Pendragon Bodices

[Once Debauched]

Seeing how I'm trying my best to spend my entire tax return before faire ever starts *snarky giggle*  I was looking at Pendragon Costumes, specifically their Dagger Bodice and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them fitting bigger sized women.

Here's my fear - because the back and sized are suede when it goes to cinch or pull me in I'm going to get that "lumpy" effect you see so many soft bodied women with when wearing a tight unboned bodice.

I still want a smooth appearance (even if I'm lumpy underneath) with the girls being supported.  Anybody know if I can get that with a predominantly suede bodice?

The sales rep I spoke to wasn't able to answer my questions satisfactorily (why they don't bone, the gauge of the suede, plus a few others) and I'm not about to drop $200+ on anything without being content with the answers I get.

So now I turn to you, my knowledgebase of all things ren in hopes you might be able to give me some insight.

[bookwench]

I'm wearing a Pendragon (although not the dagger version) in my profile picture, and you can sorta see how it looks.  I think they hold the girls up pretty well, and I'm a size 18/20.  If you want, i can find the non-cropped version so you can see a full torso shot. 

Also, quite a few of the members of Queen Anne's Lace wear Pendragons and they always look fabulous. 

[Amyj]

I have a Pendragon you can try on if you want before buying.  I have found it tends to ride higher on the waist (or in my case "muffin top") than I prefer, but it's not too bad...and I got the longer length.  I don't know what the heck size I got...but you know what size I am and all.  Just let me know and I will bring it out to faire so you can test drive it.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I have 3 Pendragons & love them.  I am long waisted & bought the "tall."  It isn't too long, just comes to my natural waist.  I've worn with and without a bra & even without, it has supported well, because the front panel is still leather.  I never had any lumpy problems.

[Lady Kett]

Agree with all the ladies above. Had I known of such a "tall" option I would have asked about it. My only gripe (not even a complaint) is it's high waisted. You can cinch the front to the sides pretty tightly and leave the "open-ish part" (my very own term of course) in the back. That helps my squishiness!

[Elennare]

I have been drooling over Pendragon bodices for years.  Of course, now that I actually could afford one, there is no where near me that sells them.  (I'd want to try it on in the shop again before ordering, to make sure I was getting the right size).

When I did try one on in a shop, I recall it being pretty stiff, even the sides.  I also had several friends who had them, and I don't recall anyone looking lumpy in them.  They are a bit short in the sides/back, so that might be an issue for you. *shrug*  But they DEFINITELY support the girls.

[Dayna]

I could quite happily live in mine.  They give Very Firm Support regardless of the actual amount of "acreage".  They put up with some really intense tension without buckling, and while they don't have bones, they do have reinforced strips of leather so grommets don't pull out and their construction is such that boning is unnecessary.

[Once Debauched]

I could quite happily live in mine.  They give Very Firm Support regardless of the actual amount of "acreage".  They put up with some really intense tension without buckling, and while they don't have bones, they do have reinforced strips of leather so grommets don't pull out and their construction is such that boning is unnecessary.

Ah hah!  Had the salesman told me what you just did I might not of had to post this thread!  lol