this is only during daily wear of a corset and following a diet that is healthy for their Physique. The results of the waist training will only remain while they are wearing the corset. If they stop wearing the corset for a few days (after about 6-12 months of training) their waist will creep back to a slightly smaller size than what they started out with. The only permanency is the reshaping of the lower ribcage.
Tightlacing is not for those that are looking for a miracle cure (body wraps, electric pulse devices, unorthodox diets) for an unshapely body. Tightlacing will only work for you if you enjoy the feel of the hug of a properly tailored corset around your body. Yes it takes perseverance, but anything in life that is worthwhile is the same way. Most of my clients are like me, dedicated, daily tightlacers.
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I've heard that corsets can be dangerous. What are the dangers?
I cannot answer this questions with a simple yes or no. A corset that is poorly designed and/or laced too tightly can cause damage to the back, pinched nerves in the pelvis and legs, abdominal cramps, and so on. A corset that is properly designed (i.e. tailored to the individual) and laced in moderation is safe and in time will provide a shape that is lovely.I have been designing corsets since 1984, and tightlacing since 1991. The only problems that I have had is a very mild and temporary pinching of nerves in the right leg. This was due to a poorly designed corset on my part. That was over 10 years ago, and the problem disappeared in a week. Of course, my work as a Corsetiere has evolved greatly since then.
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Will I be able to have children after using corsets?
Yes. Once again, a poorly designed corset or overzealous lacing can damage the uterus. Lace in moderation and in good taste and you will not have any problems. The first signs of pregnancy should tell you to discontinue use of the corset. Ethel Granger had a 15" waist before she had a few children. To my knowledge, they were healthy and suffered not in the least by their mother's tightlacing.Top of Page
Is it true that your abdominal muscles become non-existent?
Untrue. Your stomach and back muscles do not disappear. They can loose their strength and bulk if one wears a corset 18-24 hours a day for over 9 months. But this level of tightlacing is very rare and only for those that truly love wearing a corset and want a very tiny waist. Typically, my clients wear their corsets about 12-14 hours a day, and have noticed little, if any reduction of strength in their abdominal and back muscles. Now, I wear a corset nearly 23 hours a day, and have noticed some loss in my back and stomach muscles. This does not make me appear or feel like a piece of cooked pasta when I am out of the corset. I can still very much hold myself up and carry on with activities without a corset. As a matter of fact, I rollerblade, mountain bike on steep trails, and hike without a corset. I have had no problems enjoying these activities since I started nearly-24-hour wear of corsets many years ago.Top of Page
What is the best way to start daily Tightlacing?
The best route to go if one is considering wearing a corset daily is:1) Read as much as you can about corsets. Stay away from fiction. Also, speak with those who tightlace. Chatrooms do not work well, as typically there are men posing as women or those living out fantasies online. Feel free to give me a call if you need help. I designed my first corset in 1984, and have been tightlacing daily since 1991.
2) Purchase a well-made long line bra and wear this with a girdle. Wear these types of foundations for a few days. Note the compression about the diaphragm and abdomen. Does if feel good? These garments will give you an idea if you would like the compression of a true corset. Please disregard the poor fit of these garments, as they are mass-produced and really don't fit anyone that well. The problems of fit is not found in a corset designed for daily wear.
3) If you enjoy the constriction of a corset, it might be time to purchase a custom tailored corset from a reputable corset designer who tightlaces.
4)Lace slowly with the corset and follow the directions that came with the corset.
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How small can I lace my waist?
That depends on the individual, the commitment to wearing a corset at least 12-14 hours a day, and their attitude towards corsets.If one is purchasing a corset with the idea they are going to loose weight, then they are making a bad decision. A corset will not automatically melt off weight. Yes, some people loose weight while tightlacing, but that is due to the fact that they are more aware of their body, and what they put in it. I myself, can, and have gained 10 pounds while still holding on to a 19" (over the corset) waist.
One can expect results from tightlacing the moment they cinch in the laces a few inches. As far as lasting results, well, that takes at least 8-18 months of serious, daily wear of the corset. As I said before, you must love wearing a corset to have achieve a super-curvy body. As far as rib displacement is concerned, that depends on the individual. As a general rule, the younger you are, the easier it is for your body to accept the tapered torso of my designs. Men have a little rougher time with the process as their ribs are not designed as flexible as a ladies. The rib displacement requires 8-18 months of daily tightlacing.
As far as how small one can go, well, go as far as your taste allows. Some take it very far with 17" waists and 39" hips. To me, its a bit far, but then again, I have had rude comments about me and my 37-19-38 (over corset) figure. Like you said, its about the curves and not the measurements. A close friend who tightlaces, has a figure proportionally like mine, she is just larger. She is just as curvy. I say don't worry about achieving a waist in the teens. Wear a corset to achieve a figure that you will enjoy and that is congruent to your lifestyle and personal tastes.
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Should I rotate my corsets daily?
There are some corset resellers that recommend purchasing two or more corsets at a time. That may be true for the corsets that they carry. The corset may not be up to the rigors of daily wear, so they insist that the corset be rotated so that the corset can rest. If it is a cheap corset, then yes, by all means rotate the garment.I don't find wearing a different corset each day necessary. This is partly due to the fact that I design corsets for daily wear. Also, I wear a Corset Liner between my body and my corset. That way, the corset stays fresh and free from body oils. Body oils will deteriorate the cotton in the lining fabric of your corset. A Wasp Creations corset can be washed by hand. If you plan to wear the corset for 12-16 hours daily, you can simply wash it in the evening (my corsets are hand washable and come with instructions) and dry them overnight in front of a fan. In the morning, the corset will be dry.
You may be surprised to know that most of my corsets are prototypes of different designs. I test these garments 23-24 hours a day for months on end. That way, I know that my corsets are up to the rigors of tightlacing. Of course, I change the undergarment everyday. I typically get about 8000-10,000 hours of 23 hour wear out of each garment before it needs repairs.
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My corset is tied, what do I do with the laces?
After the corset is at the desired snugness, simply tie the laces as you do for your shoes. A simple bow is sufficient and the laces used are very strong. After the bow is tied, simply gather up the excess and pull them down the center and tuck them under the bottom rim of the corset. The laces will stay out of the way and not bother you the rest of the day.Do not wrap the excess lace around the waist of the corset. This will destroy the corset and also give the wearer the look of a prostitute.
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I have a great idea for a corset, can you a design it ?
Take a peek at some of the more unorthodox corsets I have designed at the Special Requests Page.If you are looking for anything more exotic than what I offer at the site, we will have to discuss it by phone. Due to the fact that all my work is custom, any extra design work is paid in full by the client. I charge $35 an hour for design fees.
Over the years, I have received many long, detailed letters from corset enthusiasts that are looking for something special. I have spent many hours designing something very special that fits their needs/desires. Sometimes, when it comes to laying down an order for a special design that has been researched for hours, a person decides not to order anything. They just like writing and conversing abut corsets. Which is fine for them, but I am out of time, which I could be spending on those that actually commission my work.
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Catalog Request
Sorry, at this time, I do not have print catalogs. I hope to have a printable version available by the end of 2004.The website has the most up-to-date information concerning my designs. There are printable forms for measurements, and such. If you would like one of my designs, just print out the appropriate measurement guide and order form. Then send them in with payment. If you do not have access to a printer, I can send you the necessary forms.
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Are the affects of daily tightlacing permanent?
If one is serious about corset training then you will loose some bulk at the waist within the first 6 months of training. This is semi-permanent. If one can comfortably lace down to 25 over the corset, then the natural waist will be about 28". This will hold for several hours. This is after serious, daily wear of a corset at least 12-14 hours a day. One may also loose muscle mass in the stomach and back, so one may be a bit sore if they are out of the corset for long periods of time. This weakening of muscles takes many years of continued use of a corset to happen. However, this only happens when the corset is worn nearly 23 hours a day, seven days a week. It also is not permanent, and can retain their muscle tone after a few weeks of exercise.Top of Page
How long will it take to reach my goal?
I cannot give you a set amount of time on how long it will take you to reach your goal. The variables are: your commitment to wearing a corset daily, your age, weight, metabolism, and love of the corset.I get this question quite often and my best answer is not to worry about the time or even a waist measurement goal. Simply enjoy the corset and the curves that it will help you achieve. When I started tightlacing and designing corsets in 1984, I really didn't have a goal. I just liked the compression of the corset and the curves that it creates.
My philosophy concerning corsets is not about a tiny waist. Its about creating beautiful curves. If you want a super tiny waist, a 1" wide belt drawn in tightly will work the best as all excess flesh can move above and below the waist line. However, if you want a curvaceous figure, a proper corset will control the flesh and smooth out the transitions between the waist, hips, and chest.
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Are your corsets visible under daily clothing?
I strive to design corsets that are unnoticeable under daily clothing. Typically, if you can see your bra or paneled girdle under your dress, your corset is going to be visible.Top of Page
Can I wear tight jeans over my corset?
I personally have found problems wearing tight jeans with a corset. Even with a corset with a short hip length (like my Short Corset model), the corset adds a bit of bulk to the hip and rear. If the pants are so tight that they look almost painted on, then you may have to go up one size to wear the pants comfortably with the corset. Also, the smaller waist changes the geometry of your body. Thus, the crotch depth and hip length of the pants that fit well before tightlacing will not fit properly.Top of Page
Which corset style is right for me?
First, you can read the description for various styles of corsets offered at the site. Each description page goes into the specifics for that style.I have also made a page to help you determine what daily corset style is ideal for your body and needs. Here is a link to the Which style is right for me? page.
Will a corset reshape my ribs?
A properly designed corset will taper the lower floating ribs if it is worn religiously 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week. The time frame depends on the sex of the individual, age, and commitment to the stay lace. In my experience, the reshaping of the lower ribs are permanent unlike the reshaping of the more fleshy areas of the torso. An hourglass corset will not do this as it allow space for the lower ribs. My corsets tend to follow an inverted cone shape.For more information along with drawings, check out The Corset Silhouette Page.
The compression of the corset is not for everyone. There is a plastic surgeon on the west coast that removes the lower two sets of ribs. I would not recommend this as it leaves the kidneys exposed. The front, rigid ribs cannot be reduced without fracturing and resetting.