Considerations for the Male Tightlacer
Nothing becomes a man or boy so well as the erectness produced by wearing stays" -- REFORMER, in Family Doctor, December 21, 1889
I feel that men should have every right to wear a corset. In many people's minds, a corset is strictly for females. I don't feel this way. Many men that I know, including the ones that do not indulge in cross-dressing, enjoy the stiffness and constrictive powers of a corset. Many liken it to a suit of armor.Male Corsetry Construction Details
The construction of male corsets differs from ladies corsets in several ways. All corsets that we make are unique and cut to fit the individual. A proper corsetiere who cares about her clients well-being will take into account the differences in the abilities of each sex's bodies to conform to the corset.Now, as we all know, female and male bodies are different in many ways. One of the ways that we are different is that ladies tend to have a more tapered chest than a man's. A man's rib cage is stiffer than a women's. To add to this, as we get older, our bones get stiffer. It will be more difficult to adapt your to a extremely tapered corset, male or female.
All my corset designs primarily follow the Wasp Torso shape. That is, it has a more tapered effect and can be very restrictive to the lower ribs. Therefore, I allow more room for a man's rib cage than a woman's. For more information on corset torso shape, visit the Corset Silhouette page.
Recommended Corset Styles for the Male
For the male, I normally recommend the Short-hip Corset model. The main reason is that males typically have a short pelvic length when compared to females. The extra abdomen and hip length is not needed. Also, men need a little more room at the lower portion of the corset so that the front closure and stiff underbusk will not protrude down into the penis. This may not be a problem while standing. But when you sit down, the corset's stiff underbusk will shove itself right onto you like a guillotine. Maybe not like a guillotine, but you get the idea. The secret is to have the busk length long enough to control the stomach while short enough to not interfere with the penis. By measuring properly for a new corset, this problem will not happen.Traditionally, corsets are adjusted with rear laces. This can be difficult for those that have limited dexterity and cannot tie or adjust a knot behind their back. Thus, a Front Lacing Corset is an excellent choice.
Some men do enjoy the constriction on their private parts. For this, I recommend the Discipline corset. This corset has lacing at the front to constrict the lower abdomen and legs. This constriction is adjustable and can be as tight or loose as you desire. The choice is up you. Also, please note that the long length of the discipline corset makes it impossible to wear under trousers. Therefore, this style is not suitable to wear under clothing for most daily activities.
Corsetry for Male Cross dressers
Most men have square or flat hips. You want the most feminine look possible, this generally includes fuller hips. To achieve this look, wear clothing that is not tight or restrictive about the hips. As far as corsetry, I offer two models that are excellent for males or females with slight hips. These are the Short hip Corset and the Mid Hip Corset. These two types of corsets are designed to compress the tummy while allowing the hips to expand. This gives the wearer a more feminine appearance. Also, these types of corsets allow the most freedom and ease of wear for the occasional corset wearer as well as the dedicated tightlacer.Corsetry for Male Tightlacers
Tightlacing for males actually still exists in this day and age. I have several clients throughout the world that are dedicated tightlacers. I am honored that they choose to use my designs to reduce their waists.I recommend cotton/poly twill to be used in a corset made for daily tightlacing. Cotton/poly twill is a very durable fabric that can be washed by hand. This fabric is cooler to wear than the brocades, satins, silks or bengalines. This is because the weave of cotton/poly twill allows heat and moisture to leave the body.
If the tightlacer tends to wear light colored clothing, a color close to skin tone would be best. If however, the tightlacer wears dark colors, any color can be used for the corset.
Measuring for your corset
Gentlemen, you do not need to do anything special when measuring for a corset. Just follow the measurement guide instructions for each style of corset. Take honest measurements. Don't add or subtract an inch or two. By giving false measurements, the best features of a custom corset are negated. That is, a corset tailored exactly to the wearer's needs and figure. Also, by giving honest measurements, you will maximize your comfort. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a tight corset that has the wrong sizing.Male trousers tend to rest on the hipbone rather than higher up at the natural waist like in most ladies pants. If you feel at the side of your torso, you will notice a space between your lowest rib and the upper tip of your hip bone. this area is your waist. Generally, this is at the same level as your navel. Tie a string around here as this is the anchor point for many of the measurements that I will need.