To get the bodice or not.

[Lady Neysa]

So, my dilemma is this.  I'm considering buying a Moresca bodice, style to be determined, to replace the  current flimsy, poor fitting one I've had forever. I've never worn a well made one before- how constricting are they really when it comes to breathing comfortably?  I'm kind of hesitant because lately my asthma has really been flaring up, I've had the worst summer ever with breathing issues and now I'm wondering if I should reconsider the tight bodice idea?  I've always wanted a Moresca, but I don't want to spend that kind of money only to find I can't breathe in it.  Do other asthma sufferers have trouble breathing in constricting bodices?

If I have to give up on that idea, what can I wear that won't be as constricting?  Maybe an irish dress or a kirtle?  I don't want to just go "topless", and I don't think the waist cincher look would look good on me, being rather short and thick around the middle.  
Thoughts please?

[Gwen aka Punstergal]

I'll be honest, the flat front Moresca styles, while slightly constricting, will probably actually IMPROVE your breathing. They force you to not slouch, which warps your diaphragm and reduces your available airway, but which almost everyone does anyway. I've never had a problem breathing in my Moresca, except the brief time when I put on weight and it no longer fit correctly. Just make sure you get fitted for the correct size, and you should be fine (reason mine is a little smallish, because it's literally almost 10 years old, and I've grown a tad, lol-- but it's a testiment to their quality, the bodice still looks good!).

[Adriana Rose]

My favorite bodice is my Max, I havent found it to be restricting but what bodice isnt?

They are awesome with their service, I would say call instead of ordering from the web site they help with the colors and the size that works with your measurements.

[ArielCallista]

I agree with Gwen. If a Moresca fits right it'll straighten your back which will straighten your airway and sort of open up breathing to you. How you breathe make a difference too. If you are the sort to breathe deeply and with your stomach (your stomach rises and falls when you breathe) it maybe slightly harder than if you breathe shallower or with your chest (your chest rises and falls as you breathe). Most people who are used to wearing corsets and bodices have naturally switched themselves to chest breathing. Also if you know you use 3 part breathing you will be fine. Technically this is the most "correct" method of breathing where your lungs fill evenly from top to bottom...so no particular part of you rises and falls drastically when you breathe...generally

[gem]

1. I CERTAINLY think you need a good, high quality, well-fitting bodice to replace your current one. So that part's settled. Get something better.  

What you replace it WITH, however, is wide open. I've never seen a Moresca bodice in person (to my everlasting sorrow), but I know they have a variety of styles, and they all probably fit just a little bit differently. My advice would be to go with something that has mutiple lacings/openings (like the Max), and which will look good whether you wear a bra with it or not. If you can wear a mundane bra, it will allow you to not lace as tightly on those days where you feel your breathing might be compromised, without compromising the look of the bodice. I don't have asthma, but I have other health concerns that mean I don't always want to be laced up so tightly, and I find my Ophelia's stomacher bodice to be pretty adaptable. I can go braless and lace it all the way closed... or if I want a little more room some days, I'll wear a bra and leave a gap in the laces, and it still looks great (photo taken a few weeks before I had abdominal surgery last fall).

I wouldn't describe any of my garb as uncomfortable, but to get the best support from a bodice all by itself, I *do* have to lace up pretty tightly, and there's definitely some mental adjustment at first, because it is so different than mundane clothing. If you ever feel panicky if your breathing is constricted, then you probably ought to get something that you CAN unlace a little bit if you need to.

Have fun!!

(Oh, btw, the answer to "Do I get the new bodice or not?" is ALWAYS yes!!)

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I have 3 Moresca's.  Two Cleo &  one Max 2.  I always wear a bra with them, because I find it more comfortable, but I know others don't.

If you possibly can, try to visit a faire where they have a booth.  I bought one in person, and they took over an hour to fit me with a bodice that was comfortable and that I loved (my first Cleo).

If you can't visit a faire, then definitely call them.  My Max 2 is a medium, the 2 Cleos are larges.  However, I had bought a size large Pirate bodice through the mail.  It hit me right on my kidney transplant and hurt, so I ended up selling it.

I bought an extra-large Max (regular Max, not the Max 2), and it was way too big, nothing I could tighten up to make work, so I sold that, too, even though I loved it!

With my Moresca and Pendragons (I have 2 of those, too), I find my posture is so much better, and my back isn't sore by the end of the day, because I'm not slouching from sitting on benches without backs.  I will vouch for Pendragon, too, if you are looking for leather or suede.  They have inset tooling pieces in the front, and no boning in the rest, but they still give lots of support.  Maybe that might work with your asthma, because the suede does give a bit while you're wearing it, but it doesn't bunch up or roll over.

Best bet is to try them on in person, but if that's not possible, a phone call to Moresca or Pendragon is a must.  Both have excellent customer service, and I'd recommend either.

[Lady Neysa]

Gem, I like your answer! 
Lady Renee, I am most fortunate to be able to visit Moresca (and drool) in person at Maryland, my home faire.  I've just never given myself the opportunity to try one on before.  This year I'm gonna, darn it! I deserve it!  I may not end up buying it, depending on cash flow, but I'm gonna try some on, come hell or high water!  (and we've had way too much of that lately.)  I never thought about the posture thing, maybe it will feel good on my ever aching back. 

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

You know, the summer before I bought my first Pendragon, I went in the shop every weekend to look at their bodices and choose the one I liked best, which changed over the summer!  I didn't buy it then, but I had an idea of what I wanted.  Then, when I was ready to buy, I was fitted by their staff.

So even if you don't buy at once, go in and spend lots of time looking around.  I am of the firm persuasion that I will know when it's the right thing for me to buy and the right time to buy it.  It's just a feeling, that you KNOW.

Definitely spend time at Moresca, and try on several different types of bodice before you buy.  I always thought the Pirate was great and wanted one so bad, but when I got it, it didn't fit right on my body.  One style may fit and look great, while the same maker with a different style might not be as comfortable.

One of the best parts - enjoying them while trying them on!   

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Like with a Corset, there's nothong worse than a Bodice that does not fit right.

Then bit about improving posture when wearing a well boned bodice or corset is true. The back feels so much better at the end of the day. Breathing is not much of an issue when the support is there.

From what I have seen of Moresca bodices, women of all shapes and sizes look marvelous in them.

[TheAlchemistsStar]

I love my Moresca bodices.  I am very tall and have a long waist, so I purchased a Max 2 last year.  It's a bit short, but not enough to truly be noticeable.  It's technically too big for me now (I laced it closed this year without discomfort) so it may go on ebay after this season.  I also have 2 Khadija bodices and I think they are my favorites right now.  It has been ridiculously hot and humid over the past few weeks at MDRF and the rain has been a plenty.  The Khadijas are perfect for hot weather, I can drive fully dressed (they are half bodices, and don't extend down past the bust) and comfy to and from Faire and I love the options of the various skirts and pants Moresca has to offer.  I also own a Max but due to my long waist, I have to wear it without the shoulder straps, otherwise it just looks strange. 

I have been very, very happy with Moresca and I only began collecting last season.  Keep an eye out on ebay, Moresca bodices are often up for sale and you might find the right size at a discounted price.  That said, make sure you know how much everything retails; a few months ago I watched several Moresca items sell for more on ebay (used) than they would have brand new. 

[stonebiscuit]

 Do other asthma sufferers have trouble breathing in constricting bodices?

Yes. Something that is snugly and firmly wrapped around your torso is going to affect your breathing. Personally, I loosen my laces the first time I reach for my inhaler, and keep them loosened. I would suggest finding something that's very adjustable, so you can find the point where you're sacrificing neither the line of the costume nor the quality of your breathing.

[Betty Munro]

Breathing is totally over-rated. 
Of course get the bodice.  You don't have to wear it so tight that you can't breath, but that seems to be half the fun.  If it is side or front laced, you can always loosen it to breath if needed.

[stonebiscuit]

Breathing is totally over-rated. 

I may be overreacting. Betty Munro, this isn't meant as a personal attack, just a comment on a common line of thought.

That being said, I am really tired of hearing this counter-productive and frankly destructive sort of talk being thrown around, especially by women. The idea that we ought to sacrifice the quality of a major life function--that it is actually preferable or fun to sacrifice it--is baffling to me. Where did this idea come from and why do we subscribe to it?

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I don't know Betty at all, but having read the same post, I had a totally different reaction.  I burst out laughing. 

I thought she was posting it as a funny joke, and she probably didn't mean for you to take it as seriously as you did.  Especially when she wrote the second line, which seems to be spot on -- if someone feels uncomfortable with a bodice that may be tight, just loosen it until it feels good.

After all, we do have a lot of fun on these boards.  Just my tuppence.   

[Betty Munro]

Lady Renee is right, and her reaction is the one I had intended ... Yes ma'am, I was joking! 
I hope you can find a comfortable medium between tight enough to lift, support, and hold as a bodice/corset intends, and being able to breath.  Nobody wants you to end up the ER, no matter how great the bodice might look.  I think the advise from another asthma sufferer, (to loosen the laces when needed) is probably the best to listen to, as that is experienced input.  I have no experience with asthma, nor Moresca.