I don't think of corsets as 'slimming' garments, but rather as 'smoothing' and supporting garments. I just would never wear them tight enough to do any real slimming, but I appreciate the way they just make everything look smoother and more tailored.
@@mystrangebones I do that too. Sometimes if my back is spasming, I lace it up tight to relieve the pain, and even though it's not super comfortable that way, it does relieve the spasming more reliably than anything else. This kind of makes me think that this is why corsets were ever a thing in the first place, because they relieve back pain if constructed and worn properly.
@@Siansonea corsets were never uncomfortable we can trace that slander back to one man's ad campaign for bras. The reason the myth holds up is actresses wear unseasoned corsets or what to seem like they're suffering for art. If corsets were uncomfortable the working class women wouldn't have worn them. If a corset you buy is uncomfortable it's either not seasoned, fast fashion, the wrong size, or you're wearing it wrong
I really appreciate and enjoy your "deconstructing cosplay" content.. it's so easy to feel defeated when you see some of these massively intricate costumes. As someone whose spare time is both precious and limited the idea of pouring so much into a costume I'll only wear occasionally it's hard to justify.. little tricks like this really help it make sense. I also fluctuate a lot monthly(as do most of the women I know) and I so deeply appreciate you highlighting that fact. 11/10, you've got a fan for life here.
It's wild how much it changes the shape of the final garment! I'm definitely interested in seeing a drafting video, I feel like I would actually make one of these. Thanks, this was super interesting!
Pro tip: wear the tights over the corset. We used to do this in ballet for quick changes and it helps. It will also help with the hip transition a bit. I know you mentioned the tights help the corset stay up, but nothing is worse than peeing in your beautiful costumes.
@@Kathywake23 she said that she puts her corset waist slightly below her actual waist so I'd imagine that without the tights under to provide friction, the whole unit would start to creep up and give the strongest wedgie possible
Thank you for being honest about the benefits but also the drawbacks of using a corset body in a costume. It makes you look super pretty, but the bathroom thing would be an issue for me personally 😅
You can split the crotch on the tights and apply snaps to the crotch closure on the bodies. Would love a company to make split crotch dance style tights though, certainly less of a hassle trying to make it work yourself. (Edited typo)
In addition to the snaps on the crotch there could also be a double sided zipper or butt flap application (like in old timey long johns from cartoons) that could also make the bottom of this more accessible. Or even a way to reliably make it work as a corset alone with some outfits. (maybe a jock strap style bottom instead so you have the tension but it is easier to undo?) Sewing is all about being hyper specific and creative.
Honestly the only time I really have had a problem with going to the bathroom in a corset was when I wore pants. Then again, my current corsets don't come down over my hips like a body suit and I wear low rise undies.
I am shocked that after three years of fashion school with a focus in costuming AND working in the costume industry for a few years, I only heard about corset bodies last month, from one of your videos. They're such a useful thing!
I love the way corsets shape the body. I'm not concerned with looking thinner at all but the way corsets can prevent that boxy look and add a ton of support to a costume is wonderful.
Wow I'm in love ❤️ can't wait for the "how to construct it" video... Tho tbh I just love pattern drafting and your fitting tips are always extremely helpful
Wow, love this. And thank you so so much for stressing that you don’t need to conform to a specific body size or shape to be a “good” cosplayer, and that you don’t even need to *be* a “good cosplayer” to do it and have fun. I’ve always wanted to get into cosplay but I’ve always been nervous about it because I don’t have the “right” body type for the characters I want to make - even though I know in my head that cosplay is for everyone and the point isn’t to look exactly like the character. I guess it just hits different hearing someone else say it though. So thank you for that.
I've been into corsets for enough years now that I know how useful they are for getting the correct silhouette, but I still love seeing how much of a difference they make to the look of an outfit. Really enjoyed the before and after for each of your outfits.
This makes me want to see you do a Jessica Rabbit cosplay. XDD Like a film noir style Jessica Rabbit, all black and white?? Absolutely looking forward to the drafting video.
This is so helpful! I can't wait to see the drafting process. I've tried drafting a bunnysuit before but really struggled with it, so I'm sure your tips will be very helpful (as always!) And LOVE getting to see your Wicked Lady in motion. You did such a great job with it.
I love your work! Also, thank you for mentioning Aranea Black. She deserves so much more love than the internet gives her. I've never seen anyone give such informative video step-by-step instructions along with free patterns. You are such a lovely, creative, and skilled creator. I'm so glad I found you!
Hopefully you see this Minji, your instagram account in the description is not available. This video really shows just how much logistics goes into costumes that I wasn't aware of before! And as you said, celebrity outfits too. All the practical details were super interesting to see.
That final costume is such a work of art! Thanks for making sure to caveat that the goal of the corset body isn't to make your body smaller! Just as a funny anecdote: I have a cat who looks just like Baby Bat and he was very attentively watching this video.
Oh man that flipper bone tip seems SO USEFUL! I use corsets under most of my cosplays for the back support and weight distribution for my heavier ballgowns, but I'm often fiddling with the neckline to make sure the corset doesn't show. I'm gonna try that immediately to see what a difference it makes.
This was super interesting to watch! I totally agree with you, I always always prefer designing any fitted costumes with hella support/structural garments- bodies fluctuate, and it eliminates SO much stressful uncertainty to draft over a more fixed and structured silhouette!
This is sooo interesting to see a common modern use of corsets!! I have a dress that has what you described in the Dior dresses - definitely prevents a lot of straining on the zipper!
I'm sure I'm not alone, but will say that the sound and pacing of all your videos is the equally the reason I come back all the time with your content and insights! What kind of ruler are you using? It looks SUPER flexible!
for those looking for a more long-term wear option, you could try a double zipper along with snap closures at the bottom, that way you could unzip from the bottom of the back to take the tights on and off more easily
Hi Minji! Thank you very much for your video. I was recently looking into dior corselets and I was searching for a more effective way to shape the body without having to sew all the structure into every dress. As for the toilet breaks issue, will it help to have a double sided zipper (like on some longer coats there are zippers with two sliders and this way, the zipper can be zipped up and then unzipped from the bottom up) as well as the snap closures? It seems like that would give you a way to open up the corset body from your bottom up to the waist to then be able to pull the tights high up again)
That was really cool, thanks for the insight. Understructure really makes such a difference. I only ever saw the concept of flipper bones on your channel, what a useful concept!
Have you considered removing the mesh from the second dress and remaking that part as a shirt you could tuck into the corset? You could also have the sleeves be separate and held up with the silicone they use for stay-up thigh high stockings!
min, this corset body is breathtaking on you!! grace company crafts on etsy (from ukraine) made me a zip-front corset to measure. we put in a sturdy industrial zipper that takes a moment to ease into, but it's faster than lacing, and omg, it's like wearing a lovely hug. really comfortable! and it does wonders for the silhouette!
The things you never think of but make a huge impact on your cosplays. My mind has been blown by the flipper bone. Gonna have to add this to list of things to sew!
Thanks so much for sharing! I've been a bit confused about flipper bones for a while but it finally makes sense! Been trying to find the time to make myself a corset for a while (although a corset body would be cool too) so I'll definitely refer back to this when the time comes!
just a semi-related reminder for anyone who needs it: throughout history, corsets are shaping garments, not slimming garments. silhouettes are all about the ratios- if you can't cinch the waist any further, you can pad the bust and hips. besides, the squish at your waist has to go up or down anyway
great advice, people rarely consider the form and support of corsets mainly because there's so much mainstream media on how it's supposedly suffocates you to make your waist look smaller which is a great exaggeration and just not true in modern times.
This is perfect timing! I'm working on making this exact thing, but there aren't (or at least not that I've found) videos or anything really like this. Thank you! I love your videos, and your work is so beautiful
Always wear undergarments under the corset. This prevents any skin issues as the corset rubs against the skin. It also help with smells as you sweat it won’t end up on the corset, but instead the under garment. It’s easier to wash a slip rather than a corset
bc of the costumes i'm wearing over the corset body i can't really wear another garment under, or it'll show whether bc of length or straps or whatever, but this is extremely easy to wash so it's not a problem.
I've watched and rewatched this series a ton, it's really helpful! What is the benefit of a corset body over a normal corset? Does having the bottom part smooth the hip edges more? Or is it just a personal preference?
So glad I stumbled on your video! You answered my doubts a whole lot! I made a similar body corset for Black Canary and planned to make a base body corset for all my future cosplays. With my Black Canary costume, I added a snap closure at the crotch (for easier toilet access) and wore open-crotch tights with C-string underwear.
I would be curious about the pattern design and fitting process. Please make a video about that. I've made Bunny costumes for 3 different bodies, and I found the most difficult part was tailoring the seat.
I love watching other creators because everyone makes really neat stuff, but at the same time... my own list keeps growing. hahaha This particular garment is actually heckin' helpful, because I want to get back into cosplay next year, so... YAY! thank you! :) :)
Corsets... Like, firm, steel-boned over or underbust corsets snugly laced up the back are actually sososooo comfy. Back support for DAYSSSS. Like a wearable hug. And they make your shape look a little more ~feminine. BIG FAN. I just wish they looked right under normal day clothes and that I could wear them at work without feeling conspicuous. I'm not saying to tightlace until you pass out... and most women who wore them didn't tightlace anyway. But the idea that women wore them for like 200 years because of ~oppression is absurd. I love a good corset. I wish I could afford to own more than one.
Exactly what i need. But should do with opening downstairs because i would need it under a few normal party dresses as well to make them feel more secure when dancing in them
Hi if you want to be able to pee in some of these costumes, in addition to adding the crotch button snaps to the corset body, you can try adding a crotch flap to your tights like a lot of shapewear has. Basically a double layer flap you can pull out of the way so you can pee without really removing your undergarments
I was contemplating something like this, cuz I have kidney issues lol. All I could think of was old school bloomers with a slit, but double layer flap would feel more secure.
Had on my watched later list to listen to for work but adding to my cosplay tips for future reference!! Brilliant video and very explanatory. Corset like garments are my bane. I'm a fabric specialist but I can never make them look right since I got porky but this is a different perspective to how I've been doing g them so I am definately going to give this a go!! 🥰🥰
i'm assuming you don't wear an underlayer under the corset body, how does the corset body feel? from what i've gathered so far is to always wear an underlayer under a corset or else it'll be uncomfortable, is that also the case for the corset body? it's definitely a very useful trick!! also a camp halfblood shirt?? hell yes ma'am
It’s not uncomfortable at all! I think bc I’m not wearing it long term, only ever for a few hours at a time for one weekend every few months it’s not like someone who is waist training who might get the equivalent of bed sores from the constant contact
From what I know, historically at least, the layer under the corset (chemise) was not for comfort, but to prevent to corset/stays from needing to be washed frequently by preventing it from contact with sweat and natural skin oils. So long as the corset fabric isn’t burlap it should feel fine against your skin
I have a corset that I loooove, it makes exactly what your bodysuit does, the only problem is if I want to wear an elastic dress the closure is a bit noticeable (the same brand sells no line corsets that are made to be unnoticeable under clothes with zipper closure but I don't have any) so maybe I can make a corset cover to smooth the look.. The flipper bones are a genious idea, will 100% use it.
Some people find that adding tights on top or like a spanx type garment (seam free if possible) can help hide the busk clips. Or you can of course make your own. I've got the one corset from TT and that one I got in a holographic PVC so its meant to be seen which is good because its super bulky since PVC is just so thick and they used it for the binding as well as the body of the corset. I'd have a lot of trouble trying to hide that one! I've been meaning to try one of their No-line corsets but I gained weight and my proportions no longer work with any of their options. I could only just fit the Gemini in a 2" reduction, it wouldn't have had space in the hips for me with a larger reduction when I got it. But my hips got so much larger that sizing up to a larger waist size corset isn't enough. Shame really as I wanted to see how the no-line functioned. All of my collection of corsets so far have been for outerwear.
i dont have access to a sewing machine nor can i really sew but this is exactly what ive been looking for. is there anything exactly like this online? waist cinching and all??
I've seen similar comments-- I don't 100% get the idea of tension (like the reason for putting the tights under the bodysuit). Is it only necessary because you're lowering your waist a bit? Regular corsets sit fine without the same vertical tension. I really feel like I'm missing something, I hope you explain more in the next video. I hope you post the drafting vid soon, I'm keen to make one!
Is the purpose of the tights to wear them underneath the corset body or are they more for compression? I ask because a solution that I would typically employ as a dancer would be to wear my tights over my leotard, especially if I had quick costume changes that required changing tights in the middle of a show, and that makes it infinitely easier to go to the restroom. But if the purpose of the tights is to have them below the corset body then obviously this tip won’t apply lol.
They keep the crotch part of the corset body from riding up since it really relies on the tension from top to bottom as well as the side to side tension
minji!!! omg i haven't had any time but i am so excited to be watching your content again, everything you do is really cool and inspiring (especially now as i change my major... again,,,,). also i have the exact same camp half blood shirt, and it's one of my favorite clothing items. pure nostalgia and joy
This is such a great idea. Having to completely remake or worse, give up on a costume because you've gained weight...we've all been there. It sucks. I have done the duck tape method to come up with the basic bodice pieces, it wouldn't be that hard to make this compared to resewing a leather costume.
re: needing assistance to close it, would putting the zipper in the front help with that at all? or would having to navigate much squishier flesh outweigh the ease of reach
This would be perfect for armor builds and I never even thought about something like this I was always skeptical about wearing foam breastplates because what if one of the seams busts???
Hi Baby Bat!! Great video, especially since I’m thinking of some ballgown/bunny suit designs of my own! Is there a modified corset body specifically for garments with a bare midriff?
You could make one out of illusion mesh or cotton bobbinette and it’ll be more translucent but I haven’t tried that yet so idk if it’ll really look like a bare midriff 😅
