What a pretty corset! What's that, Mwar?

This is the Lycra over Powernet Corset (for now on, just Lycra Corset). The name is a bit of a mouthful, but basically, this corset by Coquette is a stretchy, thinner corset. It's not your typical corset that is usually made of a more stiff material to aid in shaping. This corset is a nylon/spandex blend. If you want extreme shaping, this corset won't be for you. The spandex allows a snug fit, but is not aggressive for sucking you in. Still, it's pretty and a different take on a corset. If you are a corset aficionado, I would recommend this one.

What does it look like?

The Lycra Corset is white with black accents. The corset fastens together in the front with hook and eye closures. There is a flap of fabric under the closures to keep the metal from direct contact with your skin. It also keeps little flashes of skin being seen down the midline. The closures are metal and are secured well in the corset. They can do their job well. The neckline is a sweetheart style and has a black floral/funky lace overlaying the top. The top of the corset also has loops to enable you to wear it with straps, which is always a plus.

A unique thing about this corset is how the boning is oriented. Most corsets tend to have relatively vertical boning all around the corset. The Lycra Corset has some more angular boning. For example, the first bones near the center of the corset (the boning is symmetric), is shaped like a Y. So a little triangle forms near the bust. There are also curved bones toward the bottom of the corset that angle toward the center. I think the boning here is to accentuate the hipbones. Here's a picture of the front.



It's a bit difficult to see in the light and the fact that the corset is white, but you can see the angles on this corset (you'll may also be able to see it better in the fit section). The back four bones are relatively vertical. There are a total of nine long, vertical bones, including the two near the front closures and one down the center of the back where the lacing is. Then there are four mini, angled bones, so you have 13 in total. The boning is plastic.

Another interesting feature of this corset is the waist area. There is a cinching around the middle of the corset. There are two lines of stitching that run around it. I think this is done to make the spandex stretch less in the area and make more of an impact for shaping. This cinching doesn't look bad, but I would prefer a more low-key way of cinching the middle.

How's the sizing? Did it fit well?

I'm a 28 inch waist with a 34 inch bust, so I went along with the size small despite the fact of my boobs. Overall, I think Coquette should make some of their items more boob friendly, but for corsets, I didn't think this would be an issue. I figured I could adjust the lacing as needed. So here's how it fit:



You can see the cinching in the middle, and while it helps for shaping, I don't care for how it looks. You can see the hooks in the center and the white privacy flap behind it. This makes the corset look more classic. The boning is also angled to make the wearer look slimmer. It does emphasize shape, but the spandex has some give to it. The material is soft and smooth overall. Even those with sensitive skin should be able to wear this for long periods of time with ease.

Even though my boobs are larger than recommended, they look pretty darn good in this corset. I feel pretty secure in it, but if you want a more secure fit you can use the straps it comes with. You may have to maneuver your boobs a bit to make them have the perfect shape in the corset. I was a bit paranoid with the thinness of the corset and my nipples showing. They don't seem to be visible in the corset, but if you intend on going out, I'd recommend pasties, especially if it is going to rain that day.

The back has a privacy panel, which is great if you plan on wearing this in public. The back is laced up by wide, black ribbon.

Overall, I think this corset will be flattering for most body types. One thing to note is that the corset rides a little high on the torso. If you wear the corset with jeans, some patches of skin on your sides will be visible because the front of the corset is similar to a V. This is something to be aware of.

How do I take care of it?

Hand wash only. Throwing this in the washer or dryer will kill this corset and destroy the boning. The corset cleans easily. Then hang it to dry. Be sure to store it in a way that the bones are not contorted. The corset is pretty hardy despite my initial reactions. It has been worn multiple times and washed and it looks good as new. There are not loose threads or seams. The corset is 82 percent nylon and 18 percent spandex.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I was surprised when this came in. It is different in feel, look, and fit. However, i'm very happy with it. The corset fits well and keeps my boobs secure. It also emphasizes my shape, which is always a plus. So long as you're not looking for extreme shaping and don't mind how it is cut a tad high on the sides you will enjoy it.