Corset? Bodice? Both?

[BluIDGypC]

Another newbie here with another newbie question!

I've been attending our NC faires for a couple of years now and am hoping this October to make my debut as a playtron. But I've got a couple of garb questions and I KNOW I can count on the expertise of you wenches here. I'm initially going for a generic peasant class...hope to eventually evolve into a Highlander (gotta work on that Scots accent). As a fluffy wench (38G) is a Crimson Gypsy bodice going to provide enough cinch and lift or should I plan on a corset as well? And if I do need both, how exactly does one go aboot making that work? I mean, the corset should go over the chemise, I would assume...but then won't it be visible between the laces on the bodice? Or am I just worrying too much?

Thanks for the help!

BluIDGypC

[Nevada]

what about a corset bodice? My Rogue had one custom made for me by Pendragon...
first your chemise..then the corset..then an overbodice that is laced wider in the front so you can show off the color of your corset.

[Ysobelle]

I'm a 38H, so I feel your pain. I'm also a corsetiere, so I feel some other Wenches' pains.

In my perfect world, you shouldn't have to wear more than one support garment. It just gets too hot, and should something happen-- overheating or the like-- and you need to get out of your gear quickly, the fewer layers the better. And should you need to get out of your gear at a more deliberate pace, well, there, too, the fewer garments the better. To an extent.

Anyway, there are many fine costumer wenches here on this very site. My site, MayFaire Moon, is in my .sig. Laura Dake does some really spiffy bodices-- she's Greycat Designs. There are others, too-- just check .sigs, and search the archives for "corset"!

We're everywhere, and we're here to help!

[Mistress Morigianna]

[quote="Ysobelle"]I'm a 38H, so I feel your pain. I'm also a corsetiere, so I feel some other Wenches' pains.

snip>

quote]

LOVE that line can i use it huh huh pleeze?

[Ysobelle]

LOVE that line can i use it huh huh pleeze?

By all means! Consider it a mammary gift.


Er...okay, perhaps not.

[lauradake]

Anyway, there are many fine costumer wenches here on this very site. My site, MayFaire Moon, is in my .sig. Laura Dake does some really spiffy bodices-- she's Greycat Designs. There are others, too-- just check .sigs, and search the archives for "corset"!

We're everywhere, and we're here to help!

Thanks Ysobelle! :)

We have a number of fluffy wenches in the NC Local 96 - I'd be willing to betcha that one of them will have something that will fit you well enough to try on - and see how it feels.

From there, you can figure out the style that is most comfortable for you - and from THERE, there are a number of very good seamstresses (myself and Ysobelle, to name a few! *grin*) who will make sure your girls stay exactly where they need to. :)

[Jeannie Fitzgerald]

If you want to be strictly period, peasants wouldn't have worn corsets under their bodices. However, if one is well endowed and/or are trying for serious push up and/or waist cinching, expecting a bodice, even if very well built, to do the job alone puts a lot of wear and tear on it. A corset under the bodice takes the strain off the bodice enabling it to last longer. The bodice wouldn't have to be as sturdily constructed which would make it less expensive; desirable if you want more than one bodice. The drawback to a corset under a bodice is it is another layer of clothing to warm you up more on a warm or hot day. One has to judge if they prefer comfort over durability or vice versa.

My suggestion is since you are a beginner, make or buy a very well constructed bodice at first. It will last more than long enough to give you time to decide if you want to go the corset route later.

[Lady Sarah]

The only thing I can add is my own trial and error with the bodice department.

Jeannie is right. If you're as fluffy as a good deal of us wenchlies here, then expecting a normally constructed bodice to do the work of a corset isn't going to be a pretty sight. If that's the road you take, wear a good fitting bra underneath for that additional support.

I know, I had to do just that after a while when I first started out. I graduated to a corset last year and have been really happy... *been* is the operative word. My only problem with my two corsets is that they aren't truly custom tailored for me. The ribbon waist support is about two/three inches too high and instead of hitting my waist, it hits my lower ribs. After about eight hours, it gets *really* uncomfortable and feels like I've got a belt cutting off my lungs. That's why when you see me wearing a corset, I don't move a great deal. Unfortunately, in my position with the Clan I have to move quite a lot.

good luck with your bodice hunt! I know that you'll find the right support!

[BluIDGypC]

Ladies, THANK YOU! I KNEW I was in the right place for such a question...so many great ideas and suggestions!!!!!!!

Thanks again!!!!!