Moresca Max bodice fit question!

[Sev]

To anyone who owns or has at least tried on one of Moresca's lovely Max-style bodices... is it reasonable/comfortable/possible to lace the sides closed completely? In every picture I see of people wearing one, the sides always have at LEAST an inch gap to them, so I wonder if that's just how they're designed to fit.

I ask because I've discovered that, for my newest role at faire, I really need a bodice style that extends a bit below the waist to sort of ease the pressure from my belt (which has a bunch of cumulatively heavy stuff on it) from digging into my waist/hips. It seems like my options are to A. wear a boned-tab corset, which I'd rather not do, because I'd either have to wear it as outerwear -- which for whatever reason always makes me feel awkward, hehe -- or wear a bodice over it, which I'd also rather not do because my role is very combat-heavy and I just... already have so much stuff to put on in the mornings, hah! B. wear a more Victorian-styled corset, with gores and curvy panels and stuff... which I'd also rather not do, because to my eye that's just blatantly out-of-period and I just don't like sewing them (hahaha), or C. try to adapt something Moresca-ish. The last option is what I'd like to try hardest for, because while it's far from period, it at least isn't drawing too obviously from another ACTUAL period... I have no idea if my logic makes any sense, but it placates my inner accuracy demon (who still isn't over the fact that I'm transitioning quite easily from RESEARCH ALL THE THINGS AND PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION to IT'S PRETTY AND COMFY AND MAKES ME HAPPY, I THINK I'LL WEAR IT!). I guess, basically, renaissance inspiration plus fantasy inspiration is better than Victorian inspiration plus fantasy inspiration, at least when the garment being inspired is to be worn in a more renaissance-y setting? ...Or something?

Of course then I wonder if maybe the Max design is really just an elongated Elizabethan-style bodice, with pre-attached hip gussets, streamlined to be cut in one piece...? Clearly I am overthinking things! (And my friends and family wonder why I haven't started a sewing business yet. HAH!)

Many thanks to anyone who can offer some bit of insight, or at least feels like laughing with me at the way my mind likes to work. <3

[gem]

I have no experience with Morescas, other than looking at them  , and I'm not fully understanding the problem/question about lacing completely closed at the sides. But I think this will depend on the sizing, and whether you are at the smaller or larger end of the particular bodice size you're buying. I have bodices that either do or do not lace closed completely depending on the fluctuation of my weight, and my day-to-day comfort level.

But... have you thought about Odd Bodkin? They have longer bodices as well, and say this on their website:

You should feel comfortable enough to engage in any faire activity, whether shopping or riding on horseback. The Goddess Bodice is the result of several years of testing various designs "in the field". This design has proven itself during numerous activities including grueling 14 hour work days in extreme heat and cold while sword fighting, singing and dancing.

[Rowan MacD]

   I own a Max and a Max II, and 2 odd Bodkin.   Moresca is high end-Odd Bodkin is mid range but reasonably priced and well made.
  Moresca is designed to be worn with a 2" gap on the side laces and back, which allows for a very flexible and comfortable fit for about a 6" range with in each size.  They are extremely rugged, well boned, and come with a lifetime warranty on the grommets (they will replace them free if they ever pull out) which helps explain why they are a bit pricey.  Their designs for fairy are some of my favorites.  ^_^
  Sizes run small.   If you are not short-waisted and small to normal sized in the chest, the Max look very good.  They are designed to smash you flat, in the Elizabethan way, and so can get uncomfortable if you are well endowed if you tight lace.
  Moresca will usually not accept an order from you unless you provide measurements, to prevent returns. and because they can be reefed down so far, they will usually recommend you buy the next size up to keep from squishing the soft bits overmuch.
 I can provide approximate sizes in inches for the Max/MaxII via PM if you like.


I don't like to put them out there because Moresca does not provide that info on their site.  I dont' know why.

[Koshiba]

Thanks for asking this. I'm planning to get a Max this coming weekend (opening weekend, yay!) and like you, every picture I've seen has had an opening along the side. I love the way the Max looks but feel a little weird about the sides showing like that. Guess I'll see how I feel when I try one on.

One of our performers used to wear a Max (she upgraded to a Max 2 midway through the season last year I believe) and I can't remember if hers used to do the side-gap. I'm gonna see if I can find pictures... (The whole group wears Moresca actually, and I felt like such a dork when I was able to identify them as a Max -> Max 2, Pirate, and Faerie. )

ETA: That was easy. Hera's Max does indeed gap. Though they maybe look a little smaller than some I've seen.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I love my Moresca's.  One Max II (which does have an opening on the sides) as well as 2 Cleo bodices (only lace in the front, & for comfort's sake, I don't lace fully closed).

They do tend to run small.  I was fitted for my first Cleo at Scarborough, and after that, I buy the same size as that which  they fitted me.

If there is any way to try it on before you purchase, that's the best bet.  I had purchased the Pirate Bodice, and although the same size, it hit me right on my (donated) kidney transplant, and I couldn't wear it. So different styles may fit differently.

[Sev]

I'm not really looking to buy... I love their stuff SO MUCH and have drooled over it for ten years, but I could make two or even three functionally equivalent pieces for the price of just one of their much more beautiful ones, and when money is such a major concern for me... well, you get the idea.

I posted this thread primarily to try to get an idea of how the shape of the side-openings might work, and if it's the right sort of path to follow in my quest for anti-belt-pinch armor that doesn't look blatantly Victorian. I love the LOOK of that part of the Max bodice, but if it is only comfortable/practical with the gap at the sides, then I suppose I need to find a new plan.

The reason I'm hoping to have something that's more closed at the sides -- like, an inch gap or less, maybe -- is so that my heavy belt won't have as much ability to dig into me.

Thanks for the responses, either way! You ladies are awesome <3 and even if we don't manage to figure out the answer to my question for today, all this info will probably be very handy when I AM able to just buy a Moresca. (I may be able to sew up some sturdy stuff, but I cannot make pretty things. I just can't. I'll leave that to the professionals and I'll just have to wait to have pretty things until I can pay the people who know what they're doing! <3)

[Rowan MacD]

  I think I see what you are asking.  Yeah, the various panels on the Moresca bodices are differently shaped, probably to enable the lace gaps to be the same width apart over your curves.  best hop over to ebay and see if someone is selling one and if they provide pics of the bodice lying flat, front and back, to get an idea of the amount of curve needed on the lacing edges.

found one-(while the link lasts)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moresca-Ren-Faire-Costume-Bodice-Skirt-Shift-Blouse-Headdress/251117381135?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=015&category=125473&cmd=ViewItem

Note the pronounced curve on the sides-the back lacing edges are straight.