Brocade, Cotton, Leather and Satin Corsets: Do they fit differently?
What a Difference a Fabric Makes~
So many corset choices-why pick just one?
As I went to break in my new CS-411 red plaid underbust corset, it dawned on me how different it felt from my black satin 411-and not just because my satin is well seasoned. Danielle, our graphic designer and model, has had the same experience when breaking in the new brocades we are looking to carry. The heavy premium polyester used to make the brocades, pinstripes and plaids is a sturdier, stiffer fabric than the high strength shimmering satin we use in our satin corsets. The cotton we recently added is sturdier than the satin-but softer than the brocades. Cotton is great as a daily wear corset. And of course, nothing is a supple as our lambskin in our leather corsets!
It’s important to note that the break in, or seasoning, period required for corsets will differ from fabric to fabric. The polyester and cotton take more time and patience to properly season and fit to your body. I can have a satin corset well seasoned in about a week, but it usually takes two weeks for the cotton and even longer to really get that same feeling with a brocade (and leather can feel that way in a day or two!).
I think the polybrocades and plaids will always feel “stiffer” throughout the life the corset (but I will get back to you on that after I have worn them for over a year). It’s probably worth considering how you intend to use your corset when choosing a fabric. If you plan to wear your corset daily under your clothes, the cotton will endure longer than satin (however the satin eliminates any drag you might get under clothing). Let’s face it, if you are a daily corseter, you need to own several corsets and allow them to breath between wearings. Although all of our fabrics are durable and meant to last, none are meant last a lifetime of daily use. But I do think the “tougher” fabrics (leather, cotton and polyester) would hold up better against the wear and tear of daily corseting under clothing.
I have also found I can lace my leather and satin just a little bit more as the fabric is more forgiving. I am really looking forward to getting my red plaid fully seasoned and fitted like my black satin because I LOVE it! Of course now I have the (still prototype) tan cotton 411 that has become my new favorite corset. LOVE THE COTTON! Bottom line is all of them are strong and beautiful; the leather is exceptionally durable and pliable, satin is beautiful and pliable, and the cotton and polyester are exceptionally durable and beautiful!
Cheri Dudek
I have been with Orchard Corset since June of 2012 and what a journey it has been! I've gone from complete newbie to Marketing Director to Chief Operations Officer and I've learned more about corsets, corseting, shapewear, social media and myself than I would have ever thought possible. I have really enjoyed the journey and we at Orchard Corset are dedicated to providing a wealth of information for new and seasoned corseters alike.
34 Comments
Abi
Hello, I just wanted to know how much each type of fabric affected the outer measurements. So if I have a size 24 corset how will it measure on the outside with satin, cotton, leather, and brocade when fully closed?
Amy Lewis
Hi Abi, here’s a blog that should answer your question. https://orchardcorsetblog.com/2013/08/08/corset-101-video-blog-inner-vs-outer-corset-circumference/
Gaby
Hi Cheri, I am 5.3 and my ub: 34, waist: 32.5 hips: 40 … can I order a size 24 in leather for the 411 ?? And is 411 will be a good option for my body measurement? Thank you!!
Cheri Dudek
Hi Gaby,
Is the 40″ your full or your upper hip? If that is your upper hip, I think you may want to not drop below a 26 in the 411.
Mogbo Princess
Are corsets shipped and delivered to nigeria also? And what would be the cost of delivery if they are?
Cheri Dudek
If the order processes with a valid address it will (billing and shipping). Most of the item orders to Nigeria come from IP addresses in other countries and the order is then flagged as fraud.
Osiris
I have the cotton in both tan and black in the 426 and I love the cotton I wear them daily under my clothes …. I can’t wait to admire corsets to my collection 😉
Osiris
Add more to my collection
Nichole
Hello can you tell me if the cotton is harder to hide under clothes than the satin?
Cheri Dudek
I do not believe it is, Nichole.
Kari
I have the black cotton 426 and 411, and I think they are going to be special faves! I am going to be keeping a VERY close eye on your cottons! Thanks, much! BTW– WHO knew plain, black cotton could look sexy!
Cheri Dudek
So true..especially with some sexy satin laces 🙂
Pamela
Great post! I was wondering about this very subject. I totally LOVE my black cotton CS-411 and am tempted to try a CS-426, and I probably will later on. Mainly because if I find it won’t work for me sitting down, then I’d have to exchange it for another CS-411. I appreciate this blog so much and your youtube channel videos are awesome! Thanks for the info on fabric choices, this is a really informative post Cheri!
Cheri Dudek
Thank you Pamela!
MICHELE
I bought my first corset about 6 months ago. I now own 4 of them and about to put an order for my fifth one (426 black leather size 22). It would be fantastique if you could offer matte colored corsets to be worn on the outside – satin is beautiful but to dressy for daywear. I already own the black w/stripes that I love so much.
Merci beaucoup pour votre consideration.
Michele
Cheri Dudek
Hi Michelle,
The black cotton 426 will be available (hopefully this week) and the 411 soon after. We have tan cotton in the works after that!
Trudy
I would LOVE to see a plain black cotton 411! I would absolutely order one! The black satin is beautiful but sometimes a little too dressy for wearing on the outside with certain outfits and the black pinstripes or brocades are nice matte finishes but have patterns that don’t necessarily match certain outfits. Please make a maybe finish black 411!!!!
Cheri Dudek
Hi Trudy,
We are expecting our first black cotton corsets this week…just a small run in limited sizing, then the full range to follow shortly!
Trudy
Please sign me up or reserve one for me in a size 30! I will volunteer to be your guinea pig!!! 🙂
Trudy
I meant a matte black finish. Typos. Sorry. 🙂
Vixx
When when when do you plan on introducing cotton corsets? I’m looking to buy my first one and would LOVE a neutral toned cotton corset.
Cheri Dudek
Hi Vixx,
We are anxiously awaiting the completion of the prototype. As soon as we have that we will order in at least the 426 and 411 models. We hope soon!
Syd
I just wanted to say that adding a plain black cotton corset sounds like an excellent idea. I’ve been searching for a corset like that cut like your 411 satin style for a while now and havent been able to find anything. I’m confident this is something other consumers would like to purchase as well. A corset like that would be perfect for everyday use. I love the cut of the 411 satin but i’m afraid i’m not a bigfan of satin. The brocade 411 is beautiful but again, doesnt come in plain black so wouldnt work for every outfit.
Just wanted to give some input. Hope to see some new products in the future. And thank you for being one of the few providers out there for short length corsets for shorter torsoed gals like me! 🙂
Cheri Dudek
Thank you Syd! It is definitely in the works!
lorraine
Hi. I have a question. Is there a difference between the satin the poly and the leather when it comes to heat? On a hot day, would one of the materials make you hotter than the other?
Allison
Is there such a thing as a sturdy, waist-training corset that is good to wear on hot summer days?
Cheri Dudek
Allison,
Thank you for your question! A corset will definitely make you warmer. I think an all cotton corset would be best (we should have those available soon). You would need to wear a liner of sorts, preferably something that will wick away moisture to help keep the corset dry. Most of us have air conditioning when we are inside, and I imagine individual tolerances for heat vary. Some people will do just fine wearing a corset in the heat, and others would be miserable.
feawguitauita
That would be so great! I’ve been wondering that myself since where I live is already hot and I have to take my corset off later in the day because I can’t stand the heat.
No matter what any corset would probably be too uncomfortable for any hot weather but a lighter corset would definitely help. I sure hope that they consider making them.
Erin
I’d definitely purchase sturdy cotton corsets for under-clothes wear! I’ve yet to find a corset that I like under clothes. I’d be more likely to spring for a nude or neutral color over black though- something I could wear under everything and not just my dark clothes.
Mairin
I agree with Erin, a nice neutral color would be great. Personally I am for a nice pale pink or light beige since I have rather pale skin, but even a dark brown would go better under clothes than black.
Megan
I was thinking the same thing! So many tops now are thin and see-through. Here’s another vote for a light neutral color!
Voom Voo
Yes, I would definitely buy a black cotton corset for daily wear! in the 426 or 411.
Marie Ugorek
Yes! By all means, introduce a sturdy, neutral cotton for daily or near-daily wear. I am one of a number who react badly to most synthetics. A good duck or twill that has been pre-washed and pre-shrunk should work just fine. If you can find them, heavier silks are also very strong and soft, as are heavy linens, but they get a little pricey for daily wear.
Cheri Dudek
Thank you Marie!