Getting It Right - Suspender Belt Sizing

 

Suspender belt sizes can sometimes be a bit tricky to get right too. Partly this is because belts are made to fit in different places, some fit to your waist, some fit above your hips.

Always check photos of the belt being worn, and look carefully at the position on the model. Nine times out of ten that's where it should fit you too. When you've done that, if it's on the waist then measure your waist, if its on the top of your hips then measure your hips. Then determine what UK dress size the measurement corresponds to - note that they could be different! If you're in any doubt either send your measurements to us and ask what size you should purchase, or join us as a member and use our sizing tool.

Some suspender belts are more elasticated than others. The elasticity of both the garment itself and the straps attached is going to affect how it fits. These things will also affect how the belt does it's job, which after all is to hold up stockings!

The straps will need to be at different tensions depending on what stockings you wear with the belt. Many times when stockings slippage occurs, it's not the suspender belt, it's the stockings that are the problem - often they're the wrong size and the suspender straps have to be over-tightened or over-slackened to compensate.

We find it's helpful to know some of the mechanics! The suspender belt itself - regardless of where it's fitted to, waist or top of hips, should be tight. Not constricting tight, but you shouldn't be able to make it slip or twist without a bit of effort. This will give a stable platform for the job the belt has to do, which is to hold your stocking tops exactly where you want them. Don't assume that a loose belt will fall to the right place on your hips - it won't. There's also a temptation to think that the tension in the straps when attached to stockings will pull the belt down towards them so that it'll settle in the right place, but don't be tempted! Although there is some tension created in the straps by the stockings pulling downwards, it shouldn't be relied on to position the belt itself.

Finally, although the straps are elastic, they're not meant to be tensioned enough to pull the belt itself downwards. If the belt's in the right place, and the straps don't reach down to the stocking tops when fully extended then either the stockings are too small or the belt is, either way the combination won't work. Likewise if you have to adjust them to their shortest then either they're too long or the stockings too big and again, the combination won't work.

Finally, although the twanging of suspender straps is a prevalent male fantasy, don't overdo it! You're not meant to be on the edge of an elastic accident all day.

If you're in any doubt, Contact us and the staff at Joanna's Wardrobe will be more than happy to assist.

Getting It Right - Corset sizing, lacing and wearing in

 

Corset Sizing

Corsets are sized by a "corset waist size". To determine your corset waist size, measure around your natural waistline, quite firmly preferably in inches as our corsets are sized in inches. Take your waist measurement and deduct 3-4 inches to give you your corset size. If you would like us to help you with corset sizing or you would like any of our corsets made to your own specific measurements please contact us and we will be pleased to assist you.

First time wearers of corsets may find that getting one on is an experience in itself! Trust us, it gets easier!

Corset Lacing

All our corsets will be delivered already laced. However, if your corset isn't laced for some reason, the first thing that needs to be done is the corset will need to be loosely laced. Make a big "U" shape out of the lace and, starting at the top of the corset, thread each end of the lace through the metal eyelets in a criss-cross pattern until you reach the centre of the corset, then pull the lace on each side through creating two large loops, enough lace should be left in order to continue lacing to the bottom of the corset and tied off in a knot.

Putting on your corset

Start with the laces loosened off as much as possible and the fastenings at the front of the corset undone. Wrap the corset around your body with the laces at the back and position the front fasteners. Start at the top of the corset, and fasten all the metal clips to the bottom.

TIP! If at all possible get a friend to help at this point

This is the point where it all gets a bit tricky! Get your helper to gently pull on the laces until such point that the corset is loosely in place and the excess lace is drawn towards the centre two loops, remember the effect you are ultimately aiming to achieve is a to cinch the waist so therefore the corset lacing will be wider apart at the top and bottom compared to the waist.

TIP! Keep easing the modesty panel in place as it will ruck up as the lacing gets tighter

In order to get the desired effect, rearrange your breasts either by manipulating by hand or try raising your hands above your head to achieve that voluptuous effect. Continue tightening the corset lacing until you achieve that hourglass figure, then tie the laces in a bow in the centre of the corset.

Wearing in your Corset

 

Because of the way corsets are made, they are intended to mould to fit you before they are expected to work hard to give you that gorgeous cinched waist effect whilst keeping you comfortable. For the first few times of wearing your corset don't pull the lacing too tight, walk around in the corset for about ½ an hour to let your body get used to wearing it, then take it off allowing the corset to cool down and give your body a rest. Repeat this process a few times but each time tighten the corset a bit more - you will be surprised at how much more comfortable it will feel after a few wearings.

Tip! Remember to put your stockings and shoes on before getting into your corset as the ability to bend is restricted!

Just remember in these modern days a corset isn't supposed to cut off your blood supply, they only need to be done up to a reasonable tightness, unlike in the Victorian and Edwardian times when ladies would "train" their waist in a corset. Many a Victorian Tale involves swooning ladies, now you know why! The modern-day corset should feel comfortable and give you the feeling of being held and supported, but it shouldn't be unbearably tight. A corset will reduce your waist size and sculpt your body to appear slimmer, and your overall appearance will be curvier.

If you're in any doubt, Contact us and the staff at Joanna's Wardrobe will be more than happy to assist.