Bespoke Corset
Ordering Guide
Commissioning a bespoke corset.
Corsets have been my passion since I made my first one back in 2008, since 2011 I draft my own bespoke patterns. In those 15 years I worked with many different materials and learned multiple techniques besides traditional tailoring or dressmaking. I specialize myself in waist reducing corsets that shape the body in a classic late 1800 hourglass silhouette for all genders, yes corsets aren’t only for woman.
Corsets can be worn for any occasion
I create corsets for brides, grooms, extra support or a festive look.
Please note: I do not replicate existing original designs created by other artists.
Bespoke commission:
Bespoke corsetry is my heart and soul. Everyone has a different story, vision, and or reason for seeking a bespoke corset. From waist reducing corsets, bridal corsets, fashion corsets, performance corsets, to illusionary body transforming designs, bespoke corsetry is deeply personal.
The part I love most about bespoke corsetry is the first fitting, the moment when the clients face starts to glow. This is the moment when a client sees their vision taking shape for the very first time. The whole journey is filled with creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Commissioning a bespoke corset is more than simply ordering a garment, it is a journey with design & collaboration that makes a dream piece come to life. This is what most artists call “The Bespoke Pathway” that creates a piece that would last for generations. Below, you will find exactly what to expect when commissioning a bespoke corset.
What Is a Bespoke Corset?
A bespoke corset is a unique piece of garment that is designed exclusively for your body measurements and personal style. Unlike factory made or custom made-to-order corsets, a pattern for your bespoke corset is individually drafted from scratch to create an exceptional fit, maximum comfort, optimal support and a beautifully sculpted silhouette tailored specially for you.
Every detail is chosen on an individual basis, from the silhouette to the fabrics, trims and finishing touches. This is what makes each bespoke corset completely unique. No mater what style or occasion each handcrafted piece is made by using modern corsetry techniques, every step of the process is individually made to reflect your design vision. A bespoke corset is therefore an investment in craftsmanship artistry.
Created not only to look extraordinary, but to feel exceptional.
Using the best materials
Most corsets are made from fashion fabrics such as silk, have an inner layer of cotton coutil, a specialty fabric for corsetry which is strong and durable. I always use the best quality 100% cotton coutil from Europe where only a very few of the original coutil mills still survived.
Metal bones are held in place with cotton tape boning channels, or external boning channels made from a fashion fabric (these are not included in the basic price).
Corset laces are either flat tubular cotton, or strong double faced satin ribbon.
Bespoke corset commission walk-through
Realizing your design
Every bespoke corset commission begins with a conversations. When your design is reviewed & accepted I offer a complimentary 20–30 minute Zoom consultation to discuss your concept, inspiration, and vision in more detail. This first stage allows us to explore the possibilities together.
Following this, I will provide a estimate price. This will be broken down into three areas: labor costs, material costs, and any additional extras. Extras may include embellishments, specialist trims, or add-on accessories. Sometimes changes may be decided after the start of the commission, this may influence the end price.
Once the first deposit has been made, the real work begins. The design is refined and perfected, fabrics and final details will be confirmed at this stage.
Drafting your bespoke corset pattern
Once the design has been finalized, a bespoke corset pattern is drafted to your exact measurements and a corset mock-up is created for fitting.
The initial mock-up determines how many additional fittings may be required and can reveal factors such as asymmetry in the figure. A completely new bespoke corset design may require up to 5 fittings to perfect the shape and structure. However, in most cases, 1 to 2 fittings are ideal and suit most budgets.
Corset fitting
The corset fitting process is one of the most important stages in creating a bespoke corset. For this I make a mock-up, in the industry known as a "toile" (French). A corset mock-up is a corset made from your bespoke pattern in plain coutil. The mock-up can be written on, cut, patched, pinned - or any other process which may take place in a fitting.
Fittings can be carried out either in person or remotely, allowing clients from anywhere in the world to commission a custom corset. Zoom fittings are usually the most effective remote option, although fittings can also be completed using photographs when necessary.
Fitting the corset mock-up ensures that:
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The silhouette is perfectly suited to your body and personal style.
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Everything is supported correctly without uncomfortable compression or distortion.
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The corset is comfortable to wear and does not dig in or pinch
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A modern corset should feel supportive and secure, it should never restrict breathing or cause pain in the ribs, hips, or back.
How Many Fittings does a Bespoke Corset Need?
As a general guide:
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- Under bust corsets usually require just 1 fitting
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Bridal corsets and full bust corsets usually require 2–3 fittings
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AMAB/male corsets generally require a minimum of 1–2 fittings
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Corseted waistcoat fittings require around 3 fittings
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Reorder of a custom corset designs (where patterns already exist) require just 1 fitting
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At each fitting, I like to explore as many possibilities as possible. For example, I may bone each side of the corset differently so the client can compare the feel and silhouette of each method. This ensures that you have the widest possible range of choices while also allowing me to gather the information needed to perfect the final corset.
Construction time and pricing
I like to work within a 3-6 month window but this could take longer depending on the style of corset, your location, and if there are any figure anomalies that we must deal with, such as asymmetry.
Commissioning your first corset might feel intensive since the majority of the investment lies within the initial bespoke pattern drafting and fitting process, it's a personal and accurate job that requires patience and precision. Starting prices under bust corset: €800,- , Starting prices full bust corset: €1000,-
Creating the final corset
Once the final fitting is complete and the corset fits perfectly, the pattern is adjusted where necessary to create a permanent bespoke corset pattern.
The final corset is then constructed. Depending on the complexity of the garment, there may be multiple individual fabrics involved.
As the corset nears completion, there may be one final fitting to fine-tune the fit across the bust and shoulders. This final stage ensures your bespoke corset is as flawless, supportive, and beautifully fitted as possible before completion.
How far in advance should I order a bridal corset?
Most brides book with me around a year before their wedding because my schedule fills up well in advance.
I usually begin the actual fitting and construction process about 6 months before the wedding. From the first mock-up to the final fitting, the process typically spans around 4-5 months. I prefer not to start much earlier than that, since even unintentional weight changes can affect the final fit. The slimmer the bride, the more noticeable even a small amount of weight loss can be in the finished corset.
Future Corset's
One of the greatest advantages of commissioning a bespoke corset is that your personal pattern is retained on file for up to two years. Provided your body shape has not changed significantly during that time, additional corsets can be commissioned using the same pattern at a fraction of the original cost.
This means you are able to enjoy the fit and quality of a bespoke corset at something much closer to a ready-to-wear price. As the majority of the investment lies within the initial pattern drafting and fitting process.
subsequent commissions become considerably more affordable.