Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering a Sparklewren Corset:

• How long does it take to make a corset?
  
  
  
  • Between 4 and 10 weeks. This turnaround time allows for the design consultation, contracts, mock-ups, ordering any fashion fabrics or unusual extras required, and producing a beautifully made garment with careful attention to detail.
    
    
    
  • For more elaborate pieces, the process may take longer. This will be detailed in the contract of work. Please consider this if you plan on commissioning a full ensemble such as a bridal corset and gown.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Where is the price list?
  
  
  
  • Each garment is designed and made for the client’s individual specifications and so a set price-list is not possible. As a guide, cinchers/belts start at £150, underbust corsets start at £210, overbust corsets start at £390, and bridal/formal/burlesque ensembles start at £1500.
    
    
    
  • Ready-to-wear garments listed on the Sparklewren Etsy Shop are often priced at a discount to reflect their use in photographs and product development. These are usually produced to standard measurements, as can be seen here.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Are payment plans available?
  
  
  
  • Payment plans are available and all made-to-order work takes an initial deposit of 40% rather than the full amount. Spread over a few weeks, this can make a bespoke corset more affordable for some clients.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• What forms of payment are accepted?
  
  
  
  • Paypal, cheque or cash.
    
    
    
  • For each payment due you will be invoiced via email with a link to a Paypal payment system. You do not need a Paypal account to use Paypal, as you can use your chosen card details without signing up for Paypal.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Are refunds/returns possible?
  
  
  
  • No. Ready-to-wear samples are sold “as seen” and can only be returned/refunded if they are not as described. Made-to-order work must be approved and signed for at final payment before shipping/handing over, and therefore cannot be returned after the fact.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Is it possible to cancel an order?
  
  
  
  • The non-refundable deposit remains with Sparklewren, whilst any other monies paid are refundable. The corset and any component parts remain with Sparklewren.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Is it possible to amend an order?
  
  
  
  • An amendment or new contract will be written up detailing any changes to the order and total cost. This must be signed by both parties.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Does Sparklewren produce garments for wholesale?
  
  
  
  • No. Though Jenni is happy to consider displaying her garments within a boutique or concession if appropriate. If you are interested in displaying a Sparklewren corset within your boutique, please contact Jenni with your proposal.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Does Sparklewren have garments ready-to-ship?
  
  
  
  • Occasionally, Sparklewren has sample pieces or ready-to-wear sizes available in her Etsy shop. Everything else is made to order for each individual client.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• How much does postage cost?
  
  
  
  • Please ask Jenni for an up-to-date estimate on shipping costs or check the Royal Mail website.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Design/Technical Info:

• What is the difference between “off-the-rack”, “custom” and “bespoke” fit?
  
  
  
  • “Off-the-rack” (OTR) garments are made using set patterns to standard sizes. They presume a degree of conformity between figures. In many cases this is absolutely fine and OTR sizes suit a lot of people. “Bespoke” garments, however, are made from a pattern that is drafted from scratch entirely for the individual. They work from a blue-print of your own body and take into consideration any “quirks” or requests you may have. For example, you may have a slight fullness in the right breast in comparison to the left and want this balancing out through gentle padding. Or you may wish for a very low hip-line that just skims the tops of your thighs. Details such as this are possible by working from a full set of torso measurements.
    
    
    
  • As an alternative to both OTR and bespoke, a “customisation” can be done. For example, if you have a specific historical pattern in mind Jenni can alter this using your measurements for an improved fit. Perhaps you wish to order one of Sparklewren’s existing designs in a standard size but would benefit from an extra 2” adding to the hip… this could also be improved through customisation. A custom fit can be arranged for a small extra fee, please contact Jenni with your requirements for a full estimate.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• What is a “toile”?
  
  
  
  • A “toile” (pronounced “t-wal”) is simply a mock-up of inexpensive materials. Usually it is fully or partly boned as this gives us the best indication of how the pattern is fitting. The toile can be fitted either in person or at a distance (using photographs, markings and notes), and any changes then required are made on the flat pattern.
    
    
    
  • Sometimes more than one toile is required. For the height of luxury, many versions of a toile may be tried before the final fabrics are cut. If you have chosen especially expensive fabrics or are investing in an especially important garment (such as a wedding gown or burlesque show ensemble), then multiple toiles can be extremely useful in producing the most beautiful garment possible.
    
    
    
  • The cost of the toiles is included in the total cost (as agreed in the contract), and toiles must always be returned to Sparklewren for further work to proceed.
    
    
    
  • A toile is not obligatory. If you are confident of the measurements provided, Jenni is happy to skip the toile and go straight to producing the final garment. In these circumstances, Sparklewren cannot be responsible if inaccurate measurements have been given. Standard sized pieces do not, of course, require a toile.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• What measurements are needed to make a bespoke corset?
  
  
  
  • This really depends upon your requirements. Please refer to the interactive Measurements Chart and downloadable PDF for more information and check the standard sizing chart to see if “off the rack” sizing would be suitable for your figure.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Are Sparklewren bespoke corsets only available in the styles shown in the Gallery?
  
  
  
  • No. The beauty of a bespoke garment is the limitless design permutations possible. Not only can the client request something “inspired by” Sparklewren’s existing work, but they can request that we work together on something completely new and personal to them.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Is there any reduction on price for further corsets made using the original pattern repeatedly?
  
  
  
  • If no alterations to the client’s first pattern are required, a £5 reduction on price is possible.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Can the client’s own fashion fabric be supplied?
  
  
  
  • Yes. A sample must be sent to Jenni for approval first.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• How much will an overbust Italian silk corset covered in violet swarovski crystals cost?
  
  
  
  • When drawing up the contract the costing is done individually for each design and so there is not a set price-list for specific designs. As a guideline, cinchers/belts start at £150, underbusts start at £210, overbusts start at £390 and full bridal ensembles start at £1500. If you require something quite elaborate or specific, please contact Jenni directly for an estimate. This estimate will be finalised in the contract if you decide to go ahead with the order.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Most Sparklewren corsets are ‘Victorian’ in silhouette, are you happy to make Edwardian “S-curves” or Renaissance “pairs of bodies”?
  
  
  
  • Yes. For more unusual silhouettes or patterns a toile is recommended.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Will you replicate other corsetieres/designers work for clients?
  
  
  
  • No. Sparklewren can take inspiration from existing garments and existing designers (for example, Jenni is happy to replicate the flossing on an extant corset or produce a corset inspired by Schiaparelli’s shocking pink or Gaultier’s perfume bottles), but will not copy a design directly.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Can Sparklewren produce corseted wedding gowns?
  
  
  
  • Yes. Bridal is a wonderful opportunity to create extravagant and luxurious corsets, skirts and trains with a high level of attention to detail, and Jenni is more than happy to design and construct the perfect wedding gown for you. Toiles are required for best fit and the best fabrics possible are always used.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Are Sparklewren corsets made from true corsetry-appropriate materials?
  
  
  
  • Yes. The strength layer is always coutil and the hardware (steel boning, busks, etc.) is purchased from reputable sellers within the industry. It is Jenni’s firm belief that a corset should be made to last generations, and this requires using the best materials available.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

General:

• Are corsets comfortable?
  
  
  
  • A well-fitting corset is very comfortable, though it is worth noting that “comfort” is different for each individual. Some clients will not feel “right” unless they are laced in 6” on a daily basis. Others will wear a corset only occasionally and be “comfortable” at 2” waist reduction. Please consider your own requirements when selecting waist reduction.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Can wearing a corset make a person lose weight or permanently alter the shape of their body?
  
  
  
  • There is some conflicting information available on these topics. For example, one may be inclined to eat less when corseted and therefore lose weight. And constant tight-lacing from an early age may have, historically, resulted in alterations to the development of the ribcage.
    
    
    
  • Sparklewren’s advice is do not commission a corset for the above two reasons. It is not the intention of a Sparklewren corset to cause permanent weight reduction or permanent body modification, and Sparklewren cannot be responsible for clients who choose to wear a corset for those reasons.
    
    
    
  • Sparklewren is, however, happy to produce tight-lacing corsets with extreme reduction for those clients who request it.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• If a client is planning on losing weight, should they commission a corset to match their anticipated size?
  
  
  
  • Probably not. As you lose or gain weight, the proportions of your body can change in unexpected ways (especially if you are improving muscle tone also). Sparklewren would suggest waiting 2 or 3 months to ensure your new weight is sustainable before placing an order.
    
    
    
  • Do note, however, that a small amount of weight fluctuation can be accommodated by the standard 2” lacing gap at back (this gap can be omitted at the client’s request), which can be laced closed or laced a little more loosely without spoiling the overall effect of the corset.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• If a client is planning on having a child soon, should they commission a corset for after the birth as a treat?
  
  
  
  • Again, it would probably be best to wait a while as your body may still be changing. Sparklewren will happily design and construct a corset for you whenever you wish, but would prefer that you are able to get many years of use from the garment and do not regret your purchase.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• What can be done if the client’s body shape/size has changed since they placed their order?
  
  
  
  • The complexity of alterations required in this scenario depends upon the stage of construction. There is always an extra fee for any extra work required beyond the initial contract, and this would be written up into an amendment or new contract as necessary.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Are clients under the age of 18 able to purchase Sparklewren corsets?
  
  
  
  • No. Sparklewren will happily produce corsets and corseted garments for anyone 18 years old and above, but will not begin work on a corset until this age. You may commission a corset once your 18th birthday has passed, but not before. ID may be required to this effect.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Potential Problems:

• What should a client do if they have emailed/called Jenni without response?
  
  
  
  • Please try again. Jenni checks and responds to emails Tuesday through Friday. If a week has passed and you have heard nothing, please try contacting Jenni using sparklewren(dot)corsets(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk and include your initial email for reference. Do also include your order details (Name and Order Number) if appropriate. This is her back-up email address in case of technical issues with the website and is also checked on a regular basis.
    
    
    
    You can also write to Jenni at 17 South View Terrace, Bearpark, Durham, DH7 7DE.
    
    
    
    
    
    

Aftercare:

• How are Sparklewren corsets laced?
  
  
  
  • Unless otherwise specified, all Sparklewren corsets are laced following a pattern of alternating ‘Xs’ which cross twice over the waist to allow for easy dressing and excellent cinch. It is possible to lace your corset following other patterns/methods, though this method is usually the easiest to follow for those new to corsetry. It is recommended to have a mirror or friend on hand to assist at the first lacing.
    
    
    
  • A full set of lacing instructions will be included with your corset.
    
    
    
  • As each Sparklewren corset is heavily supported with steel boning, it is recommended that you take your time tightening the corset. Try wearing the corset quite loosely for 30mins then tightening it slightly once you are comfortable. Your body must be given fair time to become accustomed to the corset, and the corset must be given time to shape to your body. After a few wears the steels will gently take on the desired curves and the coutil will warm and fit to the body. For this reason, it is also advisable to never let another individual wear your corset. This most personal of garments functions best when allowed to shape to your body alone.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• What should be considered when wearing a corset?
  
  
  
  • Please remember to treat your corset well. Sparklewren corsets are very sturdy, featuring steel boning, extra under-busk steels (where appropriate), professional seam-finishes, corsetry-specific strength fabrics (ie: coutil), waist-tapes for extra reinforcement, and careful pattern drafting/construction which fits beautifully and distributes stress well.
    
    
    
  • Wear-and-tear is inevitable with all garments, but a well cared for Sparklewren corset will last many years. Damage, however, can happen. Bending at the waist, lacing a new corset too tightly, or storing your corset with the bones bent out of shape, can damage busks and bones irrevocably. Remember to never bend at the waist (it is bad for your back anyway), never slouch on the sofa, and to never store, lace or remove your corset in a hurry. Sparklewren cannot be responsible for damage done to corsets that have been mistreated against her guidance.
    
    
    
    
    
    
• How should Sparklewren corsets be cleaned?
  
  
  
  • A typical Sparklewren corset is made from 100% silk shell, 100% cotton lining, and 100% cotton coutil strength layers with steel bones (both flat and spiral) providing support. Therefore, these corsets are not suitable for washing.
    
    
    
  • If necessary take the corset to a dry cleaners and ensure they are confident handling the garment. Otherwise, you may air your Sparklewren corset by draping it over a smooth wooden or plastic coat hanger (never metal) with the laces holding the corset in place, or over the back of a chair. Airing clothes is a good habit to get into, since most quality garments do not respond well to frequent washing.
    
    
    
  • You may spot clean the inside of your corset (unless you have requested a silk or other delicate lining), with a lightly damp cloth, or mist it judiciously with a lightly scented fabric refresher spray (such as Orange Blossom or Lavender). Do not do the same on the outside, as it may mark the fabric. If you commission or purchase a corset made from washable materials, you will be informed of this at the time.
    
    
    
  • Wearing an extra layer beneath your corset (such as a chemise or cotton singlet or t-shirt) will also prolong the life of your corset. Sweat accelerates the breakdown of most fabrics (and can mark silk quite badly).
    
    
    
    
    
    
• How should a Sparklewren corset be stored?
  
  
  
  • Make sure to air your corset after every wearing (for example, over the back of a chair) and to store the item loosely rolled or folded. Ensure none of the bones are being pressed out of shape when the item is folded away. Keep it in a dry, cool cupboard or drawer and, if possible, keep a little sachet of something scented near the corset (such as lavender) as this will help wick away any excess moisture in the air and keep your corset smelling lovely.
    
    
    
    
    
    

To arrange a commission, please contact Jenni. Sparklewren is also pleased to write for and participate with Foundations Revealed!