Lacing up with the Force

by Amy Ratcliffe

If you’re going to go to the trouble of getting cinched up in a corset, I say why not it let it be a corset covered with a spacescape or comics? It’s almost as important as the “to be or not to be” debate. Almost.

Corsets are crazy and gorgeous garments that you can wear to mold and shape your torso into an hourglass shape. They are for men and women. Women do wear them more often, but that rule doesn’t apply when you’re at a viewing of the Rocky Horror Show. Anyone that tells you it’s comfortable to be squished into a tightly laced corset either has a fetish or crazy-in-the-brainpan issues. That might be a tiny exaggeration, but you get the idea. When corsets are laced properly, deep breaths are not an option. And forget about wearing a corset to Thanksgiving dinner.

Corset has become a more flexible term in the past 15 or so years. The fashion industry keeps borrowing it. A lot of what you find at stores such as Hot Topic just mimic the shape and style of a corset without actually changing your body’s shape. Remember, just because it has boning and/or lacing doesn’t make it a corset. If you can cinch it and remove inches from your waistline, you’ve got the real deal. I own both kinds, and though they are not my favorite article of clothing, getting a corset custom made to your form is a real luxury.

Before you enhance your curves with just any corset, check out the nerdy options available. The below cinchers are just a sampling of ones I’ve seen on the internet. As of right now, these are all available for purchase. If your favorite is gone, check with the corsetmaker, they might have similar fabric in stock.

Galactic Lord, aka Darth Vader, Corset - It will be of no surprise to you that this is also the creator of the sexy Star Trek corsets that were around the internet last year. I’m glad she crossed to the dark side and designed this imaginative take on Darth Vader. The corset is actually sold with the entire costume of the belt and cape. And oh yes, she has a smokin’ version of an Imperial Stormtrooper too.

Steampunk Map Corset – This underbust corset is made in Victorian fashion and is sure to catch attention from more than just cartographers. If antique maps aren’t quite your style, you can also find leather corsets with pirate treasure maps. I wish I could say that the X was placed somewhere original on those, but that’s not been my experience.

Batman Corset Halter Dress - This designer makes her dresses and corsets from vintage fabrics. They usually end up being one of a kind, but the rotation of patterns moving through her shop are almost all geeky and wonderful. It looks like the dresses automatically come with zippers, so be sure to request grommets and laces.

Custom Comic Book Corset – Yes, you read that correctly. You can send this Etsy seller pages from your favorite comics to be crafted into a custom fit corset. Or your second favorite if you’re not willing to rip the pages out and part with them. It doesn’t seem like it should be possible, but the paper is covered in clear vinyl. Dirt can be brushed right off. I would recommend asking about how it holds up in a downpour though.

Star Wars Waist Cincher – If you are in love with this underbust cincher, grab it fast. The fabric the seamster used to craft this piece of awesome is being discontinued. Hopefully some more Jedi Starfighter fabric will be designed, but if it’s not your style, the seller also offers Batman logo cinchers.

If you’re feeling inspired, check out this detailed three part tutorial from Craftzine on Crafting A Corset.

Amy Ratcliffe still has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up.  But until then, she will keep playing D&D, reading comics, and perfecting the ultimate chic lightsaber.  Strong female characters in the world of geek (movies, comics, & books) influence her attitude and costumes. Visit her blog Geek with Curves.

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