We recommend that you do not buy a corset for the main reason that it be to alter your figure. The corset of course does shape your physique but one should primarily desire to wear a corset for the way the corset will enhance your figure.
The corset uniquely enhances the figure. The eye 'picks-up' on the increased 'hips to waist ratio'. A natural waist reduction attracts the attention of the onlooker. It monopolises their stares and holds them.....enviously captured!
The corset, the proper corset, is not a basque, corselette, waspie or cincher, nor is it just any old, ordinary piece of clothing which is discarded, as most fashion items are, after a season. The corset is an expensive, luxurious garment, the ultimate in femininity, and it is designed to enhance the figure by reducing the waist, flattening the tummy and improving posture. Its elegant, glamorous style will never go out of fashion and, if you treasure it, it will last you a lifetime.
Some people wear a corset beneath a dress or other clothes, out of sight. However, we, at Tout Ensemble, have made the corset the centrepiece of our outfits as we believe it is far too beautiful a ‘fashion icon‘ to be worn hidden away underneath clothing. We show the corset, therefore, as it should be seen - as the focal point. Some of our outfits include overbust corsets, others have an underbust style, while we also have several (overbust) corset dresses.
Tight Lacing Corsets
The corsets chosen by Tout Ensemble are tight-lacing corsets, designed for reducing the waist by 2-4” (or more - see below). They are made individually with the finest materials by highly-skilled corsetières within small long-established UK firms. All corsets have spiral steel boning which gives the hourglass shape, a front fastening with a steel busk, and full lacing at the back.
Bespoke Corsets
We also offer a range of bespoke (made-to-measure) tight lacing corsets which will reduce the waist by a minimum of 4”. Each corset is made using a comprehensive set of measurements so that your corset fits you exactly and gives you the ultimate experience in wearing a corset.
How to Put on and Wear a Corset
Being laced into a corset can be a wonderful sensation - like a tight embrace. No corset should ever be worn with discomfort - comfort is the key. We recommend that, at least initially, you have someone assist you in putting on your corset. A corset does restrict your movement to some extent so bear that in mind when deciding when and how to put on your other clothing or footwear.
We will enclose more detailed instructions with your corset but, briefly, your corset will arrive laced up at the back and the metal front clasps fastened. Undo the front fasteners and gently loosen the back laces so that it will fit around your body. Fasten the metal clasps first and then gently tighten the laces by pulling the loops from top and bottom towards the middle, and repeating as necessary. Tie the ends of the laces in a bow to finish.
We advise you to close (tighten) the corset gradually. Never try to fully close it straight away - partially tighten the laces and then allow the corset to ‘warm up’ on your body (20-30 minutes) before tightening again. (If your corset has a separate modesty panel, insert it beneath the laces before tightening up). It is a good idea at first, especially if you are new to corsets, to ‘break it in’ gradually by wearing it for short periods and having it more loosely closed - this is so that your body gets used to the corset and gives the corset time to mould to your body (particularly for less pliable materials like leather and suede).
Never wear it if you are feeling unwell or pregnant. If you have a known medical condition, check with your doctor first.
For First-Time Wearers
There are no reasons why you, as a first-time corset wearer, should feel excluded from purchasing any of our corsets. However, you may wish to consider trying an underbust corset as the first one. Also, corsets made from suede and leather are naturally less pliable and so take longer to mould to your shape, as well as being more expensive. Your body will take a little time to adjust to a corset so please be patient - wear your corset for short periods, e.g. at home, and only tighten the laces as far as it is comfortable. You will find that you can close the corset more each time you wear it and you can wear it for longer periods. Choosing your first corset can often be a difficult decision and we are here to help, so always feel free to contact us.
Looking after your Corset
Always give your corset time to ‘warm up’ when you wear it, by partially tightening it and waiting 20-30 minutes before tightening it up again. When a corset is new, especially if it is leather or suede, do not close it up fully on the first few times of wearing, and never over-tighten it as this may damage the corset. After wearing your corset, allow it to breathe before putting it away and never attempt to clean it without professional help.
Choosing the Correct Size (see also Sizing Information)
All standard corsets are based on the Victorian ‘hourglass’ shape - a 10” difference between waist and hip measurements - and obviously not everyone’s body conforms to this. Because of this, we ask you to give us your basic body measurements, i.e. bust, bra size, natural waist, hips and height, so that we can select the best size of corset for you and also to contact you if we think the corset you have ordered may not be the most suitable. In this case, you may want to consider a different corset or even a bespoke one.
Further help and advice
As a customer, we want you to be satisfied with any purchase. We are always happy to give advice and help as best we can, so do please contact us if you want to discuss anything or have any queries.