True to the grand traditions of German corsetry, the laced corselette, the abdominal support, and any number of supportive foundations are still made with great precision by FIGESTA.

Making corsetry is not simple. The complexity of this three dimensional task is matched only by the million different variations of the female body. Skilled cutters, sewers and fitters are still required in this age of mass-production, to tailor each garment exactly to the client's measurements. The days of Spirella that many thought were gone, are alive and well in a town just south of Hanover.

Many, many optional extras are available on the models above from additional spinal support, under-belts, long-leg extensions, back-lacing and that innocuous last option, finishing material. Traditionally, the panel at the back, and the side straps were finished in corset-quality satin.

Stomach Binder and Model 75

An excellent back-support that translates anaemically from the German Rückenstützbandage nach Professor Lindemann! A traditionalist might bemoan the anodyne velcro-fastening (klettverschluß - D;  klittenband - NL; it's amazing what you learn), however, for the older client, this is far easier to manage than buckles or lacing.

The Teutonic abdomen is very well catered for by Figesta, and again, a comprehensive list of options is available to exert just that correct amount of uplift.

I like the idea of a made-to-measure panty-girdle and was fitted for one during our visit. These garments are firm, and made-to-measure makes sense. As a lady grows older, the bottom enlarges, but the thighs start to shrink from reduced exercise. This tends to mean that a

conventional panty-girdle that is large enough to accommodate one's posterior, will have legs far too wide.

Brassieres and Maternity

Of course, there's a huge maternity market out there

 and Figesta has that covered as well as well as catering for the women with breasts of unusual dimension.