I've just bought a couple of corsets too. I've had them now for a couple of weeks. I found it takes some practice to put it on and lacing it yourself but I'm getting better at it! It still takes me about a 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour to fully lace it to where I want it. I tighten it until I feel some pressure but not too much, I wait 5-10 minutes then tighten some more I repeat this a couple of times more.
Never tighten it to the point where you have trouble breathing, never tighten it all at once, let your body get used to the compression.
I have to tell you I just love the way it feels on me and how it defines the shape. 
rule of thumb: have your corset fitted, they are expensive!( 300 to a thousnd) If you buy one off the rack ( which is ok too, to start) buy it 4" smaller than your natural waist line. Some of these you can get for $300 or less.

Right now all I can tighten mine is about 2 1/2 -3" and still be comfortable.   I wear it for about 6 hours. That's all I can  take for now.  That's why they call it training.There's lots of info on the net about this. I did alout of reading about waist traing/ tightlacing before I bought mine.
There are a couple of good videos on "You Tube" about how to lace and tie the corset by yourself. Just enter "corsets", " lacing corsets" or "tight lacing". They all work to bring up those videos.
 

I'd like to maybe get into tight-lacing. The issue I have is, with an already pretty small waist (25 inch), if I do it with the intent of reducing waist by 4 inches, I doubt much of my clothes would fit anymore, or much of the clothes sold in shops, for that matter (unless I go and buy size 8-10 girl clothes, which would be too short for my 5'6" height).

Not like I have the money for a tight-lacing corset right now, but I'm looking into eventually having said money.

Quote from: Schala on March 09, 2008, 12:36:40 PM
I'd like to maybe get into tight-lacing. The issue I have is, with an already pretty small waist (25 inch), if I do it with the intent of reducing waist by 4 inches, I doubt much of my clothes would fit anymore, or much of the clothes sold in shops, for that matter (unless I go and buy size 8-10 girl clothes, which would be too short for my 5'6" height).

Not like I have the money for a tight-lacing corset right now, but I'm looking into eventually having said money.

You might be surprised.  Most of your clothes will probably look fine.  If your natural waist is 25, you might corset down to 21" at most, but you have to remember to take into account the thickness of the corset around your whole body.  In other words, your 21" waist isn't really going to be 21".  This is why a corset won't help you fit into skinny jeans or a dress that you already don't fit in (common mistake among women with wedding gowns, I guess). 
I find that even with a corset on, cinched down, clothes don't really fit better, but they look better. 
Think of the corset as a really nice girdle or other type of foundation garment to control any wayward, well, anything.  Got a bit of a spare tire from too much beer?  Corset! 

Alternatively, you could always go for a smaller reduction (i.e 2" reduction instead of 4").  Just don't cinch the corset all the way closed.  All the benefits, none of the weaknesses.  You won't have to worry about your waist being *too* small or anything. 

I'd also recommend trying one on, even off the peg if you have to, to get an idea of how it will look under your normal clothes.  A lot of good manufacturers have showrooms with sample corsets for trying on.  That's a great way to spend an afternoon. 
If that's not possible, I had some success with Vollers corsets off the peg.  Go for something that's a bit shorter.  Off the peg is nothing like a custom corset, but it can be a cheaper alternative if you're not sure you want to shell out a lot of cash. 

Why on earth get a corset if your already near the lower end
of the clothes fitting game,
in tall women clothes, there's nothing under 25 inch waist with 35 inch inch hips

The minimum waist is a bit smaller, 23 inch, for normal women's clothes,
still if I've already got a 26 inch waist, not much to gain by going down there.

In petite, I suppose you can get under 23 inch, but that's normally not usefull for
a MTF.

If you've got little hips and want to create a greater hip to waist ratio, then
I sort of understand it, but that's not my case. 26 inch waist, 37 inch hips.

Quote from: Keira on March 09, 2008, 11:07:38 PM

Why on earth get a corset if your already near the lower end
of the clothes fitting game,
in tall women clothes, there's nothing under 25 inch waist with 35 inch inch hips

The minimum waist is a bit smaller, 23 inch, for normal women's clothes,
still if I've already got a 26 inch waist, not much to gain by going down there.

In petite, I suppose you can get under 23 inch, but that's normally not usefull for
a MTF.

If you've got little hips and want to create a greater hip to waist ratio, then
I sort of understand it, but that's not my case. 26 inch waist, 37 inch hips.

25 inch waist, 32 inch hips here. So yeah, I could benefit in the hips department. I typically wear clothes that fit 32-33 inch hips and 24-25 inch waist (which are teen or girl (kid) clothes). Adult ones tend to be bigger in the hips and not fit or look a bit baggy. I have to wear child sized panties as well, size 12 panties (waist 25, no hip measure), as even small sized adult panties (size 5) are for hips of 36-37.

My Waist-Hip Ratio is about 78%, passable but skinny.

just warning. Corsets can potientally cause some health issues like liver problems, kidney and some more. Be a careful and proceed with caution. Do your research, Im serious, corsets have the potential to cause problems. 

Tanya brings up a good point.  Corsetting can be uncomfortable, especially if you've never done it before.  Cinching your corset closed without allowing it a "breaking in" period is a surefire way to damage your corset or hurt yourself.  Numbness while wearing a corset is one symptom that something isn't right, and the corset should be removed right away (obviously).  Something as simple as improper fit can cause a problem like that.  That's why a custom corset can't be beat. 
The custom corsetieres I've dealt with won't usually just hand you a corset and hope you don't strangle on the laces. 
Good customer service will involve helping you be comfortable without risking your health. 

Quote from: Tink on October 07, 2007, 11:32:34 AM

Quote from: tarasita on October 06, 2007, 09:20:34 PM
Lower rib removal? Do they really do that? I have heard that some people have had lower ribs broken and then worn a corset  during the healing process to have them heal in a new, narrower position, but I've never heard of having them removed. 

Oh yes, you would be amazed at what they can do.

http://www.aaronstonemd.com/RibRemoval.shtm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rib_removal

tink

NOT WORTH the risk. Better you stick to excersice and diet first and then corset safely if you want a slimmer waist.

Your ribs protect your organs!- If someone hits you, punches you, get a injury or in a car accident you can cause some serious damage to your organs. Then they will have to open you up and perform surgery on your organs which is very risky- maybe even amputate the organ if it fails.

I've been doing alot of reading about corsetrie and it is safe, providing you go slow at it and let your body adjust to it and the corset to you. Corsets will help define your shape depending on how long you wear it each day.
Some wear them 23 hrs a day and some 8 - 12 hrs. I found that when I wear mine, it seem to make my boobs look a little bigger and same for the hips. just the otherday I read that the corsets also help push some fat in those areas.
I have 2 underbust corsets, these are the kind that are recommended to waist train. When I wear mine, my regular clothes are too big. 2-3" really makes a difference, not to the eye so much but on your clothes it does.
Yes, a healthy diet and a good exercise program does aid in ones waist training.
It also gives you better results.
Corsets can and are a gorgous addition to ones lingerie or even fashionable as outer wear. I have one made of blue satin and the other is made of a black floral silk, both very soft and smooth to the touch.I feel very feminine when I wear mine.

So it's been quite a while now since I started this thread a long time ago!

I got a corset online, augmented to the measurements I sent in.  I should have gotten one 6 inches smaller than my natural waistline seeing as I'm already taking this one in 2 inches rather comfortable.
I got a small underbust corset, made even smaller cuz I'm a small person>.>  Most of my length though is still in my legs.

It's already friggin annoying.  But, I guess the rib training is all I'm in this for.

I don't find it too bad.  I can sleep in it, I guess the trick is to keep it on but loosen it when it's desperately needed.  I'll give it a few months and see how my results work out.  I might really get into this thing, my only draw back is that it's very hard to be active in these things.  I can't do much of anything without it creaking at me and when it does that I'm scared I'm damaging it, lol.  I mean, I paid $450 for this friggin thing.

So I guess I'll pose the question again, if anyone has gotten a more feminine waistline from tightlacing?  I mean a waist that is thinner than the hips as seen from the front?  Ya know, hourglass stuff?
Anyone know if a more heavily boned corset would hold through some workouts?  I might make a trip to a store and talk to someone about making a very heavily boned, secure one that doesn't go so low so I can move my legs around a bit when I exercise, basicly a corset just to exercise in.  Yar.

Posted on: April 13, 2008, 10:32:05 PM

---

Quote from: Keira on March 09, 2008, 11:07:38 PM
If you've got little hips and want to create a greater hip to waist ratio, then
I sort of understand it, but that's not my case. 26 inch waist, 37 inch hips.

Heh, I've got you beat.  26 inch waist and 42 inch hips, got pretty big glutes from all teh powerlifting>.>
Still, I want a waist that curves in, not just one that's slim, hell I'm at a 3% bodyfat last time I was professionaly measured.

Quote from: Annwyn on April 13, 2008, 10:36:27 PM
So it's been quite a while now since I started this thread a long time ago!

I got a corset online, augmented to the measurements I sent in.  I should have gotten one 6 inches smaller than my natural waistline seeing as I'm already taking this one in 2 inches rather comfortable.
I got a small underbust corset, made even smaller cuz I'm a small person>.>  Most of my length though is still in my legs.

It's already friggin annoying.  But, I guess the rib training is all I'm in this for.

I don't find it too bad.  I can sleep in it, I guess the trick is to keep it on but loosen it when it's desperately needed.  I'll give it a few months and see how my results work out.  I might really get into this thing, my only draw back is that it's very hard to be active in these things.  I can't do much of anything without it creaking at me and when it does that I'm scared I'm damaging it, lol.  I mean, I paid $450 for this friggin thing.

So I guess I'll pose the question again, if anyone has gotten a more feminine waistline from tightlacing?  I mean a waist that is thinner than the hips as seen from the front?  Ya know, hourglass stuff?
Anyone know if a more heavily boned corset would hold through some workouts?  I might make a trip to a store and talk to someone about making a very heavily boned, secure one that doesn't go so low so I can move my legs around a bit when I exercise, basicly a corset just to exercise in.  Yar.

Posted on: April 13,

Why would you want a corset to workout in?    Taking it off for the hour or two won't hinder your waist training at all. Besides that, It's much better to workout free of tight clothing and underware, That would be like wearing it in the shower or bath.  
You'll benefit more from your workouts without the body restrictions!
The waist training takes time, so that's why nobody answered your question about achieving that hour glass shape. You're probably looking at a year to a year and a half to get results. Workingout and wearing your corset could give you quicker results, not workingout while wearing your corset.  

Karla B

You'll really only get a nipped in waistline (semi-)permanently after training for years.  I think the longest I've gone is maybe 2 years, but I had probably only pulled about 2" maximally.  I was corsetting down 4", but I think my waist just hadn't gotten used to holding that shape.  Just like working out, I found that my results sort of went out the window when I stopped training regularly.  I haven't trained in about 4 years.  I still wear a corset occasionally, though.  Just for fun, mostly. 

I wouldn't recommend wearing it while you exercise, especially because of the way it puts pressure on your internal organs, affects your breathing, etc.  Unless you're working out for more than your usual time out of the corset, I would just leave it off while you work out, and put it back on when you're finished.  If you do work out more than your time out of corset, I would still leave it off.    You might not notice results from waist training as quickly, but it's better than the risk for potential injury. 

All I'm looking for is about 2-3 inches of permanent or semi-permanent reduction of the waist so that it actually gives a slightly hourglass appearance instead of just being flat.  I mean, anything would make a ginormous difference.  So I'm asking, is that gonna be able to happen, even considering like 1-3 years of training?  And when I do get to a shape I can be okay with, do I have to constantly train still or can I go like 2-3 days a week without the damned thing?

I'm looking for the same thing Annwyn... I've been told that lipo of the
waist can help. I don't remember who told me, maybe read it here but
this clinic is TG friendly and can make it happen for $3800:

http://www.dralanbittner.com/pricing.asp

Amanda

Quote from: Annwyn on April 14, 2008, 12:44:17 PM
All I'm looking for is about 2-3 inches of permanent or semi-permanent reduction of the waist so that it actually gives a slightly hourglass appearance instead of just being flat.  I mean, anything would make a ginormous difference.  So I'm asking, is that gonna be able to happen, even considering like 1-3 years of training?  And when I do get to a shape I can be okay with, do I have to constantly train still or can I go like 2-3 days a week without the damned thing?

I'd refer you to Amy at wasp creations.  She's better suited to answer your questions, as what you're asking is outside my experience.  Here's some info you might find useful from her site.  I really trust her opinion.  I've never ordered from her, but she does great work, and she's been around for years.  <Wishes really hard for a Wasp Creations corset>
You might also try emailing her through her site if the FAQ doesn't sufficiently address your questions. 

Quote from: AlwaysAmanda on April 14, 2008, 01:15:21 PM
I'm looking for the same thing Annwyn... I've been told that lipo of the
waist can help. I don't remember who told me, maybe read it here but
this clinic is TG friendly and can make it happen for $3800:

http://www.dralanbittner.com/pricing.asp

Amanda

I have 3% bodyfat.  It's my ribcage that's in the way of the hourglass figure.  I can get flat at BEST, but that's not good enough for me.  Just a little bit more and I'd be happy.

Quote from: Berliegh on October 07, 2007, 03:26:23 AM

As for rib removal.....I have heard of it a few times before but the pschiatrists at a well known London NHS clinic had never heard of it.......and desputed it when it was mentioned. I think they do it in Brazil but it's a bit complicated. I'm pretty sure that females have the same amount of ribs as males so maybe it's not the answer?

I just finished some research on this.

Rib removal is very dangerous and usually does NOT get good results.

There's thoracic scarring from the removal, and in many MANY times, the ribs try to regenerate and they can go askew. The doctors would have to remove the bud cells at the base of the ribs (we are talking about at the spinal column here!!!) to eliminate the propensity for the ribs to regenerate if they wanted guaranteed permanent removal. This means working at the spine and the vertebrae in the back to absolutely remove that biologically-ordained repair material.

Then there's the complication of blood flow and neural damage..it's not worth it.

There's also an elevated risk of infection as the intercostal musculature would also have to be shaved or scraped from the removed rib or the abdominal and thoracic silhouette would seriously be impaired when the muscles tried to move the rib(s) for NORMAL breathing. It's a messy, bloody operation at best.

Try it for yourself..just remove the ribs from your favorite dead animal prior to BBQ-ing it for dinner.

Pork ribs are said to be closest to human in form and function than most other animals.

Hence, cannibals call humans: "long pig". 

i have had a rib removed for surgical purposes - experimental scoliosis treatment.

You do not want a god damn rib removed, jesus christ don't be stupid.

the lingering physical pain from the amputation site and side effects (hey, organ trying to escape out my bloody stomach, or flesh sagging down into the gap in the ribcage while stretched out on my back) have been worse than the rods.

So rib removal sounds lame. Option B?  Kidnap pretty girl and do a brain transplant?:-)

tightlacing, corsetry?

Sounds too uncomfortable to me and I'm not too keen on discomfort.....isn't there other alternatives in gaining a better shape?