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Corset Comparison: CS-411 & CS-426 Underbust Corsets

Battle of the Corset Curve CS-411 vs CS-426 Hello OC Blog Readers! We have many customers asking us why we don't have a Level 3 standard length underbust corset. We have the VERY popular CS-426 longline corset (Level 3) and the CS-411 standard underbust corset (Level 2).  I have both corsets, and recently started wearing my black 411 again. When I laced it up, I thought "hmmm...this seems just as curvy to me as my 426." This set me out on a little experiment. CS-411 Gun Metal Gray Underbust Corset CS-426 Gun Metal Gray Longline Corset I grabbed two brand new corsets: a 426 in size 26 and an underbust 411 in a size 26. With the corset fully laced shut and the busk closed, I laid the 426 down on a table, then placed the 411 over the top, lining up the waists on both corsets. Then I pulled the hips out on both corsets....and as I suspected they had the SAME CURVE! I did this with the top edge as well and got the same result. Maroon CS-426 and Black CS-411 (Both size 22) Well, why, you ask, is the CS-411 UB a Level 2 and the CS-426 a Level 3? Simple, when we determine a corset's silhouette level, we measure the corset fully closed at the waist, bottom and top edges. The 426 is several inches longer than the 411. If the 411 continued on with it's rate of curve, it would measure out the same as the 426. (We may need to modify our revolutionary Silhouette Level system) CS-426 Black Longline and CS-411 Black Standard (both size 22) The 426 might give the appearance of a more severe curve, especially on a torso long enough to wear it, over the 411. But that's to be expected as it continues to curve lower on your hip and higher up your side and back-creating a more exaggerated look. The 411 is easier to wear around (for me) as I have more freedom of movement with the shorter corset (even though I have a long torso, and the 426 fits great). CS-411 Black Standard and CS-426 Black Longline (both size 22) Both corsets are double-steel boned, but the 411 UB contains 16 and the 426 has 22. The panels are longer in the 426, so additional boning is needed for stability and to maintain the shape of the corset. These are fabulous corsets and each provide great curves and support. The 426  is not only longer, but has a contoured underbust line that really accentuates your bustline. If you have really large breasts, you might not wish to do this. The 411 has a straighter bustline, which makes it easier for me to wear out over my clothes in public without looking too over-the-top (pun intended). I will continue to wear both, as they are quite comfortable and have really improved my posture at work on my computer. Just know that you are getting extreme curves with either corset!

Video Blog: How To Lace Yourself Into a Corset

Corset 101: How to Lace Yourself Into a Corset Video Tutorial FINALLY! We have finished shooting and editing this much anticipated video.  There is no real trick to lacing yourself into a corset, it just takes a little patience and a lot of practice. It is best if you have a full length mirror to make sure your modesty panel is in place and your lacing is even from top to bottom. Check it out then head on over to OrchardCorset.com for all of your corset and shapewear needs. Corset 101: How to Lace Yourself Video There is a doorknob trick that might help if you don't have as much shoulder flexibility. You hook one of the pull loops to a doorknob and pull the loop taut. Have the other pull loop in one hand, and with your more flexible arm begin working the laces at the "X's", walking away from the door as you do to pull the loop. Be sure and pull the loop you have in your hand as well. There is no one way to lace yourself into a corset. Try a few different things until you come up with a system that works best for you. CS-331 Denim Underbust Corset In this video, Danielle is lacing a sample fabric of our very popular CS-426 Underbust Corset. Let us know what you think about it so we can decide if we want to carry it. Cheri is wearing the CS-331 Denim Corset, which you can read all about in our Perfect First Time Corset Blog.

Corset Dictionary: Terms You Should Know

Corset Anatomy: Corset Terminology in Plain English Don't you hate when you reading about how to lace your corset, or how to put on your corset, or even how to take care of your corset-and you have no idea what they are talking about?! We have put together a quick dictionary with definitions and pictures to help you better understand the parts that make up your authentic steel boned corset. CS-411 Overbust Corset in Royal Blue Busk (Split Busk): Refers to the front center opening of the corset. It is comprised of two long flat steel bones. Spiral Steel Bones: Boning that moves in all directions to allow the corset wearer to move and twist. Spiral boning is found around the sides and over the bustline in most corsets. Flat Steel Bones: Boning that moves in just two directions, usually found in the front split busk and at the back lace closure of the corset. Shell Fabric (Exterior): This is the stunning (but strong) layer of fabric you see on the outside of the corset. Our corsets are generally crafted with high strength, high shine satin, high strength polyester or polybrocade fabric or premium lambskin leather. Grommets: The round metal holes the laces glide through at the back of the corset. At Orchard Corset, our grommets are set between two flat steel bones. Modesty Panel: Also called a lacing guard, this flap of material is usually 5-7 inches wide and attached to the back of corset. The modesty panel is usually fashioned from the same material as the corset and not only protects the wearer from lace burn, but creates a cleaner look as it covers the gap between the lacing bones for a seamless look. Some corsets (like most of ours) also include a small 1/4 inch modesty panel at the split front busk. Channels (Bone Casing): An extra strip of material sewn into the corset to create a pocket, or channel, to hold the steel bones in place. This not only keeps the bones from moving around, but reinforces the fabric for a more durable and long-wearing corset. Strength Layer (Lining): This is layer of cotton or other strong fabric to provide strength and durability to the corset. This can also be the lining of the corset (as it is with our corsets) or a middle layer between the exterior fabric and fashion liner. Waist Tape: A layer of material to provide additional strength and support at the waist of a corset, as there is more pull and strain on this section of the corset wear the corset is cinched with the pull loops. The waist tape can be seen between the layers of the corset, or exposed on the inside. Pins (Nobs): The steel "buttons" along the one side of the front busk that are inserted into the loops (hooks) on the other side of the split busk to fasten the corset. Loops (Hooks): The steel attachments on one side of the front busk designed to hold the pins (nobs) on the opposing side of the split busk to fasten the corset. Boning: In early corsets, the rigid structure was achieved  with actual boning, usually from whales. Modern corsets, like those at Orchard Corset, are constructed with spring steel bones, both spiral and flat. Be aware that lesser, flimsier fashion corsets are often made from plastic boning. Well, there you have it! We hope this has been helpful as you embark on your corseting journey. Shop OrchardCorset.com for the highest quality, service and value you will find anywhere.

Perfect First-Time Corset: Single Steel Boned Underbust

Sexy and Comfortable Single Steel-Boned Underbust Corsets Looking to try corseting for the first time? Not sure if waist-training, or even tight-lacing is your thing? Maybe you are looking for all-day back support to wear either over or under your clothing. Corsets are very "in fashion" right now, so perhaps you are looking for an eye-popping accessory to wow your friends.  Check out these amazing-and very comfortable-corsets from Orchard Corset - perfect for the novice corset wearer, but exceptional enough for the seasoned pro! Danielle in our CS-305 Black Leather Underbust Corset First up is our CS-305 Underbust Corset. This corset is available in both leather and satin. The leather is 100% premium lambskin and is available in 4 colors (black, brown, red and white). The satin is our high shine, high strength satin in your choice of jet black or burgundy. The CS-305 has a Silhouette Level 1 curve and contains 12 spiral and flat steel bones. It's is a standard length, measuring 10" at front busk, 10.5" at the back laces and 9.5" down the side. This corset weighs in at about 1.7 pounds (lighter than our double-steel boned corsets), but offers incredible support and shaping, with more comfort and freedom than the "stiffer" CS-411 or CS-426 models. Madeleine in our CS-305 Red Leather Although this corset is only a Silhouette Level 1, it does not diminish the curves you have. The single boning is more pliable than double-boned corsets and molds nicely to your shape. I am quite curvy and have no problem wearing this corset and still have my curves! It does not dramatically amplify your curves, but reinforces the curves you have. It is extremely comfortable and provides great support for your back and tummy. The leather corsets are really soft and supple and have that yummy leather smell! Here is one of MANY awesome reviews from our customers: Can't Go Wrong! Posted by mindy early from philadelphia  "I've tried a number of lingerie/corset sites, and so far Orchard Corset is the only place where I can trust that whatever I order will be high quality. This corset is easy to wear, produces a FANTASTIC shape and is the best I've ordered yet! I bought it to replace a pathetic "corset" that came with a Halloween costume I bought at another store, but the hourglass silhouette it creates is so stunning I'm planning a few daywear outfits so I can show it off the other 364 days of the year!" CS-331 Denim Corset w/ Front Buckles The same is true of our super fun CS-331 Denim Blue Underbust Corset with Front Buckles. This corset is nearly identical to the 305, except it is denim and does not have a split front busk (which makes this corset a bit trickier to get on, as you have to pull it over your head or hips). On the plus side, if you are inexperienced you don't have to worry about fastening those pesky pins and loops! The 331 measure 9.5 inches at the front, 9 inches on the side and 10.5 inches at the back. This corset is 100% cotton and great for summertime or with a pair of jeans. The 331also has a Level 1 silhouette, but with just a bit more hip flare than the 305 and is pliable enough to fit and flatter your curves. A sizing tip for both the CS-331 and CS-305, if you are a naturally curvy lady you might need to order one size up. I wear a 22 in the CS-426 and CS-411, but need a 24 in both of these Level 1 corsets. Don't believe? Well here is what a fan in Montana had to say: everyday every way Posted by ahbuddha7 from missoula,mt on 13th Dec 2012 "This is probably my favorite corset simply because it is so wearable and it dresses up and down. So many possibilities and the quality can't be beat!"

Corset 101: How to Select the Proper Lace Length

Corset Laces: Too long? Too short? Just Right! A Guide to Correct Lace Length Selection Welcome back to the OC Blog-where we strive to educate, enhance and entertain our readers! This time we are going to focus on laces. "But all your corsets come with laces," you say. This is true. However, many of our customers are looking to add some color or flair to their corsets. We offer super high strength paracord laces in 5 vibrant colors and double-sided high strength satin laces in 9 shimmering colors. The satin laces are not only beautiful, but are less bulky than traditional laces, making them ideal when wearing your corset under clothing. Black Satin Laces in Pink CS-411 Underbust Corset The hard part about ordering your new laces (besides agonizing over color choice) is knowing the correct length you need to work for your corset. Here are some guidelines: Standard Length Underbust Corsets: 6 yards Longline Underbust Corset: 7 yards Overbust Corsets: 8 yards If you like your laces really long, you can always order up a yard. The same is true if you don't want too much extra lace, but remember you need to be able to loosen your corset enough to safely fasten the loops and pins on the busk. It's worth noting that our plus size readers may want to order a longer lace as well because you are often able to really cinch down your corset. Some women with enough "fluff factor" can order a corset more than 6 inches below their natural waistline, but you will need additional length to loosen the corset enough to get the busk closed before lacing. Red Satin Laces / Red and Black Paracord Laces

Just For Fun: Interview with Lucy from Lucy's Corsetry

An Interview With an Icon My Chat with Lucy Last week we at Orchard Corset had the immense pleasure of hosting Lucy from Lucy's Corsetry here at our warehouse in Wenatchee, Washington. She is as gracious and lovely in person as she is in her videos. We learned a great deal during her visit, and afforded her a look into the world of the off-the-rack corsets-Orchard Corset style! Interview with Lucy Lucy had asked for an interview, which we were honored to do (that video will be posted soon), so we asked if we could interview her! No hard-hitting news here, but we did learn a few things about the beautiful and talented Miss Lucy (like why I, too, might want to become a Bishonen Rancher). Listen to Lucy as she describes what brought her to corseting, some benefits she discovered while at University, common questions she is asked, and of course: What is a bishonen rancher? Enjoy! Look for our next blog on lace lengths for your underbust and overbust corsets. Happy Corseting!