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What is a Bespoke Corset?

Posted on by Rachel Barb
What is a Bespoke Corset?
27
Aug

Bespoke is not a word often used in women’s fashion.  For some reason, we’ve been trained to believe that if something doesn’t fit us off-the-rack, we’re somehow defective.  This wasn’t always the case, though.  Once upon a time, clothes were made for the person.  Of course, many women also had to make their own clothing.

Today, we walk into a store, sift through sizes, try on the one we think is right, realize it’s too small, and die a little inside.  Ugh.  Why do we let a number on a tag dictate our self-worth?  Men, on the other hand, can turn to the tailoring world for bespoke suits that are custom made to fit them perfectly.  How many women do you know who go to a tailor to have something made?  My guess is zero.  Most don’t even realize you can often get simple alterations like hemming done at your local dry cleaners.

And yet, there are certain garments that need to fit you like a glove.  While you’re going to pay a little extra for custom, it’s well worth it, especially when it comes to corsets.  A steel boned corset needs to hug you in all the right places if you want it to be comfortable and durable.  In other words, you’re going to get your money’s worth out of a bespoke corset thanks to use value.  What is a bespoke corset and how do you go about getting one?

Ready-to-Wear vs. Bespoke

Mass production has become the norm, so that most of us now believe we have to walk into a store, find a size, and make it work, even if it doesn’t fit quite right.  This is the world of ready-to-wear, or off-the-rack fashion.  We’ve come to believe that we simply can’t afford bespoke, or custom-made garments.

In truth, you needn’t splurge for your average tees, jeans, and casual wear.  These garments often feature some stretch to accommodate variations in size and you can always pay a few bucks at your dry cleaner to hem a really long pant leg or nip in a waistline half an inch.

Corsetry is different.  Although most off-the-rack corsets come in a wide variety of sizes, they’re still not right for everyone.  If you’re finding that ready-to-wear corsets won’t cut it, bespoke is the way to go.  You’ll get a garment that skims your curves and delivers the body-shaping benefits you prefer without any pinching, poking, or undue discomfort.

The Importance of Measuring

If you’re going to pay for custom-fit, you want to make sure it’s perfect, and this means taking precise measurements.  These generally include waist size, underbust, hips, and torso (from the underbust to the top of the thigh when seated).  If you’re looking for an overbust model, you’ll also need to provide your bust measurement and cup size.

That said, many corsetieres will ask for additional measurements to finely tune your garment to your body.  They will ask about your preferences for length and spring (the ratio between waist and hip).  You may have to go for fittings once mock-ups are created.  This gives your corsetmaker the opportunity to tweak and correct.

When you pay for a bespoke corset, you’re likely to shell out $250 to $500 in most cases.  However, you’re going to get the perfect fit you paid for, and the comfort and longevity you enjoy will prove to be worth every penny, especially when you wear a waist training corset all day, every day. [Also see: Corset Sizing Chart: Choosing the Right Size Waist Training Corset]

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