Commissioning a Classic Corset

Commissioning a Classic Corset

Velvet Letter Classic Corsets are inspired by Victorian corsetry but are cut to suit your individual needs, whether you are looking for a shapewear garment to max out your curves or a support garment to stabilize your torso, assist in good posture or support your bust. Corsets are a great alternative to bras for busty babes and can be very helpful in alleviating/preventing back pain if you spend a lot of time working at a desk.

The Fitting Process

Most corsets require 1-2 fittings and ‘toiles’ (fabric mock ups) to get a perfect fit.

At the first fitting I take a bazillion different measurements and lace you into one or two of my studio fit samples. This gives me lots of information on your individual proportions and how they relate to my method of pattern drafting. After this I head to my studio to draft your unique pattern and make the first toile of your corset.

At the second fitting I will lace you into your toile and make notes on the fit. I might pin in areas, add bits of fabric where needed or even draw on the toile. I’ll also take pictures from the front, side and back so I have a visual reference to refer to when I’m back in the studio.

Underbust corsets usually won’t need a third fitting so at this point I’ll make any necessary tweaks to your pattern and then go on to making your final corset.

Getting a good bust fit can be a fiddle so I may need to make more than one toile, but the process is exactly the same as for the underbust corset.

The usual lead time for a classic corset is 4-8 weeks, depending on how full my production schedule is, how available you are for fittings and how many toiles are needed to create a perfect fit.

What if my Size/Body Changes?

Fluctuations in weight are part of life and I will do my best to work with you and your body during the fitting process. I design Classic Corsets to be as flexible as possible and as a general guide your corset will still fit you should you go up or down by 1-2 dress sizes. This will vary by individual as each body is unique and will fluctuate in different ways.

While I have had success altering corsets it is often more cost-efficient to make a new garment from scratch.

I’m thinking of hosting annual ‘pre-loved’ corset sales where you could sell your corset on - what do you think?

Payment Options

A commission is only confirmed and entered into the studio’s schedule once the deposit has been paid – usually 30% - 50% of the final price of the garment.

Payment plans are available, please don’t hesitate to chat to me if you would like to use this option. I require a 25% non-refundable deposit to book you into my production schedule and payment needs to be made in full before collecting your corset.

Should you choose to have multiple corsets made from the same pattern there will be a R 1000 discount on additional units.

As custom garments are not refundable I urge you to be very open with me from the beginning about your likes, worries and dislikes. If you tell me early on I can alter whatever is troubling you – I can’t always make changes towards the end of the process.

Tips for getting the best out of your corset:

You have permission to tell me anything!

Tell me if you are worried about something, tell me. If you don’t like something, tell me. If you would like to change some element of the design, tell me! I will never be hurt or offended by your telling me what you need to make this the loveliest garment you own.

I am here to make your dreams come true. But I’m not a mind reader (sadly) so I need your active input and your honesty to make that happen.