Side-zip waist cincher - cinch discontinued by Escante - review by Red Vinyl Kitty

I absolutely adore vinyl and PVC clothing, and when I saw this on Eden, I had to have it. It arrived quickly, in an unmarked box, in a simple clear plastic bag. I threw the bag away.


Holding this in my hands the first time, I was amazed at the quality! This piece is really a treat for the eyes, and looked like a sexy hug for your curves too. I am petite at only 5'2", and I wear a size 34 band on a bra, and have a 33" waist. (Your actual breast size in unimportant here, as this fits you beneath that. After reading about how to choose the proper size corset, I chose a size 32. I knew it would be an inch smaller than both my waist and bust but figured that would not be an issue.


According to the size chart.. There is actually no helpful info in the sizing chart to help you determine the proper size for you! This corset runs in sizes 32, 34, 36, and 38. In order for me to figure out the correct size, I turned to EF's awesome forums. I found a couple of threads which said you should go by your bra band size (in my case, 34), and a couple which said to go by your waist size (in my case, 33). This being a corset, I didn't want it to fit me too loosely (I've had that problem before), and I figured I would go with a size 32, that way it was only a two inch difference in my ribcage, and one inch difference in my waist. I figured I could make up the difference with the side panel.


I waited a couple of days so I could have my husband help me into the corset, which honestly looked a little bit small to me. He tried to help me into it, but truth be told we could not even unlace the corset enough to get it on me. I know that my measurements have not changed so I decided to measure the corset itself. In order to fit into this, you're going to have to be really tiny!


Measurements lying flat (with the corset closed) are:


Across the top (under your bust): 26"


Waist: 24"


Top to bottom (from center): 10.5"


Each of the measurements can be increased about two inches with the laces.


There is just no way that my 34 chest or my 33" waist would fit. There is far too much difference, sadly. However, if your measurements fit, you will probably love this piece. The PVC itself is absolutely gorgeous, and looks like leather. It has a matte finish, and feels so soft. Once you tie this to the right size, you can just use the side zipper for easy in, and easy out.


The corset has seven plastic bones, and while they are not going to reduce your waist, they don't bend very easily, and will offer you some support. There are eighteen grommits in the back which the laces go through (eight on each side), which make the corset look gorgeous, and are sturdy enough to lace your corset tightly. The lace, however, leaves something to be desired. It is little more attractive than a shoe lace, and if you wear this often, then you're probably going to need to replace this early on.

Depending on your level of bravery, you could certainly wear this out of the house over a dress or blouse. It would be lovely for a Halloween party or the like.


PVC is a bit hard to clean though. You cannot put it in the washer, and it is best to not submerge it. Use a damp cloth to surface wash the inside and outside, and hang it up to dry. Do not put it anywhere near a dryer or it will melt!


One bonus to having the zipper on the side, is that you can actually zip the corset over a hanger, with the zipper resting on the bottom part of the hanger. This will allow you not to use a "claw" type of hanger which could damage the PVC, and will prevent your corset from becoming marked up over time. You could also store it in a drawer if you like. PVC does like to stick to other PVC clothes, though, so I recommend putting an article of clothing of a different material between this and other PVC clothes you have in your closet.


I really love this corset, so I'm giving it four stars. There is nothing wrong with the garment itself, but the size is definitely way off at best, whether or not you go by bust or waist sizes. Even though it doesn't fit me, I cannot deny that this is a quality piece that will last the wearer for a good long while with proper care.