Polka dot corset - corset discontinued by Coquette - review by Shellz31

BRAND & COLOUR:

Coquette have made a beautiful job of the Polka Dot corset. It’s make in China and is only available in black with pink spots and trimmings on Eden. The product page images appear slightly more solid in the black shade than it does in person. Apart from that, what you see is what you get.


MATERIAL:

The Polka Dot corset is made from 82% nylon and 18% spandex – exclusive of trim. The main part of the corset features a dense, mildly stretchy mesh which is nowhere near as see through as the small triangle mesh patches at the base of the neck ties. The pink frills top and bottom are very soft and stretchy – no irritation happening under the arms. Lining the triangle mesh pieces, the top edge, bottom edge and over the boning rows (except side ones) is shiny light pink stretchy fabric that has a satin feel.

I went with the XL which is spot on according to Coquette’s sizing table on the product page. It states this size is for a D cup, but it has enough cover for DD size breasts. Those with C cups may swim in the XL to a degree, but not outrageously so.

The measurements below are done on the actual garment I received.


CORSET:

Unlike what it states on the product page, the cups have no underwire at all. But because of the cup shape sewn in and the bones ending at the base of the cups, the corset offers a good amount of support – even for those of us who are bigger and getting on in years. From the images on the product page, I got the impression that the neck straps could be easily attached and unattached at will. But these are firming sewn in place. The front of the strap is sewn into the top of the cups and is a triangle of see through mesh which features a wide length of pink satin ribbon on the end for tying around the neck.

The cups are lightly padded for shaping with four rows of soft, pink, ruffled mesh rows across the top. These are backed with a stretchy pink satin feeling fabric that creates a flap layer over each cup and follows along the top at the back. This also means that at least two of the ruffle rows could easily be trimmed off if they aren’t to your liking. I’m actually thinking of doing this myself.
Half was down the cups is another two ruffle rows that are sewn straight onto the corset mesh itself. Between the cups is a large pink bow which is attached by a brooch type pin – take it or leave it as you wish. Same goes for the two bows at the hem of the corset.
Down the front is five strips of thin, somewhat flimsy boning. There is another piece down each side and four in the back.

Along the bottom is another four ruffle rows stitched onto the stretchy pink fabric which creates a scalloped hem. Two of these rows could be cut off like on the cups. Inside, sewn around at waist level, is a wide band of black elastic to give extra shaping.
There are two rows of 18 eyes and naturally one row of hooks to match.

Across open corset:
Tightest at the chest: 32”
Tightest at the waist: 30”
Tightest at the hips: 36”
Loosest at the chest: 42”
Loosest at the waist: 42”
Loosest at the hips: 47”

When measuring the loosest, I stretched the mesh as much as possible.

Length – including ruffles:
Hook/eye opening: 12 ¾”
Sides: 15 ¼”
Front middle: 15 ½”

Neck ties: 26 ¼”

The corset features four removable garters at the hem. These garters are adjustable between 4” and 7 ½”. On the ends is a piece of black ribbon which conceals the plastic clips.

All ribbon edges feature Stop Fray to keep them in perfect condition. The only area they failed to use Stop Fray or to serge is where the neck tie ribbon attaches to the mesh triangle. There is a raw edge here and I can see where the ribbon on mine is just starting its fraying journey. For me this isn’t an issue, as I have the stuff to fix it up myself.
There was no loose threads to be trimmed off. They did a great job on this one!

CLEANING ~ PACKAGING:

Just like the tag states, this should be hand washed only. I hand wash mine in a small amount of laundry powder and warm water in the bath. I find this way I can lay it out completely flat to give it a thorough cleaning. It’s best to allow boned corsets to drip dry to keep it in pristine shape.

The Polka Dot corset arrived in a clear plastic garment style bag and hung from a black padded coat hanger. Attached by a small safety pin was a cardboard tag with images of the corset and a tiny clear bag which held the black garters.


EXPERIENCE:

Polka dots and frills have never really thrilled me. Nor has pink, but the brand and the way this beauty makes me feel is fantastic! I was somewhat concerned when first requesting this one, as I normally prefer the corsets with hook and eye as well as the ribbon ties up the back. Just makes it much easier for me to get in and out of it. Also, they are far more likely to fit me cause of the leeway of tie adjustments. With this style there’s often not much pulling in of the waist and you need to get the perfect sizing.
I was surprised and absolutely thrilled that this one does both for me. Unfortunately because it does draw my waist in so much, my hips look enormous.

My other problem with corsets (in the past) is that I’m extremely short waisted, so they always cover most of my hips. This means that a corset (of this design) may be perfect up top, but is far too small for my hips. It’s as though this one was made for me. It fits like a corset should all the way down my torso!
Being that I have a DD chest which requires a good amount of support at my age, I found this corset more than supportive enough. I usually prefer the type that don’t have actual moulded cups cause the cupped ones are more often than not too small for me. These are great - we fit very comfortably!

My love affair with Coquette continues to grow ~ 10 stars.