Corsetry Information
General Info
Battie Clothing specilize in handmade high quality made to measure steel boned corsets with a flare of decendence and the macabre. However if you are looking for something a little less dramatic and more everyday then I am more than happy to oblige. Battie Clothing caters for every shape, size, style and occasion. You can choose a corset from the collection which can be altered to your desire or have a bespoke one kind corset or outfit commissioned. Take a look here at past bespoke work.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/battieclothing/sets/72157626036323555/​​
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Mock Up Service (corset toile)
Corset Care
A mock up is a rough version of your corset which you can try on before your actual corset is made. This enables me to check the fit and see where any adjustments need to be made and you can check that the corset is comfy and the shape is what you desired. Thanks to the wonders of new technology I can now remotely fit your corset. I would recommend a mock up particularly for overbust corsets to make sure that everything is supported and covered correctly and that cup size is correct. So how does the mock up service work??
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~After you have placed your order, I have received your measurements and you have requested a mock up, I will draft your pattern and create the boned mock up with lacing.
~ The mock up will then be sent to you via royal mail. Please note this will take at least a week sometimes upto a month.
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~ After you have received your mock up then try it on.
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~ I then require photos of you wearing the mock up (front, side and back). This is so I can evalute the fit. If you are shy you are more then happy to crop out your head in the photos. But note that these will always be kept private and confidential and will be deleted after your corset is made. Then just email me the photos. I may ask you to mark on the mock up too.
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~ After that then send the mock up back to me and I will then make the neccessary adjustments to your pattern before proceeding making your final corset and you have assured knowledge that everything is as it should.
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Mock ups must be returned to me not kept by the customer.
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When shipping the corset back to me it will be at your own expense. If possible please send the corset back with tracking or with signiture confirmation to avoid the corset being lost in the mail thanks.
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If you would like to make use of this service or if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
~ Do NOT put your corset in the washing machine, as it can rust the boning which can then lead to discolouration of the outer shell fabric.
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~Always loosen the lace at the back before putting on or taking off your corset.
~After you have worn your corset hang it by its laces over the back of a chair lining side up to air out. You can spray the corset with fabric freshener (in a bottle not a can) on only the lining side to keep the corset smelling fresh.
~ Be sure the corset is completely dry before storing it. Fold your corset in half and hang over a plastic hanger, lining side out with laces across the hanger. This ensures that the fashion fabric stays clean as if any dust gets on the corset it is only to the lining side so it is easy to clean.
~Never roll the corset to put in a draw as it may cause the boning to warp. However you can lay your corset flat in the bottom of a drawer with a cotton cover over the top ( pillow case for example for a small underbust ).
~ For small stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth, for large stains consult a dry cleaner. Dry cleaning should be the last resort as it is not good for your corset in the long term.
If possible wear something under your corset to help lower the amount of times you need to take the corset to the dry cleaners.
~ All new corsets need time to be broken in. Over tightening your corset straight away will damage it and if you are not a regular corset wearer it is best to start by wearing your corset tight but not overly so and over a couple of hours tighten it up a little more when it begins to feel loose. I would suggest wearing your corset for a couple of hours for starters and then build up your time until the corset is fully broken in. This said if you are wanting to wear a corset to a special event I would advise purchasing your corset well before so you have enough time to break your corset in. Overtime your corset will shape to your body so try not to let anyone else wear your corset as it may become uncomfortable.
Corset Construction
For the more discerning corset wearer.
~ Each corset is drafted to the clients measurements for optimal comfort and fit.
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~ Boning: A combination of both spiral and spring steel used throughout the corset. Spiral steel throughout the body and spring steel at the front next to the busk for more flatterning and either side of the eyelets to ensures that the corset wont warp at the back when being tightened. Each piece of boning is hand cut to the perfect length, then is hand tipped with steel end caps to help prevent poke through. Each corset has at least 20 pieces of boning.
~Eyelets: come in two different colours: vintage black and silver. (gold on request.) Each eyelet is made of two parts for added strength and to avoid them coming through over time. Each one is hand set approx 3/4" apart and sometime closer together at the waist as this is where there is more pressure.
~ Busk: Made from strong steel and can be reinforced with steel boning. A busk makes the corset much easier to put on and take off. However if you would prefer your corset not to have a busk please just email me. Behind the busk will be a little placklet which make sure no skin peeks through and no pinching occurs.
~ Materials: All corsets feature a strength layer of 100% cotton Coutil. The outer fabric can be nearly anything as long as there is no stretch however the fabrics that I usually work with are silk dupioni, duchess satin, patterned coutil and faux leather. To see a range of fabrics available please take a look at the fabrics page. I am more than happy to source fabrics just for you too to create your desired corset. Every corset is lined with cotton for comfort and breathability.
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~ Waist Tape: Every corset is constructed with waist tape to prevent stretching in that area over time.
​~Finishing: All corsets are edged in high quality bias binding. Most of the time this is hand made to match the corset exactly. The bias is hand stitched so no stitches are seen from the outside giving a perfect finish. (Leather bias is sewn by machine).
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~Extras: modesty panel (back lacing protector) and suspenders are available on request. If you would like embellishments on your corset such as buckles, spikes, lace, beading, bows, etc this can all be done the only limit is your imagination
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Corset F.A.Q's
What is a 'Busk'?
A 'busk' is a piece of the corset which consists of two pieces of steel, one with metal loops, one with pegs which the loops fit over when the corset is closed. The busk is normally located at the centre front of the corset, however on a couple of my designs you will find it located slightly to the side. The busk allows the wearer to easily get in and out of the corset without having to unlace it every time. Please note that the corset laces should be fully loosened before attempting to open or close the corset as not doing so can break the busk.
What is a modesty panel and placklet?
A Modesty panel is a small piece of matching fabric which lays behind the laces so no unwanted skin is shown, but also helps with preventing the laces nipping at the back when tightening the corset. My modesty panels are detachable and have a piece or two of boning in to prevent them wrinkling up while trying to tighten your laces. A placklet is a small piece of fabric which sits behind the busk to prevent any peeks of skin from showing and any pinching from the busk.
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What is 'Coutil' and why is it a better fabric for corset making then say a drill or twill?
Coutil is a special fabric specifically designed for corsetry. It has a super tight herringbone weave to prevent steel bones from poking though but is also resistant to stretching. This make is prefect for tightlacing. Coutil is made from 100% cotton or brocade or satin. Cotton drill or twill will begin to twist over time with prolonged tightening.
​Are Corsets painful to wear?
Wearing corsets can be uncomfortable particularly with a new corset before it is broken in as it is restricting your movement. However a corset should never be painful to wear. Over time your corset will mold to your body and become like a second skin. I always advise purchasing your corset well in advance if you are wanting to wear it to specific event so you hae enough time to get used to wearing it. Just remember always put your boots/shoes on first before your corset :)
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I am about to go on a diet to loose a few inches should I wait to purchase a corset?
Yes absolutely, there is no point trying to predict how much weight you are going to lose, as you never know you might lose more then what you thought. If you had already purchased a corset a few inches smaller it might be too big for you within a month or two. So wait until you are happy with your weight before purchasing.
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Do you have pre-made corsets in stock?
No, every corset is made to order and made to the exact measurements supplied by the customer. On very rare occasion I may have a couple of sample corsets in stock, which I sometimes lend out for photoshoots.
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