There are many types of lingerie... brassieres, panties, bodystockings, chemises, babydolls...the list goes on and on. If you do a little research online, or even if you poll the masses, I think you will find that the type of lingerie with the reputation for being the sexiest is the corset. This month, DishMag.com is featuring a story calling the corset "the sexiest garment ever." Thanks to websites such as EdenFantasys, women can find beautiful corsets at affordable prices and discover what all the fuss is about. I have purchased a number of corsets here, and I have posted reviews for several (Purple Magic Tesa's Sweetheart Corset, Red DreamGirl Corset, and Pink Brocade Corset). I have more in need of reviews...hey, a new series for me to write! Cool! It's time for me to get started then...

The Basics

This fashion corset is exceptionally pretty. Unlike the majority of corsets here at Eden, the Turquoise Front-zip Corset by Escante has a colorful print pattern rather than sticking to a more or less solid display of one or two colors. As you would expect given the name, the primary color of this corset is turquoise - which can range in color from sky blue to a greenish blue. In the case of this corset, it is more blue than green. Other colors featured in this corset are pale shades of pink/purple and green/gold. The threads are iridescent and seem to change color when they catch the light, making the design sort of shimmery. It looks somewhat like an Asian porcelain vase bearing a swirling floral pattern. There are no embellishments such as lace trim anywhere on this corset, but the design is so lovely, such embellishments could only detract from its beauty. The corset does not have underwire or straps for support, nor does it have garter straps.

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, fashion corsets are not made for waist training, but they do smooth out the stomach, and should also lift the bosom as well, leaving the wearer with the appearance of an hourglass appearance. For this particular corset, it shapes the wearer through the use of 12 plastic bones - six on each side of the corset. The corset is made from 100% polyester material, exclusive of decoration. This means that the fabric is not at all stretchy. Any adjustability of this piece is going to be governed by the lacing in the back. In this particular piece, there are two extremely long, black, shoelace-like strings that control how tight or loose the corset will be. These laces, which are thinner than actual shoelaces, are woven through sets of thirteen eyes on each side of the corset. There is no modesty panel, so skin will show unless the corset is tightlaced. The front closes with the aid of a black, metal zipper.

Sizing and Measurements

This corset is available in sizes 32, 34, 36, and 38. Choose your bra band size for the best fit. As of this writing, sizes 34 and 38 are out of stock. Set alerts to be notified when these sizes are back in the inventory. As for me, I chose a size 38.

If this corset were tightlaced, it would measure 36" at its fullest point in the bosom. With the laces extended, however, I believe the corset could fit up to 42" around the bust. The length of the corset in the front is 15 1/2" at the longest point (the zipper). It is at its shortest in the back at the laces. In this area, it is 11" long.





Packaging, Care, and Storage

I have had my corset for a while, and it arrived packaged in the pink tissue paper Eden was using at the time, but I believe they have since abandoned this. At least, I have not received anything wrapped this way in a while. In addition to the expected Escante tag, there was a tag attached to the corset which detailed how to wear a corset. I have kept this tag since I bought the corset - six months ago - because I have never bought another corset that included this information. That makes it sort of neat. According to these instructions, you should first loosen the laces and unzip or unhook the corset. Then you should put it on, and pull the lacing until it fits as you like. I have found that while this is definitely not the easiest way to put on a corset, it is the most effective way to get a proper fit.

Packaging, Care, and Storage continued

As for care instructions, the tag suggests that you hand wash this corset in cold, chlorine free water with a mild soap. It should not be twisted or wrung out. Instead, it should be allowed to drip dry - in the shade. The care tag advises against ironing or dry cleaning.

To store this corset, fold it in such a way that the boning is allowed to stay straight. Keep it in a drawer or another area designated for your most special lingerie.

Experience

Though not my favorite corset, this is a beautiful addition to my collection. I both like and dislike that the corset closes with a zipper. It is good in that it does make it easier to fasten the corset than the hook and eye system does. As long as you keep any skin out of the way of the zipper, there is no struggle to get into the corset (as there can be with the other). What I dislike about the zipper is that the top flap covering it does not lay totally flat against the rest of the material, and the tighter the corset is laced, the more the material is going to stand out. For this reason, it would be better if the zipper was on the side rather than the front, where it is more noticeable. Additionally, I am not crazy about the shoestring laces. They do make it easy to tie the corset behind your back, but they are not very pretty. These laces could be removed and replaced with ribbon lacing, but due to the size of the eyes through which the laces must go, the ribbon would have to be on the narrow side.

As for comfort, this is not a bad piece. There is nothing itchy about the material or the liner. It receives high marks for me in that area. It also lifts the bosom...a lot! For me, the material pushed my breasts almost halfway out the top!



For this reason, I really prefer to employ layering with this corset. As its laces can be expanded, it is easy to put a blouse underneath the corset, adding color and pizzazz to an otherwise less than exciting outfit. For my pictures, I have added a black blouse underneath. Wow! Basic black? No, thanks...not when I have THIS corset!



I am taking off a half a star for the zipper and a half a star for the laces. That gives the Turquoise Front-zip Corset a rating of four stars.

This corset is still quite lovely to wear. I like the unique design. It doesn't rely on frills of lace and bows, rather its appeal comes from its own simple elegance.