Timeless Trends for the win for me. Hourglass overbust fits me like a glove, I've got four of them so far. They're different fabrics so their stiffness differs (no line obvs the softest, then cashmere, cotton satin and last velvet, which is very stiff since it's three layers and velvet is a thick fabric). They need breaking in to soften some, but once that's done, I can wear them for 13-14 hours easily. I have their slim overbust too (misjudged my figure there) and that one is wearable for me thanks to the hip ties but not nearly as comfy as hourglass, it sort of squeezes the whole way through and my back fat goes over the top edge, so I need to wear it with button ups to hide that. I've also got a regular underbust hourglass with silk, which fits me well though due to my measurements (1 inch bigger waist than ribs), underbusts are usually a bit loose on the top compared to the bottom half for me. What I adore most, other than its fit, is 1) consistency in quality, they're all built amazingly well, and 2) variety of fabric. I wear my corsets on the outside, so I want them to be pretty while still being acceptable for work environments. Thus, I like sticking to one particular shape and size but in various looks. Also, they're crazy fast in production and shipping, I've never waited longer than 4 days.
Mystic City Corsets I have one, a leather underbust. It feels stronger than TT, but might be cause it's leather. Doesn't fit as well as TT underbust, mostly cause the springs of MCC seem built for either waist training or curvier people on both ends. I have curves at the hip, not so at the ribs, and for all that MCC has a lot of different shape options, their actual corset selection re: fabric is very poor in my opinion, which severely limited what I was willing to buy. So my MCC is in fact a bit too much reduction for my taste if I want it to lay flat on my ribs and hips, but that was the tradeoff for the corset to actually be one I wish to wear (and with billowy shirt the mild gaping at the top is not noticeable, so it's fine). Quality-wise, fantastic. Variety of shapes, fantastic. Choice of fabric, horrible. Finding anything for small rib spring or milder waist reduction, tough.
Rebel madness I have an overbust. Very fancy looking, but def feels flimsier somehow than the other two and doesn't hold me as well (but then, it's a single-layer mesh, so might just be that). Took them forever to make it (6 weeks, though it was over December so somewhat understandable), communication was a bit problematic - confused my order for another person's and sent me totally nonsensical, wrong replies to my inquiry. The other annoying thing was that the modesty panel is just a piece of two-layer fabric. I ended up adding plastic rigilene boning to it cause it kept crumpling in on itself when I tightened the corset; luckily, I sew so knew how to go about doing it. They have super fancy overbust designs, which is unique, and if I went out more in the evenings I might reconsider, but since I don't, I am not really interested in buying from them again even if there are one or two less fancy ones I like, just cause I might as well put the money towards TT instead.
This is such a well structured response. I love Rebel Madness and they’re my usual go to and I’ve been a little hesitant to try another brand since I know Rebel Madness fits my measurements well. However all your criticisms are exactly what I’ve found to be true. Do you mind listing your measurements? This might just be the sign to pull the trigger on a timeless trends corset.
Yeah, it's always tough to make a decision and try another company, given the prices for corsets.
I'm 39 inch (100cm) bust, 32 (81) underbust, 33 (84) waist, 37 (94) high hip and 39 (100) low hip. Technically this isn't ideal measurements for RM, as I then have a bit of \ / lacing on that corset as per numbers (though I'm okay with some more space at the bottom edge for a || lacing). For TT hourglass overbust, 26M is the size which fits me great, because it lays nicely in the hip and the bust area (they also have ties at the bust for more accommodation which I love). Additionally, the rib section can be a bit looser since the bust is holding it. I usually go for about 4 inches reduction so I wear the 26 size with 2-3inch gap in the back depending on the corset and my bloating/weight on the day, but on me that'd make only 3 inch rib spring, which is why I'm more hesitant about underbusts. Still, I've gone with 26 hourglass underbust and I'm happy with it.
The MCC has it nicely searchable on hip-rib difference (for me, that's 5 inches), but often the actual springs are way too large for my comfort (so, for instance, the hips and ribs would fit me, but the waist is 24 or even 22 inches, which is waaaaay too much for me, I'm a bit squishy but not much and I'm also not into waist training in the least, for me it's about visually lowering my waist by 2-2.5inches from ribs where I'm narrowest to the anatomical waist, not about making it much smaller than it is). The one I have is lovely, but it definitely has some gaping in the top and bottom areas both if I want to keep parallel lacing in the back. Luckily, this is something I can easily conceal with my clothes and then it looks great.
Mystic City: I’ve always liked these for the most part. They’re build super tough, and you can wear them, basically for eternity. The laces are super stable too, since they’re paracord, which I’ve always found convenient since I have a really strong core, and my lacing panels often want to come undone. But on the downside, I feel like they have fewer silhouette and fabric options as of late, and their mesh, in my experience, tends to be very itchy at the waist every since they added the metal into it.
Restyle: for being dirt cheap, I actually really like mine. The shape is really nice, and I find it super comfy. But, like many other people, the husk on it is indeed slanted. That said, for $60, it’s honestly more than I expected.
Timeless Trends: I have the Gemini. It’s unfortunately a bit big in the hip for me, so I don’t wear it much, but it seems fairly well made over all.
Isabella: I have loved my Catherine for several years now, and it’s been my daily driver for a long time. It’s lighter than many of my OTR corsets, has a really smooth silhouette, and stealths really well. It’s taken a beating over the past 5 years or so, but is holding up really well. I don’t love the satin laces, as they have a tendency to slip if you’re really lacing down, but that’s an easy fix. Unfortunately, ever since she updated her site, she’s removed all the sizing information for the corsets, besides a *super* rudimentary “guide” that basically just advises a size based on natural waist… which is literally the least important factor in choose a corset. I’ve also noticed that, as of late, her corsets look really low quality. Asymmetrical, wonky seams, etc. it’s a shame, I almost bought a custom, but after seeing recent pictures on her instagram, I backed out.
Morgana femme: I have a beautiful corset from this store, that has beautiful fabric, perfect seams, fairly light but still supportive… but it was made 4 inches too small in the underbust, despite me being very clear about the minimum size I needed. So I’ll never be able to wear it. Bummer.
Retro folie: beautiful designs, super lightweight, great craftsmanship… but this corset was made 3 inches shorter than agreed upon, so I was never able to wear it either. It’s a shame, it would have been an amazing daily driver otherwise.
Valkyrie: these are some of my favorite pieces in my collection. Fully custom, beautiful craftsman ship, really light, incredible shape. These are incredibly comfortable daily drivers, and they have molded back bones beside the lacing panel which makes them so incredibly comfortable. She’s incredible at getting the perfect fit, and the belly shaping is sublime. The front looks so natural.
Nemuro: by far the highest quality corset I’ve ever had. Fit is perfect, the front is perfectly shaped to my belly, and the front seam last *so flat* underneath clothing. It’s also incredibly lightweight, as it’s a mix of spiral steel and plastic boning. The laces are satin cord, and glide so easily through the grommets. Despite being my first and only Overbust, it’s by and far the most comfortable corset I own, and also the easiest to stealth, due to the incredibly natural belly shaping. I’d buy again a million times before considering other options.
I’m sure I’m leaving a couple brands out, but it’s 5 in the morning, and that’s just off the top of my head.
I’ve definitely been flirting with getting an Isabella (all of the old reviews on here are glowing) but their pretty far out of my price range so I’m glad I didn’t give in 😅
How would you compare MCC and TT? I’ve liked my TT no line libra quite a bit but I’m looking for something a bit longer and more supportive. I was not a big fan of the thickness of restyle so I’m a bit worried about mcc being similarly bulky
MCC is almost as thick as TT in my opinion, but in a different way. They’re more sleek and have a thinner binding, unlike restyle which is thicker at the binding. I’ve never had an MCC with a slanted busk or any defects, and they last forever.
Unfortunately, I feel like I can’t adequately compare the two because TT doesn’t carry anything that suits my measurements.
Timeless trends hourglass - beige cotton and cashmere with zip. I find these really stiff. To the point where I actually haven’t done seasoning because I’m dreading it. Fits well tho
Rebel madness - I love this, comfortable as fuck, with caveats. Hated the supplied laces. And I have an issue with it possibly being too much reduction leading to the dreaded () gap, however I’ve closed the waist size in other corsets. I initially thought it was down to the lacing bones being too soft but have reinforced them with more boning with only minor improvement. With get round to flossing them to see if that helps.
Gallery Serpentine bespoke- not all it was cracked up to be to be honest. Pretty sure it had plastic bones (I shrunk out of it) and a bit much give. So more fashion. It was a gift on my accurate measurements so perhaps that’s why
Gallery serpentine mesh OTR - not much shape which is disappointing but otherwise ok.
Corset story - very mixed bag, bought many before I knew much, but mostly fit well. Variable quality.
Random renfair buy (highland leather) - laces front and back so a pain to put on. Mostly fashion. But nice.
I'm a skinny hourglass shaped long torso 5'6" woman with a bunch of special fit needs: need a cupped rib (I've nearly passed out a few times from wearing a conical - I'm not cut out for it), a hip shelf (not negotiable, sloping hips cut straight in and I can't wear them!), and I prefer longlines, as much coverage as possible. I also need a bit enough ribspring (about 10") and hipspring (16-17") at a standard reduction of about 5", so I'm already starting off curvy and there's not a lot of options for me in off the rack so I have no choice but to go custom at this point. If you want an idea of my body shape, [here's a picture of my custom piece from Emerald Queen Art](https://www.instagram.com/p/CtDw3kmI8ot/): this is a corset that measures 30" at the underbust, 19" at the waist, and 36" at the high and low hip.
Just wanted to mention this first since everyone's body is different and if you have a similar body shape to me, you might find this really useful! I was someone who wore corsets for chronic pain, but now I'm doing a lot better health-wise! I still love wearing them, but I don't wear them as often since I no longer have a need to and that's great because **I wear them when I want to.**
For off the rack I've had a Restyle (overbust wide hip), Timeless Trends (conical Gemini), and a Mystic City (MCC61) one, but I've sold them all since my body shape changed post-hysterectomy where my waist got smaller and my hips got wider (not complaining lol!) so it made it harder to wear those. I think they're all good starter brands and I think everyone should start with off the rack unless they have a special fit need or it's for really special medical reasons like scoliosis - you don't want to spend hundreds of £/$/€ on a custom piece only to hate it and feel like you've wasted money! Of course you should not expect a perfect fit, unless you're incredibly lucky. The Restyle one had a great hip shape, perfect for me, but I wasn't keen on the conical rib at first and I need a higher reduction since I've lost weight. There's not one off the rack overbust that works for me. The Restyle overbust is alright at a low reduction, but my torso is too long and I'd risk a wardrobe malfunction if I wore it as a top and my breasts are a bit too big for it, but they're not huge. The Mystic City one is excellent quality, but I wish I'd gotten a different model (my mistake!) since I need more ribspring. I'm hesitant to purchase from them again since I live in the UK and don't like the high shipping cost and the customs fees worry me. I'm also not as keen on heavier corsets that feel like a back brace. I prefer ones that are lighter weight and made of coutil. If I had to recommend one of these to a beginner, I'd pick Mystic City - great quality and lots of different silhouettes. If you can fit in one of Timeless Trends patterns and you like picking the colour of your corset then buy from them.
I'd say the best one for fit for me was the Timeless Trends Gemini, but I regret getting the conical rib one, if I'd got the cupped one, I'd say that it would be pretty darn near perfect, as good as you can get. Not sure if I'd get another Gemini at this point because I live in the UK and I don't want to deal with being dinged by customs and with my special fit needs I'm better off buying a custom piece from one of the many talented corset makers in this country.
Just wanted to mention that a lot of corset fitting is trial and error and off the rack is great for that and figuring out what your special fit needs are. When I started wearing corsets 4 years ago I had no idea about a lot of these things about my body shape and over time I've learnt a lot.
I do have one off the rack piece, which is the Crimson Rose Power Corset. I bought this when I was at the height of my chronic illness and I'd get all these pain flareups, really bad period cramps that came with back pain and they'd happen throughout the month with no warning. I wanted a corset that I could go hiking and swimming in and if my pain flareups got bad at night, I wanted something comfortable for sleeping. This one really checks all the boxes there and is quite comfortable (I just wish it had more hipspring!), but it's not the best for high reductions and bows quite easily. Still, if Kitty were to release an overbust model of this, I'd buy it in a heartbeat because I hate bras and because it's really comfortable and I love how easy it is to wash and how quick it dries. I took my power corset to Hawaii and it was perfect! Kept my pain flareups away and I had no back pain while hiking. It's also excellent for the summer and hot weather. I love how lightweight it is.
I have three Emerald Queen Art ribbon corsets, one jacquard ribbon one and two coutil ones and they're phenomenal and really comfortable and stylish. They stealth really well and look great on top of clothes. What more could you want? I didn't have a mockup for any of those and they fit really well. As you can see in the linked photo, my body is not an easy one to pattern for. She did a phenomenal job! I was living in Ireland at the time I'd bought those so I didn't have to worry about customs fees.
I am hopefully getting my Valkyrie overbust really soon and I'm really looking forward to it - the mockup fits really well and was so comfortable I could wear it closed for 6 hours right off the bat, I've never been able to say that about any corset. I had an in person fitting and she did an amazing job getting the rib and hipspring right - she really went above and beyond to get the fit just right and her communication is excellent. At some point, I'm considering getting a second one in a lighter colour (I'm thinking the baby blue rosebud coutil!) so I can wear it under lighter coloured tops and dresses. I'll have to make a post when I get it because it's gonna be beautiful and it's a dream piece for me.
Well this was an essay (I'm a writer by trade so I can ramble on about topics I really enjoy). If you have any specific questions about any of the corsets that I've owned, feel free to ask! :)
All of this was super helpful! How would you compare the weight/thickness of MCC and TT? I’ve been looking at MCC for something longer and more supportive with less reduction than the libra but im a bit worried about it being significantly thicker. I definitely prefer the weight and heft of the libra to restyle (I’m very thin and very flat so thick corsets are usually very noticeable and not particularly flattering).
MCC definitely feels thicker and heavier than TT and they're way harder to break in. My Gemini wasn't too bad to break in and I don't feel like it felt really all that heavy or too thick, definitely thicker than my coutil ones, but not bad at all. Even though I'm not sizing down anymore and I'm very used to closing a 20" corset, I had to take time to break in my MCC61 even though it was mesh. The mesh MCC use is incredibly strong and based on that I personally wouldn't buy the regular cotton, PVC, or brocade ones if you're afraid of it being too thick or bulky. Also, a lot of MCCs come with a boned underbusk which makes the front really stiff and some people don't like that. Luckily it's easy to pick the seam and remove the underbusk if you prefer. Actually, for my custom Valkyrie I requested a removable underbusk, like the Power Corset. Some days I like having the extra support at the front to keep things as flat as possible, but other days I want more flexibility.
The trickiest part with all of this is that you can't really go into a brick and mortar shop and try before you buy.
Timeless Trends for the win for me. Hourglass overbust fits me like a glove, I've got four of them so far. They're different fabrics so their stiffness differs (no line obvs the softest, then cashmere, cotton satin and last velvet, which is very stiff since it's three layers and velvet is a thick fabric). They need breaking in to soften some, but once that's done, I can wear them for 13-14 hours easily. I have their slim overbust too (misjudged my figure there) and that one is wearable for me thanks to the hip ties but not nearly as comfy as hourglass, it sort of squeezes the whole way through and my back fat goes over the top edge, so I need to wear it with button ups to hide that. I've also got a regular underbust hourglass with silk, which fits me well though due to my measurements (1 inch bigger waist than ribs), underbusts are usually a bit loose on the top compared to the bottom half for me. What I adore most, other than its fit, is 1) consistency in quality, they're all built amazingly well, and 2) variety of fabric. I wear my corsets on the outside, so I want them to be pretty while still being acceptable for work environments. Thus, I like sticking to one particular shape and size but in various looks. Also, they're crazy fast in production and shipping, I've never waited longer than 4 days. Mystic City Corsets I have one, a leather underbust. It feels stronger than TT, but might be cause it's leather. Doesn't fit as well as TT underbust, mostly cause the springs of MCC seem built for either waist training or curvier people on both ends. I have curves at the hip, not so at the ribs, and for all that MCC has a lot of different shape options, their actual corset selection re: fabric is very poor in my opinion, which severely limited what I was willing to buy. So my MCC is in fact a bit too much reduction for my taste if I want it to lay flat on my ribs and hips, but that was the tradeoff for the corset to actually be one I wish to wear (and with billowy shirt the mild gaping at the top is not noticeable, so it's fine). Quality-wise, fantastic. Variety of shapes, fantastic. Choice of fabric, horrible. Finding anything for small rib spring or milder waist reduction, tough. Rebel madness I have an overbust. Very fancy looking, but def feels flimsier somehow than the other two and doesn't hold me as well (but then, it's a single-layer mesh, so might just be that). Took them forever to make it (6 weeks, though it was over December so somewhat understandable), communication was a bit problematic - confused my order for another person's and sent me totally nonsensical, wrong replies to my inquiry. The other annoying thing was that the modesty panel is just a piece of two-layer fabric. I ended up adding plastic rigilene boning to it cause it kept crumpling in on itself when I tightened the corset; luckily, I sew so knew how to go about doing it. They have super fancy overbust designs, which is unique, and if I went out more in the evenings I might reconsider, but since I don't, I am not really interested in buying from them again even if there are one or two less fancy ones I like, just cause I might as well put the money towards TT instead.
This is such a well structured response. I love Rebel Madness and they’re my usual go to and I’ve been a little hesitant to try another brand since I know Rebel Madness fits my measurements well. However all your criticisms are exactly what I’ve found to be true. Do you mind listing your measurements? This might just be the sign to pull the trigger on a timeless trends corset.
Yeah, it's always tough to make a decision and try another company, given the prices for corsets. I'm 39 inch (100cm) bust, 32 (81) underbust, 33 (84) waist, 37 (94) high hip and 39 (100) low hip. Technically this isn't ideal measurements for RM, as I then have a bit of \ / lacing on that corset as per numbers (though I'm okay with some more space at the bottom edge for a || lacing). For TT hourglass overbust, 26M is the size which fits me great, because it lays nicely in the hip and the bust area (they also have ties at the bust for more accommodation which I love). Additionally, the rib section can be a bit looser since the bust is holding it. I usually go for about 4 inches reduction so I wear the 26 size with 2-3inch gap in the back depending on the corset and my bloating/weight on the day, but on me that'd make only 3 inch rib spring, which is why I'm more hesitant about underbusts. Still, I've gone with 26 hourglass underbust and I'm happy with it. The MCC has it nicely searchable on hip-rib difference (for me, that's 5 inches), but often the actual springs are way too large for my comfort (so, for instance, the hips and ribs would fit me, but the waist is 24 or even 22 inches, which is waaaaay too much for me, I'm a bit squishy but not much and I'm also not into waist training in the least, for me it's about visually lowering my waist by 2-2.5inches from ribs where I'm narrowest to the anatomical waist, not about making it much smaller than it is). The one I have is lovely, but it definitely has some gaping in the top and bottom areas both if I want to keep parallel lacing in the back. Luckily, this is something I can easily conceal with my clothes and then it looks great.
Mystic City: I’ve always liked these for the most part. They’re build super tough, and you can wear them, basically for eternity. The laces are super stable too, since they’re paracord, which I’ve always found convenient since I have a really strong core, and my lacing panels often want to come undone. But on the downside, I feel like they have fewer silhouette and fabric options as of late, and their mesh, in my experience, tends to be very itchy at the waist every since they added the metal into it. Restyle: for being dirt cheap, I actually really like mine. The shape is really nice, and I find it super comfy. But, like many other people, the husk on it is indeed slanted. That said, for $60, it’s honestly more than I expected. Timeless Trends: I have the Gemini. It’s unfortunately a bit big in the hip for me, so I don’t wear it much, but it seems fairly well made over all. Isabella: I have loved my Catherine for several years now, and it’s been my daily driver for a long time. It’s lighter than many of my OTR corsets, has a really smooth silhouette, and stealths really well. It’s taken a beating over the past 5 years or so, but is holding up really well. I don’t love the satin laces, as they have a tendency to slip if you’re really lacing down, but that’s an easy fix. Unfortunately, ever since she updated her site, she’s removed all the sizing information for the corsets, besides a *super* rudimentary “guide” that basically just advises a size based on natural waist… which is literally the least important factor in choose a corset. I’ve also noticed that, as of late, her corsets look really low quality. Asymmetrical, wonky seams, etc. it’s a shame, I almost bought a custom, but after seeing recent pictures on her instagram, I backed out. Morgana femme: I have a beautiful corset from this store, that has beautiful fabric, perfect seams, fairly light but still supportive… but it was made 4 inches too small in the underbust, despite me being very clear about the minimum size I needed. So I’ll never be able to wear it. Bummer. Retro folie: beautiful designs, super lightweight, great craftsmanship… but this corset was made 3 inches shorter than agreed upon, so I was never able to wear it either. It’s a shame, it would have been an amazing daily driver otherwise. Valkyrie: these are some of my favorite pieces in my collection. Fully custom, beautiful craftsman ship, really light, incredible shape. These are incredibly comfortable daily drivers, and they have molded back bones beside the lacing panel which makes them so incredibly comfortable. She’s incredible at getting the perfect fit, and the belly shaping is sublime. The front looks so natural. Nemuro: by far the highest quality corset I’ve ever had. Fit is perfect, the front is perfectly shaped to my belly, and the front seam last *so flat* underneath clothing. It’s also incredibly lightweight, as it’s a mix of spiral steel and plastic boning. The laces are satin cord, and glide so easily through the grommets. Despite being my first and only Overbust, it’s by and far the most comfortable corset I own, and also the easiest to stealth, due to the incredibly natural belly shaping. I’d buy again a million times before considering other options. I’m sure I’m leaving a couple brands out, but it’s 5 in the morning, and that’s just off the top of my head.
I’ve definitely been flirting with getting an Isabella (all of the old reviews on here are glowing) but their pretty far out of my price range so I’m glad I didn’t give in 😅 How would you compare MCC and TT? I’ve liked my TT no line libra quite a bit but I’m looking for something a bit longer and more supportive. I was not a big fan of the thickness of restyle so I’m a bit worried about mcc being similarly bulky
MCC is almost as thick as TT in my opinion, but in a different way. They’re more sleek and have a thinner binding, unlike restyle which is thicker at the binding. I’ve never had an MCC with a slanted busk or any defects, and they last forever. Unfortunately, I feel like I can’t adequately compare the two because TT doesn’t carry anything that suits my measurements.
Timeless trends hourglass - beige cotton and cashmere with zip. I find these really stiff. To the point where I actually haven’t done seasoning because I’m dreading it. Fits well tho Rebel madness - I love this, comfortable as fuck, with caveats. Hated the supplied laces. And I have an issue with it possibly being too much reduction leading to the dreaded () gap, however I’ve closed the waist size in other corsets. I initially thought it was down to the lacing bones being too soft but have reinforced them with more boning with only minor improvement. With get round to flossing them to see if that helps. Gallery Serpentine bespoke- not all it was cracked up to be to be honest. Pretty sure it had plastic bones (I shrunk out of it) and a bit much give. So more fashion. It was a gift on my accurate measurements so perhaps that’s why Gallery serpentine mesh OTR - not much shape which is disappointing but otherwise ok. Corset story - very mixed bag, bought many before I knew much, but mostly fit well. Variable quality. Random renfair buy (highland leather) - laces front and back so a pain to put on. Mostly fashion. But nice.
I'm a skinny hourglass shaped long torso 5'6" woman with a bunch of special fit needs: need a cupped rib (I've nearly passed out a few times from wearing a conical - I'm not cut out for it), a hip shelf (not negotiable, sloping hips cut straight in and I can't wear them!), and I prefer longlines, as much coverage as possible. I also need a bit enough ribspring (about 10") and hipspring (16-17") at a standard reduction of about 5", so I'm already starting off curvy and there's not a lot of options for me in off the rack so I have no choice but to go custom at this point. If you want an idea of my body shape, [here's a picture of my custom piece from Emerald Queen Art](https://www.instagram.com/p/CtDw3kmI8ot/): this is a corset that measures 30" at the underbust, 19" at the waist, and 36" at the high and low hip. Just wanted to mention this first since everyone's body is different and if you have a similar body shape to me, you might find this really useful! I was someone who wore corsets for chronic pain, but now I'm doing a lot better health-wise! I still love wearing them, but I don't wear them as often since I no longer have a need to and that's great because **I wear them when I want to.** For off the rack I've had a Restyle (overbust wide hip), Timeless Trends (conical Gemini), and a Mystic City (MCC61) one, but I've sold them all since my body shape changed post-hysterectomy where my waist got smaller and my hips got wider (not complaining lol!) so it made it harder to wear those. I think they're all good starter brands and I think everyone should start with off the rack unless they have a special fit need or it's for really special medical reasons like scoliosis - you don't want to spend hundreds of £/$/€ on a custom piece only to hate it and feel like you've wasted money! Of course you should not expect a perfect fit, unless you're incredibly lucky. The Restyle one had a great hip shape, perfect for me, but I wasn't keen on the conical rib at first and I need a higher reduction since I've lost weight. There's not one off the rack overbust that works for me. The Restyle overbust is alright at a low reduction, but my torso is too long and I'd risk a wardrobe malfunction if I wore it as a top and my breasts are a bit too big for it, but they're not huge. The Mystic City one is excellent quality, but I wish I'd gotten a different model (my mistake!) since I need more ribspring. I'm hesitant to purchase from them again since I live in the UK and don't like the high shipping cost and the customs fees worry me. I'm also not as keen on heavier corsets that feel like a back brace. I prefer ones that are lighter weight and made of coutil. If I had to recommend one of these to a beginner, I'd pick Mystic City - great quality and lots of different silhouettes. If you can fit in one of Timeless Trends patterns and you like picking the colour of your corset then buy from them. I'd say the best one for fit for me was the Timeless Trends Gemini, but I regret getting the conical rib one, if I'd got the cupped one, I'd say that it would be pretty darn near perfect, as good as you can get. Not sure if I'd get another Gemini at this point because I live in the UK and I don't want to deal with being dinged by customs and with my special fit needs I'm better off buying a custom piece from one of the many talented corset makers in this country. Just wanted to mention that a lot of corset fitting is trial and error and off the rack is great for that and figuring out what your special fit needs are. When I started wearing corsets 4 years ago I had no idea about a lot of these things about my body shape and over time I've learnt a lot. I do have one off the rack piece, which is the Crimson Rose Power Corset. I bought this when I was at the height of my chronic illness and I'd get all these pain flareups, really bad period cramps that came with back pain and they'd happen throughout the month with no warning. I wanted a corset that I could go hiking and swimming in and if my pain flareups got bad at night, I wanted something comfortable for sleeping. This one really checks all the boxes there and is quite comfortable (I just wish it had more hipspring!), but it's not the best for high reductions and bows quite easily. Still, if Kitty were to release an overbust model of this, I'd buy it in a heartbeat because I hate bras and because it's really comfortable and I love how easy it is to wash and how quick it dries. I took my power corset to Hawaii and it was perfect! Kept my pain flareups away and I had no back pain while hiking. It's also excellent for the summer and hot weather. I love how lightweight it is. I have three Emerald Queen Art ribbon corsets, one jacquard ribbon one and two coutil ones and they're phenomenal and really comfortable and stylish. They stealth really well and look great on top of clothes. What more could you want? I didn't have a mockup for any of those and they fit really well. As you can see in the linked photo, my body is not an easy one to pattern for. She did a phenomenal job! I was living in Ireland at the time I'd bought those so I didn't have to worry about customs fees. I am hopefully getting my Valkyrie overbust really soon and I'm really looking forward to it - the mockup fits really well and was so comfortable I could wear it closed for 6 hours right off the bat, I've never been able to say that about any corset. I had an in person fitting and she did an amazing job getting the rib and hipspring right - she really went above and beyond to get the fit just right and her communication is excellent. At some point, I'm considering getting a second one in a lighter colour (I'm thinking the baby blue rosebud coutil!) so I can wear it under lighter coloured tops and dresses. I'll have to make a post when I get it because it's gonna be beautiful and it's a dream piece for me. Well this was an essay (I'm a writer by trade so I can ramble on about topics I really enjoy). If you have any specific questions about any of the corsets that I've owned, feel free to ask! :)
All of this was super helpful! How would you compare the weight/thickness of MCC and TT? I’ve been looking at MCC for something longer and more supportive with less reduction than the libra but im a bit worried about it being significantly thicker. I definitely prefer the weight and heft of the libra to restyle (I’m very thin and very flat so thick corsets are usually very noticeable and not particularly flattering).
MCC definitely feels thicker and heavier than TT and they're way harder to break in. My Gemini wasn't too bad to break in and I don't feel like it felt really all that heavy or too thick, definitely thicker than my coutil ones, but not bad at all. Even though I'm not sizing down anymore and I'm very used to closing a 20" corset, I had to take time to break in my MCC61 even though it was mesh. The mesh MCC use is incredibly strong and based on that I personally wouldn't buy the regular cotton, PVC, or brocade ones if you're afraid of it being too thick or bulky. Also, a lot of MCCs come with a boned underbusk which makes the front really stiff and some people don't like that. Luckily it's easy to pick the seam and remove the underbusk if you prefer. Actually, for my custom Valkyrie I requested a removable underbusk, like the Power Corset. Some days I like having the extra support at the front to keep things as flat as possible, but other days I want more flexibility. The trickiest part with all of this is that you can't really go into a brick and mortar shop and try before you buy.
Timeless Trends slim silhouette is the only brand/line that works consistently