[Doll]

It looks to me like these corsets are the same ones being sold by higher end corset shops as their "value" line. Typically the middle-of-the-road, "almost" high end corset shops have a regular section where the cheapest corset is $150, and then a small "value" section where the corsets are magically $50- $75. Lately 80% of the "value corsets on offer are jaquard and pinstripe satin, just like these. I don't understand how these could cost $20. Either the corset shops have a huge mark-up (which is possible), or these are an even cheaper knock-off of a popular bargain brand. Also, some of the wording in the description part of the listing seemed odd to me. I couldn't decide if it was just because of poor English skills, or if they were being intentionally evasive. I would ask them if the corsets contain any plastic boning or un-reinforced seems. Apparently manufacturers will sometimes put a few steel bones in a mostly plastic corset and call it "steel-boned". Other times the corsets won't have any plastic boning, but some areas that are reinforced in "real" corsets will not be reinforced at all in the cheaper ones. I noticed that they openly advertise that the busk is extremely flexible. That doesn't sound like a good sign to me. You shouldn't be able to easily bend it into a loop, even if it springs right back. If you can, then it's probably too soft to do what it's supposed to.

Thanks so much for your input. You're awesome. So knowledgeable...
I know they're so cheap because they are made in India (looking around at other corsetters, that seems to be the best place to get a cheap quality corset; the materials are very cheap there). A lot of girls over at BHM start out with corsets made by this company, although they buy them from American retailers that sell them for around $50. So I guess it'll be a good place for me to begin. I'm ok with something that won't last years or anything, because I know it's something I will outgrow soon. I will still regardless ask the seller more about them.

Doll, have you tried a corset before I mean a real steel boned one? They are pretty hardcore and hurt like nuts. By this I mean they will make the squeems marks fade into obliviion! If you are getting a real one then I wouldn't go lower than 4 inches than you currently are, as is suggested.

I would suggest that you find a corsettier and go for a fitting just to scope out what they feel like or just try a few of their sample sizes. I would even hazard checking if you can get some medical grade corset for your back issues.

Or maybe contact Dr Aaron Stone who specialises in rib removal operations. He can probably advise quite well. As far as I am aware he only does the surgery with a tummy tuck though Sad

No, I've never owned a corset before (I would NEVER consider anything with plastic boning a corset!), this will be my first. I'm sure the pain won't be too bad, and it will be something to get used to is all. My Squeem was able to pull me in a full 2 inches before it got all worn out, and that didn't hurt at all. I know a corset will feel completely different, but I'm down for it, no matter what. ;P I also plan to tightlace when I begin my training to get faster results, so a corset that is 6 inches large might be better for that as well. As far as the hideous gap in the back, did you not buy one with a modesty panel? Most corsets seem to be made with a 5" modesty panel, and that would be more than enough to conceal any back squishes I might get.

Again, the corsetting pain doesn't scare me one bit; when I first got the Squeem, it pushed a small rib deformation back into the rest of my ribs over the course of a week. It essentially feels like walking around with a broken rib everyday. My boyfriend couldn't even hug me. And honestly, it didn't bug me at all because I knew it was giving me a better feminine shape. Even now, the Squeem has started shifting the bottoms of my ribcage downwards a little (even taking a break from Squeeming, they were still very tender!). I am completely ready for a corset and any pain it might try to bring my way. LOL I know with my strangely pliable ribs, the corset training will likely hurt more for me than the average person, but I guess that just means my full results will come that much faster.

Even just the flimsy Squeem has given me the most amazing back pain relief, so any corset I buy will just be that much better! I may be looking forward to that aspect of it even more that the actual waist shaping! Lol (I'm kidding, I look forward to both equally.) And holy cow, I'd NEVER even consider rib removal surgery! That's extreme and unnecessary! My ribs are so easily shaped, it'd be ridiculous to go to such extremes. If I were ok with cosmetic surgery, I would just go and get implants already. I don't think anyone should have to go that route unless it is something they really need.