Underneath the Dress....

Rissaroo08

My dress is coming in around March 9th and I'm searching for proper undergarmets so I can do a fitting right after I get my dress in. While my bridal consultant said I could get away with a strapless bra and a slip, I'm uncomfortable with that. I'm a 32D and would like a small waist in my dress, so I have been looking for good corsets. Unfortunately, my usual goto's (Victoria Secret and Fredericks) are kind of letting me down!

Don't get me wrong, they have some sexy stuff, but nothing that is fit to go under a wedding dress to help shape me without having extravagent detailing that would show through my dress or be uncomfortable. Anyone have any good places to go for a reasonable price? Wedding is DEFINITELY on a budget, so any savings would help!

Jager1219

I got mine custom-made.  But you're right VS has cute stuff, but it's made to look cute, not be functional.  I'd go to a formalware store and ask them for recommendations.

Also - very important.  Whatever you buy don't take the tags off until after you've tried it on with the dress.  Most corsets have boning and depending on your dress fabric, it might show through.  You want to make sure you can return whatever you've bought if it doesn't work.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_underneath-the-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:fd62bd6e-f6b1-41e3-83bd-f3a8027b210dPost:f64e4535-fb7c-4f58-925b-845363c52632">Underneath the Dress....</a>:
[QUOTE]My dress is coming in around March 9th and I'm searching for proper undergarmets so I can do a fitting right after I get my dress in. While my bridal consultant said I could get away with a strapless bra and a slip, I'm uncomfortable with that. I'm a 32D and would like a small waist in my dress, so I have been looking for good corsets. Unfortunately, my usual goto's (Victoria Secret and Fredericks) are kind of letting me down! Don't get me wrong, they have some sexy stuff, but nothing that is fit to go under a wedding dress to help shape me without having extravagent detailing that would show through my dress or be uncomfortable. Anyone have any good places to go for a reasonable price? Wedding is DEFINITELY on a budget, so any savings would help!
Posted by Rissaroo08[/QUOTE]

Look at stores that have specialty bras. Even Macys & Nordstroms and even JCPenney will often have longline bras (which is basically what you are looking for).

Also, try <a href="http://www.lindathebralady.com/" rel="nofollow">www.lindathebralady.com</a>.   You aren't necessarily looking for sexy, just for the pull/tug a longline bra would give you, right?

artbyallie

Fredericks/VS corsets are meant to be seen, not to be structural undergarments. If you literally want your waist inches smaller, well, you'll need a steel-boned corset AND your wedding dress will need to be taken in to whatever size that makes your waist.

Also, real corsets ain't cheap: http://puimond.com/corsets/cincher/

Jager1219

FWIW - my custom corset set was $150.  My mom got a long-line bra from Maidenform for $20.  Of course she thought I spend an outrageous amount of money on mine, but for me, since I usually get most of my stuff at VS, I didn't think it was so bad.

Spunky414

I tried my dress on with a longline bra and with a strapless bra and Spanx, the bra and Spanx did way more than the longline, felt more supportive of my large chest and were more comfortable. As far as cost goes they were the same but I'd use the bra and Spanx again. Get both from a place with a good return policy and try to see what works best on you. 

I'll second Linda's recommendation, and Norstroms also has a decent selection.

Gumby68

I would speak with the person doing your alterations. When I set up my appointments, I asked about it, and she said it would be best for my situation to not buy anything, and she would figure out the best suggestion at my first fitting. She said it totally depends on body type, dress style, etc, etc, etc as to what she winds up recommending. She thinks she'll end up sewing cups into my dress which is why she told me to wait. 

A good alterations person will know best what will work for your situation. 

Barbiiieee

I got this corset to go dress shopping with:

http://www.fredericks.com/Ultimate_Satin_Corset/51552,default,pd.html?cgid=co7&defaultOpt=true&all1=all

I havent noticed it showing underneath dresses at all. I noticed it doesn't come in a 32D, but I wonder if you could find one in a store to try on if you could go with a 34C or D. Since it laces up, as long as the cups fit you, I think it might be okay. Also have you thought of going with a strapless bra and a waist cincher like this?:

http://www.fredericks.com/Ultimate_Waist_Cincher/53451,default,pd.html?cgid=co8&defaultOpt=true&all1=all

Or this?:

http://www.fredericks.com/Waist_Cincher/51162,default,pd.html?cgid=co8&defaultOpt=true&all1=all

Those might work. Good luck!

Rissaroo08

Thanks so much everyone! That's all really helpful. The only reason I haven't hit a department store is because they don't generally carry my band size in the cup size I need. Talking to alterations seems like my best option since I am totally clueless, and I guess I'll find out if they're good by being able to help me out here!

Thanks again ladies!

P.S. I would LOVE to be able to wear a strapless bra and spanx vs. a corset, so I'll invest in that and see if that works!