A beginner's guide to OTR corsets: definitions, fit and 'waist trainers'.
Channel: The Gothic Two-Step
Date: 2016-03-09

WHAT THIS VIDEO IS:

A few answers to questions I get from people interested in corsets who have never worn them.
A guide to the different affordable off the rack shapes a beginner will find online, and how a well-fitting corset should look and feel.
An explanation of the difference between the modern 'waist trainers' made of elastic or latex, plastic boned bustiers/basques and real corsets.
A brief mention of what to look for if you intend to create a dramatic curvy waist, try tightlacing or begin corset training.

WHAT THIS VIDEO IS NOT:
A guide to tightlacing or waist training.  These are both thing generally best done by experienced corset wearers who have done a bit of research on the matter and know how to proceed safely.  Waist training in particular requires commitment, time, understanding of your body and patience.  If you want to find out more about advanced corset topic like these, here are some links:

Miranda Rights explaining waist training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEYeN...

Lucy Corsets on tightlacing, waist training and her opinions on OTR corsets.  This article was published a few years ago when the majority of off-the-rack styles available to beginners were of the 'curvy tube' variety and not useful for long wear or waist training, but it's still worth taking her advice into account. The new curvier styles are good for getting started and getting used to wearing corsets, but if you are considering long-term waist training then ultimately you should be looking into getting a custom fit for the full effect and maximum comfort: http://lucycorsetry.com/2013/10/13/wa...

A guide on everything you could ever possibly want to know, including health queries, eating, the changes waist training causes, shapes and more: http://www.mookychick.co.uk/indie-fas...

What Katie Did on 'modern' vs. 'vintage' figures and different shapes: http://www.whatkatiedid.com/en_gb/cor...

If you have any questions for me, drop me a comment!  Should I do another video on this subject?  Was this useful?  

CORSETS SHOWN:

Silver "curvy tube", suitable for up to a 4" reduction and less curvy figures: http://www.corset-story.com/reversibl...

Black "hip-spring", suitable for more dramatic reductions where your hips are at least 10" wider than your waist: http://restyle.pl/product-eng-1232-Bl...

Even if you don't have a curvy figure I recommend looking for corsets more like that wide hips version, with a notable curve from waist to hip. Always check the corset's measurements and enquire about sizing if you can - some 'curvy' styles will mushroom out from the hips too much (Orchard Corsets and Corset story, again, have had styles like this). A well-shaped corset will create a lovely hourglass shape, without requiring years of corset training to create one, by focussing the compression on the waist without being limited by your ribs and hips.