4.93/5
Black Velvet Dirndl Top
Black Velvet Dirndl Top
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This historically inspired black velvet cotton bustier finds it's inspiration from folk dresses, pinafores, and corsets. It can be worn as part of your renaissance faire ensemble in the place of a corset, or paired with a skirt or pair of pants for an effortless cottagecore modern look.
This bustier top features a button up front for easy wearing. We always design our pieces with adjustability in mind, so it comes with adjustable shoulder straps, as well as back smocking with adjustable ties, so that you can achieve the perfect fit.
Sizing Guide
Sizing Information
Our recommended sizing may be different for each item. Please refer to the size chart on the product page for finding your correct size in that item.
Taking Your Measurements
- Wear a well-fitting bra: Ideally, wear a non-padded bra or no bra if that’s how you’ll wear the clothing you’re measuring for. This gives a more accurate measurement of your natural bust size.
- Use a soft measuring tape: It’s best to use a flexible cloth or plastic measuring tape for body measurements. Make sure the tape is not stretched out or damaged.
- Stand tall and relaxed: Stand with your back straight but relaxed, with your arms at your sides. Keep a natural posture.
- Take your bust measurement: Wrap the measuring tape around your back, bringing it across the fullest part of your bust, typically over the nipples. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and it should sit level all the way around.
- Take your waist measurement: Wrap the measuring tape around the natural waistline, ensuring it’s level all the way around your body (parallel to the ground). The tape should be snug but not tight—just enough to rest comfortably against your skin without pinching.
- Check the measurement: The number where the tape meets itself is your measurement. Make sure it is measured in inches or centimeters, depending on the sizing system you use.
- Take the measurement with a mirror or friend: If possible, use a mirror to ensure the tape is straight across your back and not twisted, or ask a friend to help for a more accurate result.
Choosing the Right Size Corset or Stays
When choosing the right size corset, it’s important to start with accurate body measurements, including your bust and waist. Our size charts provide recommended measurements for each size, so begin by selecting the size that most closely matches your measurements.
If your bust and waist measurements fall into different size categories, prioritize the waist size first. If your bust is smaller or larger than the recommended size, you can adjust the fit using a chemise or shift underneath for added fullness, or by loosening or tightening the lacing to accommodate your bust more comfortably.
For those with a larger bust, you may need to tighten the corset more in the bust to close the lacing gap, and/or you may have a wider lacing gap than in the waist. Conversely, if you have a smaller bust, you can pad with period-appropriate methods like additional layers or bust inserts.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between a snug, supportive waist fit and comfortable bust shaping. If you’re between sizes, it's usually best to size based on your waist and adjust the rest with lacing or layering techniques.
When selecting stays or a corset, experienced wearers may want to size down for a tighter fit. Typically, we recommend finding a corset or stays that is:
- 2-3 inches smaller than your bust for a relaxed fit
- 4-5 inches smaller for a snug fit
- 5-6 inches smaller for the most snug, cleavage-enhancing fit
However, achieving this level of bust reduction might not always be possible depending on your waist size. If your bust doesn’t match the waist size you select, you can use padding or layering to enhance the bust area for added shape.
For the waist measurement, we suggest:
- About 1 inch smaller than your waist for a relaxed fit
- 2-3 inches smaller for a standard fit
- 4-6 inches smaller for the most snug fit
Keep in mind, the width of the lacing gap at the front and/or back of your stays will also change depending on how small the corset is and how tightly you lace it. Consider how big you’d like that gap to be when picking your size. The recommendations above are based on having little to no lacing gap in the back, so if you'd like more of a gap in the back, you could size down even smaller.
Other considerations:
- Please remember that every body compresses differently, so we can't guarantee an exact fit. To ensure the best results, follow our sizing recommendations on the size chart.
- Larger body measurements are typically are able to squish more than smaller measurements
- If you're planning on changing weight, select a size that fits more in the middle (standard fit). If your measurements increase/decrease, you can utilize the lacing gap to increase/decrease the size of your corset up to 4 inches (back lacing styles only)
Product Details
Sizing
Care Instructions
Shipping
Most items leave our studio within 1-3 business days. For more information, please read our shipping policies here.
Couldn't pass up this color.
One problem I had was the colour was black when advertised as brown, but beautiful otherwise.
Perfect bag to store your phone when you aren't wearing a dress with pockets
Arrived promptly and exactly as described, material is soft and the garment is well structured. It is definitely sheer but I was planning to layer it under things anyway.
A wonderful product, arrived quickly and safely! High quality and stunningly beautiful, very happy with my purchase
came super quickly and was perfect for my ren faire outfit!
came super quickly and was perfect for my ren faire outfit!
Came quickly - the green is absolutely beautiful. I ordered a second one (black) within days of getting this one.
This was the second cape I ordered, which I did pretty quickly after my first one got here because I love it so much. Perfect length and not too hot or heavy.
A perfect addition to my ren faire outfit! Thank you! :)
Very pretty, it doesn’t feel scratchy or anything, perfect for what I wanted for my look!
Item exceeds my expectations. It's very durable and sturdy and the tapestry look is gorgeous and I'm in love with the adjustable/removable straps. Was absolutely amazing for my fairy look at the Renaissance festival.
Beautiful corset, perfect for my Renn Faire costume. I also wear it with modern clothes and it really adds some sexy fun to an outfit. Love it!
Really great and wonderful customer service! I received my item not only on time but early. A big thank you to the faeries at French Meadows!
I love my cloak! Of course, coming from French Meadows its beautiful and high quality. A perfect addition to your cottagecore, elf, faerie, witch or any outfit you may dream of wearing.
Beautiful chemise! High quality and well crafted. I love that it looks great to be worn underneath items like a corset and skirt or by itself with a belt.
I absolutely love it! Very flattering and sexy too!
Beautiful and perfect for my mother's Christmas gift.
Perfect hip bag for Faire. Held exactly what I needed & kept it all safe!
Nice looking basic black belt, perfect for what I needed.
Well crafted, looked great & functioned as needed. Perfect addition.
Exactly as described, seller is very responsive & easy to work with. Piece is high quality, well made, comfortable to wear & I would highly recommend. Looked great!
So cute! Came just as described.
Very happy with these! Great quality
Very happy with these! Great quality