I would call this a bit of a pseudo-corset. Being a vintage lingerie fanatic, the concept of old-timey, sexy lingerie or pin-up is very intriguing. That's what first caught my attention with this corset. Its look and its presentation in the photos were very classy, vintage, and sexy. But, while having the vintage look, it didn't necessarily have the vintage function.

DESIGN:

The aesthetics are mixed. It’s a very sexy item and can be used to spice up any sort of past love role, if you so choose.

Boning is always a good weapon for sex appeal as it automatically gives your waist a much tighter look (and feels tighter). This garment was no exception to that rule. The boning, though plastic, still holds up well enough to hug my hourglass shape and give everything a tight, sexy look, but I can still move around and feel comfortable.

The ruffles, however, depending on the user, can take a hit for the looks. Any sort of texture or ruching around the bust immediately brings attention to that area and makes it look larger. Granted, the point of a corset is a tiny waist and the complimenting hourglass shape, but if your bust is already busting (like mine), you may want more attention to a smaller waist, not bigger breasts.

If you do have bigger breasts, you may also have problems with the fit of the garment. I sometimes feel as if my breasts are about to fall out of the top and I'm a 34D. There's no underwire or real support specified for your breasts. Adjustability would help with this problem if the corset had it, but, unfortunately, it doesn't. However, if you're small-chested, the boning without underwire works very well.

Also, with the hook and eye closure, when you grow tired of the tight tummy and you're ready to just have it off (pun slightly intentional), this isn't a garment that can be dramatically and sexily ripped from your body, leaving you free to be ravished upon. The moment may slightly resemble the first time your high school boyfriend tried to take off your bra. You also may need his help to put it on in the first place.

AUTHENTICITY:

Taking this fact that the corset more accentuates your breasts and hips with its mesh ruffling, the corset is a pseudo. Corsets are meant to be ordered four inches smaller than your actual waist size, to allow for actually shrinking your waist. As opposed to most corsets, which lace up, this one has hook and eye closure, so it's not really adjustable. Take heed to the measurements, you'll want to make sure you get one that will fit your true size. That also means it does more to boost the breasts than it does to tidy up the waist. I am a bit more large-breasted for my smaller waist and have to order more towards my bust than my waist, so perhaps that contributed to the lack of slimming. Also, it's strictly a play corset, not one that can be worn really in any situation where you would have to wear something over it. Still, it's fun to throw on some thigh-highs and heels, and feel the boning hug and tighten up around your curves every once in a while.


CARE:

With any lingerie item, it’s always best to hand-wash and air dry. The mesh is a material, especially with the bust and hip areas, which can tear easily if it gets caught on anything (I recommend closing all the hooks and eyes before washing, as those can tear a nice bit into mesh). Because of the plastic boning, drying in the dryer would probably be unwise. Repeated drying in the dryer will wear on the garment.

Overall, I'm glad I have something new to pull out of the closet to give the boy a blast from a past he never experienced, but loves to get anyway. It's a very sexy product that can be left on during intercourse comfortably and one you can play up in foreplay.