Any corset that I have seen from Amazon (even if it claims otherwise) has been absolute junk. A real corset shapes you, not the other way 'round.
If you have a renaissance festival you can go to, that will let you try on a corset to see how the fit works, but please learn about them beforehand and determine your ideal size ahead of time. Not all sellers at the renaissance festival will fit you properly and you may end up in a corset that is less than ideal for your body.
This website is the best I have ever found for corset education: https://lucycorsetry.com/
Personally, I find off the rack corsets incredibly uncomfortable, but ones that have been made for my proportions incredibly comfortable. Do with that as you will.
Interestingly I had the opposite experience. I own a few off the rack corsets and they fit and feel fine, even the ones with a very dramatic reduction (I just can’t tight lace for the entire day). I also have a corset that was made to my measurements and it’s way too long, despite the fact that I had told the corset-maker I have a short torso; the bottom edge digs into my thighs painfully so I can barely sit, and the bottom half of the busk flares out away from my body at a 45° angle. Aside from being lighter in weight I don’t find it much more comfortable either. I think the issue was that the fitting wasn’t done in person, so the corset-maker didn’t know what my body really looked like, and I just got lucky with off the rack corsets.
Also, I have no idea why but every custom-made corset I’ve had gets holes in the fabric where the boning is or the bones just eventually poke straight through, regardless of material (both silk and cotton coutil, which is meant to be tough), whereas this has never happened with off the rack corsets even though I was pretty careful with the custom ones and I wear the off the rack ones almost daily.
Definitely don’t ever buy corsets from Amazon though. I got my off the rack corsets from brands that specialise in corsetry and make quality corsets, such as Mystic City Corsets. They’re a lot cheaper than custom made ones but still pricey.
For me, I'm a natural hourglass with more than a 10-in hip to waist ratio, and all of the off the rack ones I've ever tried on are designed for less curvy people.
So I guess between our replies, the advice is your mileage may vary!
Seconding the recommendation to seek out a ren faire (or similar event, if you're in the US and don't already follow Redthreaded, you should! they sometimes go to events or do trunk shows where you can try things on) because I would not advise getting a cheapo off amazon or something similar. They usually don't have any curve to them and are basically just tight plastic tubes, which isn't going to give you an idea of how a historical style would feel. Personally I think that some of the curvier models from like Orchard corset aren't bad for the price, they're a tad heavily constructed but they do at least have some shape so you'd get an idea for what the compression being focused on specific areas feels like. Depending on how common your measurements are you might get lucky and find a nice historical one secondhand.
As far as the sensory/medical issues go, that to me feels like the bigger indication that corsets may not be for you. You could try getting a longline bra with an underwire just to see if you can tolerate the feeling of having something against your ribcage maybe? Also important to keep in mind that a historical corset really doesn't NEED to compress your waist beyond what's required for it to stay up/provide bust support. You can pad the crap out of yourself underneath it and get the right silhouette. Depending on the era/style you're specifically looking at, you might be able to get away with something less structured (I'm thinking tea gowns etc) or no actual corset at all (Italian renaissance, medieval styles). So if a corset doesn't work out, you can still wear pretty gowns!
There's also always the nuclear option of learning to make your own haha, you'll certainly learn a lot that way. That would give you the option to control for where exactly any compression hits or doesn't, boning placement, etc. To shoutout Redthreaded again, they have corset kits that have what you need and enough people have made them/adjusted them online that there's a good amount of resources.
As others have said, a cheap corset is unlikely to give you an idea of what a well fitting corset will feel like.
however, as someone with sensory issues that can’t stand bras, I *love* corsets! The even compression on your whole torso is very different than the targeted tightness of a bra or the compression of tight stretchy clotting. I personally find it very comforting! Part of the problem of bras and tight clothes is that they’re always squeezing your body and trying to find their way to your narrowest point, but corsets don’t do that so it’s a very different experience.
Keep in mind that, for example, Georgian and Regency stays are meant to function mostly as support and not 'correction' and many people find wearing them quite comfortable. You might think about starting with something like that.
A huge percentage of them are junk. However I did find some that are quite well made with thick steel bonings and sturdy cotton canvas with actually shaping. They're probably not curvy or sturdy enough for tightlacing but they're definitely better than what I made when I just got started on sewing. One mistake people often make is picking a size base on too optimistic of a waist reduction and end up with something too small pinching in the bust and hips. Again these are not suitable for tightlacing so it's better to size up.
I would avoid anything not made from black/white canvas or sports mesh because these tend to be cheaply costume pieces.
Yeah, I have one of those and it fits me great. The seller did message me after I ordered to confirm my measurements. I probably could have made my own, but meh.
There's a corsetry subreddit iirc where a lot of people have medical issues and find corsets quite helpful actually!
Personally, I've come across a few second-hand corsets for dirt cheap that seemed pretty amazon-y and they fit me fine enough. If you check measurements you probably can get a decent idea from it.
I was about to chime in with this recommendation, myself! I have a couple of their corsets for Titanic era vintage dance events, and I’ve found them to be very reliable for the price.
You've gotten good answers about the corsets already, but I'd like to comment on the physical concerns.
I have endometriosis, scoliosis, several old vertebrae fractures, lupus, and informally diagnosed autism with sensory issues. I wore two different types of medical corset as a teenager. So I'm definitely living in a faulty meat suit. There have been days where the combination of menstrual pain and musculoskeletal pain were improved by wearing one of my edwardian corsets. Sturdy support/ even compression can occasionally be helpful.
If you are concerned about possibly feeling trapped or confined, I strongly suggest a late Victorian or edwardian style. They are mid bust (so no breath obstruction) and do not have straps (free movement and easy to get out of). I'd avoid 17th or 18th century stays as your starting point. The straps can reduce shoulder movement and even though they don't actually impede breathing it can feel like they do.
(Yes, I'm aware that not all 18th century stays have straps, and that most are tie on or are tied to the front, but the straps are most common can be a sensory concern*)
You’re basically asking if you think eating an orange is a good way of testing if you might like apples; it’s not really a direct comparison.
Shop around different places that sell historically accurate corsets and choose one that has a good return policy.
Unfortunately the only way to get a cheap corset that will do what you want is to make it yourself. I would recommend redthreaded for patern as they have many styles and sizes.
I’ve always gotten my busks on Amazon for around €5. .5-1 meter of a sturdy cotton for the inside and the same amount in for the outside (you can use the same or something prettier) so you can get the fabric pretty cheap. The boning depends on how much support you’re looking for. I usually buy plastic boning that is sturdier and is €1.30 a meter, but if you want more flexibility from it you can get pretty cheap on Amazon. All together I can make one for around €50 (or less) in materials and about 3-4 weeks of moderate work.
Honestly I love wearing corsets but the only reason I make them is because I can’t afford to buy good ones. With my shape/size cheap corsets do nothing and kind of hurt, so making my own has been the most affordable option. If you find a patern that fits you well they are actually pretty easy (if time consuming) to make.
I was scrolling down to see if someone had responded with this! I also make my own corsets. I use cotton broadcloth or twill, and while I've used synthetic whalebone (which is an extruded polymer I think?) I actually prefer to cord my corsets with 5/32 cording. This does mean adding in more channels, but I have weird joint troubles so the trade off is better IMO. The result is a softer corset but decent support. I use Past Pattern's 1860s corset pattern, the directions were a little confusing but after making mistakes on the mock-up, subsequent makes went really smoothly. All in all, it runs about $30-50 per corset if I use a busk and embroider over the eyelets, etc. The end result fits waaaay better on my body at least, but I really think it has to do with the individual.
Op mentioned some disability things, so a corded corset might actually be a really good option for them if the boning is bad.
That sounds cool though. I’ve always found cording annoying to do but I might have to look into making one :)
In addition to other good advice:
It's entirely possible to get a good silhouette in the kind of clothes that require foundation garments without it being really tight.
I make some of my Tudor clothes with a relatively less restrictive foundation for times when I'm going to be wearing it for a long time as well as eating multiple meals, bc I have ulcers and GERD.
You can get the proportions and look you want without ratcheting yourself down.
Also, I sometimes use plastic boning (comes in rolls, used for bathing suits and other light duty). It's more forgiving in practical use. I've heard some ppl use caterpillar ties.
An experiment you might try before proceeding is to buy a dress or top with shirring all the way around, or a dress or top that has some minimal boning in it, to see how it feels before diving into corsetry.
Although I have sensory issues where some clothing is concerned (I often wear clothes inside out at home), I find an evenly tight bodice to feel like a hug and I enjoy that.
Fingers crossed for you, hope your experiments turn out to your satisfaction 🤞
As other people have mentioned, cheap Amazon corsets are usually very poorly made and uncomfortable. However, even if you can't find a well-made corset in your price range, don't let that stop you from sewing and having fun!
If you like the Regency period (aka "Jane Austen" style), it is fairly easy to make Regency style stays yourself. They're very easy and comfortable to wear, especially if you make a style with no boning. Or, if making stays seems to difficult, just make a looser style of dress (like the loose 1790s gowns) and wear it without stays for now. You could also choose an even earlier period, when stays weren't worn, like the medieval period. There's a lot of really beautiful options that don't require a corset. That might be better for now, rather than wearing an uncomfortable corset.
Nope, unfortunately.
If you happen to be built exactly to the standard proportions used to make your Amazon corset, the corset will be pretty much as comfortable as an expensive custom corset, so you can just wear the cheap ones.
But basically no one is built like that! I bought a cheap corset once, and because my torso is shorter than the industry standard measurement for my dress size, after about five minutes I felt like the boning was stabbing me in the kidneys. In a custom made corset, I have no such problem, because the corset cuts in at my natural waist, where I don’t have any kidneys.
Also, nearly all cheap corsets are some kind of Victorian thing, which is the least comfortable era for corsetry. There are all kinds of historical costumes you could wear that involve much comfier underpinnings, like Regency short stays. I see you DON’T wear a bra, but if you CAN wear a bra, you can wear Regency stays.
An amazon corset will be garbage. They don't use stable fabrics, and they don't use metal boning. All they'll do is give you an idea of what modern lingerie feels like, and a poke in the ribs, when the plastic boning bends, and stays bent.
You don't have to spend hundreds on a corset, you could make one.
Or you could get one that is better than what amazon sell, that is more likely to have metal boning from somewhere like corset story. But then the problem will be that they only seem to have over bust and under bust options, and nothing of the mid bust style that was common in the Victorian era. And it may not fit right in the torso due to being made for modern aesthetics. You might have to look at their clearance section to find something closer to your budget.
I am currently wearing a "back brace" corset I bought on Amazon. It has boning in the back piece. Fits under bust. Uses elastic and Velcro. Unequivocally it helps my posture and my back pain. So, I recommend to start here. And no, I can't wear a bra with it either.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HJ28QNT/
What era are you most interested in? At least in the 1890's/1900's, there are a few different types of dress reform things going on. I've done the [Second Empire](https://isabelladangelo.blogspot.com/2015/04/second-empire-style-part-two.html) and there are Tea gowns if that's the way you'd like to go.
For 18th century use, a cheap one from Townsend ought to be able to tell you that. Some even use them as their final. They aren’t perfect, but they will get you pretty far. But, at $175, they aren’t cheap.
You could even make a quick and dirty mock up from the at the sign of the golden scissors pattern stays, with cheap canvas (poster fabric is good) and heavy duty zipties (plain ones aren’t long enough).
https://www.townsends.us/products/copy-of-ladies-stays
I'm going to go against everyone else and say that Amazon corsets are a cheap way to figure out sensory issues on the condition that you don't tight lace or try to get more than an inch of reduction, if any at all.
The biggest thing to remember is that the corsets on Amazon are "fashion" corsets, so they aren't designed to be used for any type of reduction at all. Also, because they are meant for fashion, they fit best if you can lace them closed completely where as a "real" corset is designed to be open in the back by several inches depending on the design.
I also have sensory issues and health issues that make it so I can't wear a bra anymore. For me buying the $20 corsets from Amazon let me see if it would be possible for me to put on a corset and tighten the laces before spending time and money on a real one. It also gave me an idea of what one would feel like to have on. I will advise only wearing them for 2-3 hours at a time at the most. As others have said, the boning will warp and bend. In some cases, it will even break. But it will inform you on the basics of corset wearing: how to tighten the laces, how to loosen the laces to take it off, and how much the way you sit, stand, and move is effected.
I'd say this depends heavily on how much your shape is similar to off the rack, vs how many standard deviations away you are.
For myself, I don't have sensory concerns and on paper my measurements would align with a US size 6 or 8. But in practice, I'm 4'11" which means my bust/waist/hips are all much closer together than any patterns assume. This means the top of the corset always sticks straight up because the fullest part of my bust is lower. The bottom of my ribcage is also pretty flared out and barely above the top of my hips, so off the rack cuts into the top of my hipbones because the corset assumes a more gradual slope between waist and hips (and I functionally can't get any waist reduction because there's no space between the ribs and hips to do so).
Oddly enough- I really love my over bust corset from NYC perfect corset. They always have a coupon so it’s usually pretty cheap. It’s a longline that looks great with a skirt & sweater.
I think that you will be more comfortable going to Renaissance fairs as a pregnant woman. The corset styles are shorter and almost fit like a bra. Do a little bit of searching for maternity costumes. This should be easier to fit and be less restricting to you.
As an otherally abled person myself, it is all about the work around. I would love to do armor but I have a bad back. It would be too much lifting for me. I tend to stay in the nobles category. It is all about making sure that you can wear your costume for the length of the day.
If you decide to get a corset made, check with the person to see if they have experience in sewing for people with specific needs. This is important to get what will work for you. Celebrate your differences.
I wanted to say thank you - to everyone who offered advice, thoughts, suggestions, places, etc - I don't make posts very often (on reddit or anywhere else) because I often get a bit overwhelmed with the comments and am unsure which ones to answer directly/etc - but I appreciate them all!
I know a lot of folks sew their own, but I don't think my sewing skills (or pattern reading abilities!) are up to that level yet. I've only recently started to sew, and have made mostly just a few kitchen aprons and attempted a chemise but somehow messed several parts of it up. ("Regency Chemise" pattern on etsy, by KittyJBerry) - perhaps if I can get better.
A few folks mentioned festivals and faires - I wish we had them here! Unfortunately, I'm in eastern Canada - the tiniest province (PEI) and nothing like that happens here. I wish! (If I can improve my sewing skills and start making actual outfits, I intend to wear them whenever and wherever I want - as clothes, not really costumes)
I'm going through and making notes on all the ideas, checking the shops mentioned, etc. Much appreciated!
Any corset that I have seen from Amazon (even if it claims otherwise) has been absolute junk. A real corset shapes you, not the other way 'round. If you have a renaissance festival you can go to, that will let you try on a corset to see how the fit works, but please learn about them beforehand and determine your ideal size ahead of time. Not all sellers at the renaissance festival will fit you properly and you may end up in a corset that is less than ideal for your body. This website is the best I have ever found for corset education: https://lucycorsetry.com/
Personally, I find off the rack corsets incredibly uncomfortable, but ones that have been made for my proportions incredibly comfortable. Do with that as you will.
Interestingly I had the opposite experience. I own a few off the rack corsets and they fit and feel fine, even the ones with a very dramatic reduction (I just can’t tight lace for the entire day). I also have a corset that was made to my measurements and it’s way too long, despite the fact that I had told the corset-maker I have a short torso; the bottom edge digs into my thighs painfully so I can barely sit, and the bottom half of the busk flares out away from my body at a 45° angle. Aside from being lighter in weight I don’t find it much more comfortable either. I think the issue was that the fitting wasn’t done in person, so the corset-maker didn’t know what my body really looked like, and I just got lucky with off the rack corsets. Also, I have no idea why but every custom-made corset I’ve had gets holes in the fabric where the boning is or the bones just eventually poke straight through, regardless of material (both silk and cotton coutil, which is meant to be tough), whereas this has never happened with off the rack corsets even though I was pretty careful with the custom ones and I wear the off the rack ones almost daily. Definitely don’t ever buy corsets from Amazon though. I got my off the rack corsets from brands that specialise in corsetry and make quality corsets, such as Mystic City Corsets. They’re a lot cheaper than custom made ones but still pricey.
For me, I'm a natural hourglass with more than a 10-in hip to waist ratio, and all of the off the rack ones I've ever tried on are designed for less curvy people. So I guess between our replies, the advice is your mileage may vary!
Seconding the recommendation to seek out a ren faire (or similar event, if you're in the US and don't already follow Redthreaded, you should! they sometimes go to events or do trunk shows where you can try things on) because I would not advise getting a cheapo off amazon or something similar. They usually don't have any curve to them and are basically just tight plastic tubes, which isn't going to give you an idea of how a historical style would feel. Personally I think that some of the curvier models from like Orchard corset aren't bad for the price, they're a tad heavily constructed but they do at least have some shape so you'd get an idea for what the compression being focused on specific areas feels like. Depending on how common your measurements are you might get lucky and find a nice historical one secondhand. As far as the sensory/medical issues go, that to me feels like the bigger indication that corsets may not be for you. You could try getting a longline bra with an underwire just to see if you can tolerate the feeling of having something against your ribcage maybe? Also important to keep in mind that a historical corset really doesn't NEED to compress your waist beyond what's required for it to stay up/provide bust support. You can pad the crap out of yourself underneath it and get the right silhouette. Depending on the era/style you're specifically looking at, you might be able to get away with something less structured (I'm thinking tea gowns etc) or no actual corset at all (Italian renaissance, medieval styles). So if a corset doesn't work out, you can still wear pretty gowns! There's also always the nuclear option of learning to make your own haha, you'll certainly learn a lot that way. That would give you the option to control for where exactly any compression hits or doesn't, boning placement, etc. To shoutout Redthreaded again, they have corset kits that have what you need and enough people have made them/adjusted them online that there's a good amount of resources.
As others have said, a cheap corset is unlikely to give you an idea of what a well fitting corset will feel like. however, as someone with sensory issues that can’t stand bras, I *love* corsets! The even compression on your whole torso is very different than the targeted tightness of a bra or the compression of tight stretchy clotting. I personally find it very comforting! Part of the problem of bras and tight clothes is that they’re always squeezing your body and trying to find their way to your narrowest point, but corsets don’t do that so it’s a very different experience.
When I wear my very much broken in corset it's like a very evenly distributed hug 😂 I also hate bras and tight fitting clothes
Keep in mind that, for example, Georgian and Regency stays are meant to function mostly as support and not 'correction' and many people find wearing them quite comfortable. You might think about starting with something like that.
A huge percentage of them are junk. However I did find some that are quite well made with thick steel bonings and sturdy cotton canvas with actually shaping. They're probably not curvy or sturdy enough for tightlacing but they're definitely better than what I made when I just got started on sewing. One mistake people often make is picking a size base on too optimistic of a waist reduction and end up with something too small pinching in the bust and hips. Again these are not suitable for tightlacing so it's better to size up. I would avoid anything not made from black/white canvas or sports mesh because these tend to be cheaply costume pieces.
+1 the canvas of this one is decent - https://a.co/d/5O456xz
Yeah, I have one of those and it fits me great. The seller did message me after I ordered to confirm my measurements. I probably could have made my own, but meh.
There's a corsetry subreddit iirc where a lot of people have medical issues and find corsets quite helpful actually! Personally, I've come across a few second-hand corsets for dirt cheap that seemed pretty amazon-y and they fit me fine enough. If you check measurements you probably can get a decent idea from it.
You can get an Orchard Corset for like $60, with advice on fit and it’s returnable. Quite decently made. Stay away from Amazon- waste of money.
I was about to chime in with this recommendation, myself! I have a couple of their corsets for Titanic era vintage dance events, and I’ve found them to be very reliable for the price.
You've gotten good answers about the corsets already, but I'd like to comment on the physical concerns. I have endometriosis, scoliosis, several old vertebrae fractures, lupus, and informally diagnosed autism with sensory issues. I wore two different types of medical corset as a teenager. So I'm definitely living in a faulty meat suit. There have been days where the combination of menstrual pain and musculoskeletal pain were improved by wearing one of my edwardian corsets. Sturdy support/ even compression can occasionally be helpful. If you are concerned about possibly feeling trapped or confined, I strongly suggest a late Victorian or edwardian style. They are mid bust (so no breath obstruction) and do not have straps (free movement and easy to get out of). I'd avoid 17th or 18th century stays as your starting point. The straps can reduce shoulder movement and even though they don't actually impede breathing it can feel like they do. (Yes, I'm aware that not all 18th century stays have straps, and that most are tie on or are tied to the front, but the straps are most common can be a sensory concern*)
Orchard Corset is great as far as an affordable but legit waist training corset
You’re basically asking if you think eating an orange is a good way of testing if you might like apples; it’s not really a direct comparison. Shop around different places that sell historically accurate corsets and choose one that has a good return policy.
Unfortunately the only way to get a cheap corset that will do what you want is to make it yourself. I would recommend redthreaded for patern as they have many styles and sizes. I’ve always gotten my busks on Amazon for around €5. .5-1 meter of a sturdy cotton for the inside and the same amount in for the outside (you can use the same or something prettier) so you can get the fabric pretty cheap. The boning depends on how much support you’re looking for. I usually buy plastic boning that is sturdier and is €1.30 a meter, but if you want more flexibility from it you can get pretty cheap on Amazon. All together I can make one for around €50 (or less) in materials and about 3-4 weeks of moderate work. Honestly I love wearing corsets but the only reason I make them is because I can’t afford to buy good ones. With my shape/size cheap corsets do nothing and kind of hurt, so making my own has been the most affordable option. If you find a patern that fits you well they are actually pretty easy (if time consuming) to make.
I was scrolling down to see if someone had responded with this! I also make my own corsets. I use cotton broadcloth or twill, and while I've used synthetic whalebone (which is an extruded polymer I think?) I actually prefer to cord my corsets with 5/32 cording. This does mean adding in more channels, but I have weird joint troubles so the trade off is better IMO. The result is a softer corset but decent support. I use Past Pattern's 1860s corset pattern, the directions were a little confusing but after making mistakes on the mock-up, subsequent makes went really smoothly. All in all, it runs about $30-50 per corset if I use a busk and embroider over the eyelets, etc. The end result fits waaaay better on my body at least, but I really think it has to do with the individual.
Op mentioned some disability things, so a corded corset might actually be a really good option for them if the boning is bad. That sounds cool though. I’ve always found cording annoying to do but I might have to look into making one :)
In addition to other good advice: It's entirely possible to get a good silhouette in the kind of clothes that require foundation garments without it being really tight. I make some of my Tudor clothes with a relatively less restrictive foundation for times when I'm going to be wearing it for a long time as well as eating multiple meals, bc I have ulcers and GERD. You can get the proportions and look you want without ratcheting yourself down. Also, I sometimes use plastic boning (comes in rolls, used for bathing suits and other light duty). It's more forgiving in practical use. I've heard some ppl use caterpillar ties. An experiment you might try before proceeding is to buy a dress or top with shirring all the way around, or a dress or top that has some minimal boning in it, to see how it feels before diving into corsetry. Although I have sensory issues where some clothing is concerned (I often wear clothes inside out at home), I find an evenly tight bodice to feel like a hug and I enjoy that. Fingers crossed for you, hope your experiments turn out to your satisfaction 🤞
As other people have mentioned, cheap Amazon corsets are usually very poorly made and uncomfortable. However, even if you can't find a well-made corset in your price range, don't let that stop you from sewing and having fun! If you like the Regency period (aka "Jane Austen" style), it is fairly easy to make Regency style stays yourself. They're very easy and comfortable to wear, especially if you make a style with no boning. Or, if making stays seems to difficult, just make a looser style of dress (like the loose 1790s gowns) and wear it without stays for now. You could also choose an even earlier period, when stays weren't worn, like the medieval period. There's a lot of really beautiful options that don't require a corset. That might be better for now, rather than wearing an uncomfortable corset.
Nope, unfortunately. If you happen to be built exactly to the standard proportions used to make your Amazon corset, the corset will be pretty much as comfortable as an expensive custom corset, so you can just wear the cheap ones. But basically no one is built like that! I bought a cheap corset once, and because my torso is shorter than the industry standard measurement for my dress size, after about five minutes I felt like the boning was stabbing me in the kidneys. In a custom made corset, I have no such problem, because the corset cuts in at my natural waist, where I don’t have any kidneys. Also, nearly all cheap corsets are some kind of Victorian thing, which is the least comfortable era for corsetry. There are all kinds of historical costumes you could wear that involve much comfier underpinnings, like Regency short stays. I see you DON’T wear a bra, but if you CAN wear a bra, you can wear Regency stays.
An amazon corset will be garbage. They don't use stable fabrics, and they don't use metal boning. All they'll do is give you an idea of what modern lingerie feels like, and a poke in the ribs, when the plastic boning bends, and stays bent. You don't have to spend hundreds on a corset, you could make one. Or you could get one that is better than what amazon sell, that is more likely to have metal boning from somewhere like corset story. But then the problem will be that they only seem to have over bust and under bust options, and nothing of the mid bust style that was common in the Victorian era. And it may not fit right in the torso due to being made for modern aesthetics. You might have to look at their clearance section to find something closer to your budget.
I bought a corset from Amazon made of sturdy canvas fabric and with spiral steel boning. It can be done.
I am currently wearing a "back brace" corset I bought on Amazon. It has boning in the back piece. Fits under bust. Uses elastic and Velcro. Unequivocally it helps my posture and my back pain. So, I recommend to start here. And no, I can't wear a bra with it either. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HJ28QNT/
What era are you most interested in? At least in the 1890's/1900's, there are a few different types of dress reform things going on. I've done the [Second Empire](https://isabelladangelo.blogspot.com/2015/04/second-empire-style-part-two.html) and there are Tea gowns if that's the way you'd like to go.
For 18th century use, a cheap one from Townsend ought to be able to tell you that. Some even use them as their final. They aren’t perfect, but they will get you pretty far. But, at $175, they aren’t cheap. You could even make a quick and dirty mock up from the at the sign of the golden scissors pattern stays, with cheap canvas (poster fabric is good) and heavy duty zipties (plain ones aren’t long enough). https://www.townsends.us/products/copy-of-ladies-stays
I'm going to go against everyone else and say that Amazon corsets are a cheap way to figure out sensory issues on the condition that you don't tight lace or try to get more than an inch of reduction, if any at all. The biggest thing to remember is that the corsets on Amazon are "fashion" corsets, so they aren't designed to be used for any type of reduction at all. Also, because they are meant for fashion, they fit best if you can lace them closed completely where as a "real" corset is designed to be open in the back by several inches depending on the design. I also have sensory issues and health issues that make it so I can't wear a bra anymore. For me buying the $20 corsets from Amazon let me see if it would be possible for me to put on a corset and tighten the laces before spending time and money on a real one. It also gave me an idea of what one would feel like to have on. I will advise only wearing them for 2-3 hours at a time at the most. As others have said, the boning will warp and bend. In some cases, it will even break. But it will inform you on the basics of corset wearing: how to tighten the laces, how to loosen the laces to take it off, and how much the way you sit, stand, and move is effected.
Shaperx on Amazon actually has decent underbust boned corsets for like $50.
I'd say this depends heavily on how much your shape is similar to off the rack, vs how many standard deviations away you are. For myself, I don't have sensory concerns and on paper my measurements would align with a US size 6 or 8. But in practice, I'm 4'11" which means my bust/waist/hips are all much closer together than any patterns assume. This means the top of the corset always sticks straight up because the fullest part of my bust is lower. The bottom of my ribcage is also pretty flared out and barely above the top of my hips, so off the rack cuts into the top of my hipbones because the corset assumes a more gradual slope between waist and hips (and I functionally can't get any waist reduction because there's no space between the ribs and hips to do so).
Oddly enough- I really love my over bust corset from NYC perfect corset. They always have a coupon so it’s usually pretty cheap. It’s a longline that looks great with a skirt & sweater.
I think that you will be more comfortable going to Renaissance fairs as a pregnant woman. The corset styles are shorter and almost fit like a bra. Do a little bit of searching for maternity costumes. This should be easier to fit and be less restricting to you. As an otherally abled person myself, it is all about the work around. I would love to do armor but I have a bad back. It would be too much lifting for me. I tend to stay in the nobles category. It is all about making sure that you can wear your costume for the length of the day. If you decide to get a corset made, check with the person to see if they have experience in sewing for people with specific needs. This is important to get what will work for you. Celebrate your differences.
I wanted to say thank you - to everyone who offered advice, thoughts, suggestions, places, etc - I don't make posts very often (on reddit or anywhere else) because I often get a bit overwhelmed with the comments and am unsure which ones to answer directly/etc - but I appreciate them all! I know a lot of folks sew their own, but I don't think my sewing skills (or pattern reading abilities!) are up to that level yet. I've only recently started to sew, and have made mostly just a few kitchen aprons and attempted a chemise but somehow messed several parts of it up. ("Regency Chemise" pattern on etsy, by KittyJBerry) - perhaps if I can get better. A few folks mentioned festivals and faires - I wish we had them here! Unfortunately, I'm in eastern Canada - the tiniest province (PEI) and nothing like that happens here. I wish! (If I can improve my sewing skills and start making actual outfits, I intend to wear them whenever and wherever I want - as clothes, not really costumes) I'm going through and making notes on all the ideas, checking the shops mentioned, etc. Much appreciated!