You Can Sing AND Breathe in a Corset...Here's Why (Explained by a Professional Singer)

Yes, you can sing (even professionally) and breathe in a corset. in this video, I explain why that's the case, including how corsets can often even encourage the strengthening of the diaphragm by providing a source of counter tension. I've been singing professionally since I was a teenager, and I've also been wearing corsets daily for the past few years, so I've experienced firsthand how they can arguably positively impact breath control and vocal technique during vocal performance.
There are a lot of misconceptions about historical fashion out there, and this is yet another video that aims to debunk corset myths.
That's not to say, however, that corsetry can't be misused, like everything else in life. I choose not to tightlace for this exact reason, but what comes as a shock to people is that a lot of people did not tightlace historically, and if they did, it was generally for short durations of time. That's why I approach historical corsetry in the manner I do, from the perspective of "regular tension" corset wearing (not tightlacing) whilst also taking breaks by wearing lightly boned jumps or corded corsets on my days off, and also focusing on regularly practicing back strengthening exercises.
I hope you enjoy the video and I'll see you all in two weeks.
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#corset #corsetmyths

[@VBirchwood]

I hope you've enjoyed today's episode! It's one I filmed a couple of months ago but have wanted to release now for a while. See you all in two weeks for another video 🥰

[@emilyparker4316]

You have lovely voice you amaze me🤓

[@GypsyDove]

Where do you get a corset or how to make one? What did they wear for bras does the corset eliminate that or another garment?

[@ragnkja]

Carrie Hope Fletcher and Celinde Schoenmacher, both musical theatre actresses, posted a video/podcast a few years ago where they discussed wearing corsets as part of their costumes. Their experiences range from early 19th century working class corsets to neo-Edwardian ones, and they both said they generally enjoyed wearing their corsets and singing in them.

[@VBirchwood]

That's so cool! Thanks for sharing this. I'll definitely have to check their podcast out.

[@kobaltkween]

Just to reinforce your demonstration, Pocket Full of Poseys has a video showing her performing operatic aria in various stays and corsets, and another of her going through her week in a corset. She's a professional singer and teacher, too, so the second video also included her singing. She's also plus-sized, so it's not an issue of just being small enough.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for that reminder! It’s a great video and shows the same sort of application with opera which is a type of singing I have no experience with personally, so it’s nice to see how it’s still possible to use similar techniques for a totally different style of singing 😊

[@francoislechampi2002]

I knew you were a singer ! I noticed your beautiful voice as you were speaking also your stage presence

[@silver5515]

Thank you, Vasi, for reminding me how I'm supposed to breath post pregnancy. Those who think you cannot breath in a corset must not have tried being pregnant. Pregnant people are usually able to breathe, even when they are too big for their diaphragm to expand properly downwards. Granted, I was eventually not able to breath while pregnant, but pregnant people with asthma are advised against catching covid and the flu.

[@VBirchwood]

The body truly does incredible things when it's pregnant! It does incredible things anyways, but pregnancy is a prime example of its magical abilities. I'm glad this served as a welcome reminder! I didn't expect the video to have that effect 😊 I'm so sorry to hear though it was so hard for you to breathe whilst pregnant! 😔

[@Ashley_tipsyshades]

So relatable! It's also the other argument against "corsets move your organs" like pregnancy does it way more, and then your organs move back, it's nuts lol

[@sharlaidrey7898]

I have a friend who is professional opera singer. When she was still studying opera singing at the university, she performed in one of those tubular modern corsets and she cursed it up and down because she couldn't breath properly and almost fained on stage. Then, when she started working in a theater and she was given historical corset because she wore a historical gown that required it, she had absolutely no problem performing, because it was exactly as you said, lots of room, no weird pressure anywhere... almost like they sung operas when wearing corsets was still normal and no one had to cart off fainting singer of the stage every performance... :D

[@VBirchwood]

How very interesting! Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

Right? This is also why I hate most modern costuming. It's lazy, ugly, looks cheap and doesn't have cool undergarments. And usually clashes with the plot. It's kinda ridiculous when, say, Tatiana writes her letter on a laptop wearing modern pajamas, but there's still a duel.

[@pheart2381]

some opera singers actually like wearing corsets as part of their stage costume because it helps support their singing muscles.

[@VBirchwood]

Exactly! It’s the same reason I like wearing a corset whilst singing too.

[@ragnkja]

Keep in mind that the repertoire was written for singers who wore the support garments that were common at the time of writing. So every female part in _The Magic Flute_ *must* be singable while wearing stays anno 1791, or they’d have had trouble during the premiere.

[@pheart2381]

@@ragnkja thats a very good point!

[@Eo-bo6sf]

For some reason I found it hilarious how you were able to essentially say "most people wore corsets the normal way, not the murder way" with a straight face and a genuine tone

[@VBirchwood]

Hahahahaha thank you! 😊 you’d be surprised how many people assume everyone tightlaced

[@Eo-bo6sf]

@@VBirchwood Yeahhh *sigh*. Sometimes I have to remind myself that not everyone has a passion for history and that's okay

[@LiljaHusmo]

Love this video!! Opera singers particularly have been wearing corsets & stays for ever and I've never heard them complain, Btw Rúna is such a lil beby, her lil squishy face 😭🥺♥️

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Lilja ❤️ it’s true! Performing opera on stage can already be so taxing on the body, that I’m sure having the added support of the corset is a welcome addition. She is definitely super squishy and kissable hahaha

[@LiljaHusmo]

@@VBirchwood opera singers are truly heroes, I can't even sing for a small car journey without losing my voice, let alone a 4-6 hour opera 😭😂

[@ragnkja]

The entire classical repertoire for female voices was written for singers wearing stays or corsets.

[@dakotaredd1742]

Your original piece is beautiful, I’ll have to listen to more of your work!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@bossyboots5000]

I agree! And your voice is beautiful! I so wish I had that talent. Will def check out your other channel. 😊 BTW you look particularly lovely here, that simple side braid is very pretty.

[@et12345]

As an opera singer who has worn modern corsets for costumes (not tight laced and with a foundation layer underneath), I find corsets easy to sing. Similarly to how V. described in the video, I find it easier to breath “lower.” For me, they are downside like not being able to crack my spine or stretch my intercostals (muscles between the ribs) as easily. But on the whole, a bra v. corset is not better or worse for me as long as they fit right!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for sharing your experience! 🥰

[@maryhildreth754]

I think a lot of people confuse corsets with those girdles from the 50s and 60s that grandmother's wore. I'm 58, and in the 60s my grandmother wore this very tight girdle, that had stays and it was very tight from right under the bust to the top of the thighs. It had hooks, not laces, and it was to just make her look skinnier, and smoother under clothing. She did have trouble taking a deep breath in it because of how tight it was and the construction of it. However, that was a girdle, not a corset. I think a lot of people just don't know the difference.

[@ragnkja]

Your grandmother was basically doing her period’s equivalent of tightlacing.

[@VBirchwood]

It's interesting because I've worn a girdle for about a week or so, and honestly I found it to be SO much more uncomfortable then a corset! lol. This is definitely extremely anecdotal and experiential, but it's something about the material on my skin. I just didn't like it one bit. The bones of the corset almost aid in comfort I think. I'm sure there are very comfortable girdles out there though, it just wasn't the one I wore haha. I also think the issue is often historical corsetry is confused with the "off the rack" modern corsetry worn on bare skin, which frankly can be extremely uncomfortable and poorly designed. There's excellent bespoke modern corsetry that I've heard to be very comfortable, but so much about historical corsetry is structurally very different from a lot of modern corsetry.

[@tomfetter4011]

Classically trained singer here - I sang Opera semi-pro (and taught) for years. A senior teacher of mine had her students breathe out, then cinch a scarf tightly around one's middle. Correct inhaling then creates (360 degree) pressure exactly where one ought to direct the breath to best use what's essentially a wind instrument. Over time, work to sing longer and longer lines while retaining gentle, flexible *outward* pressure against the scarf. This develops the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (breath control) while also giving cues to help one relax and diffuse any throat or upper chest tension. Which lets the air sent by the diaphragm flow unimpeded through the vocal cords into a relaxed, open, resonant space which shapes pitch and tone. I can see how a corset worn as you describe could be a useful tool to do something very similar. Best wishes for your own singing.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thanks for making this point. My wife and I do a lot with historical clothing, and she's always irritated when people talk about corsets as being excessively uncomfortable, constraining, and controlling. Often when we hear people saying things like that, it's clear that they don't actually know what they're talking about.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Thank you for the download I'm always glad to see myth debunking stuff! You sing beautifully & your dog is charming

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much Catherine! Hopefully, I'll be able to include her more in future videos 🥰

[@SimpleDesertRose]

You sing like an angel Vasi ❤️❤️ I come from a dancing background and one thing my ballet teacher used to say about lift and holding your center was too imagine you are being supported by a corset. When I took up belly dancing and is was learning about how to do a belly roll one of things I researched was how to push your diaphragm out. Only instead of using books it talked about using your cat. To have your cat lay sphinx or loaf (whichever term you prefer) and to practice holding your cat's backside up the switching to the front until your cat's gets offended and stomps off, lol. Anyways I totally get what you are saying about your diaphragm muscles and being able to breathe. I didn't know you had another channel you never said anything before or if your did I missed it. I just can't get over how adorable Rúna is 😍❤️ I hope to see more of her in two weeks.

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thanks so much DesertRose! The cat exercise sounds truly effective and hilarious 😂🥰 I have mentioned it here and there in comments and such and have had it linked to my channel page for a while, but haven’t announced my music page in any videos because I’ve kind of been working on the same EP for the past 4 years 😂 I’m finally in the place though where I’m feeling ready to release it and get the final touches together.

[@carolinemaluca]

Aren’t you a multitalented young lady? Yes, you are! Very well explained V, and you sing beautifully! Your baby girl is looking so cute! 🥰💚

[@VBirchwood]

Awww hahaha, thank you so much Caroline! She has lost her entire under coat now, so she looks very lean and "summery" but she's gotten so big! 🥰

[@bina.k]

Great video! Also you sound beautiful! Just one thing though- the diaphragm is an involuntary muscle so there’s no such thing as using your diaphragm because it just moves out of the way so your lungs can expand- it’s the muscles in the torso that we control when we have good support and air flow control. You might’ve already known this but it didn’t really come across but no worries it was a great explanation nonetheless! :)

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 🥰 I’ve read as well as being involuntary, it’s also voluntary. In the sense that it expands and contracts without us having to do anything, but we can also control it, like stop it for a few seconds etc. When I say “use” it, I really mean to target air towards that area and contract it in a direct manner, which can be seen by the expansion. Really just purposefully taking a very deep breath.

[@bina.k]

​@@VBirchwood oh yes for sure, i get what you mean now! thank you so much! :)

[@gildedgitta]

Debunking the Vasi way by singing gorgeously? What a great video ♡

[@VBirchwood]

Hehehe thank you 🥰

[@katjakuitunen6961]

Really interesting! You have a beautiful voice! It was nice to hear information on corsets from a bit different perspective than what one usually sees and hears.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much Katja! 🥰

[@carolineroy9026]

What a nice video! You have a lovely voice 🥰 Well done, very good infos/explanations. Thank you 😉🦋 from Canada

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Caroline! 😊

[@watsonmelon6575]

Your voice is so beautiful and thank you for sharing it and your insight on this topic

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@Ava0117]

This is why I love Vasi! She is just so talented in so many ways! She is definitely one of my comfort youtubers ☺️

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thank you very much Ava! 🥰 what a kind comment.

[@Ava0117]

@@VBirchwood Of course! Your content is absolutely lovely! It always inspires me and gets me feeling creative:)

[@hawkinscsa]

Always thought you were a very talented young lady, and now you sing beautifully too. 😯 WOW. Keep up the great work!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 😊

[@alisonharper4108]

Oh wow. Thanks for posting this. It was so helpful to me personally as I am starting to re-train my voice later in life! Also so helpful for those of us struggling to find a more comfortable, practical way to contain, let us say, our upper body and still retain some shapeliness! After watching some of your corsetry videos I am going to attempt to make a daytime corset to wear at home. It looks far more comfortable than a modern bra. I have also taken your suggestion to wear some sort of light chemise under the support wear.. It should be much more comfortable than the modern camisole over the bra which is excessively sweaty in the hot summers here in Canada, and less drafty in the extreme cold winters.

[@VBirchwood]

So glad the video was helpful! 🥰 sorry for such a long delay as well, I have been so busy with making new content recently.

[@janellejudy9978]

So interesting, Ben Greenfield mentioned tying a string around his waist to encourage him to breathe the right way !

[@audriscarborough9309]

Your voice is beautiful! I loved hearing you sing your own song! I have listened to a couple of songs that you shared on your other channel, you are extremely talented! It was very informative to hear and see how breathing in a corset is totally possible! As well as everything else, eating, walking... I enjoy reading historical books and watching historical shows, but the writers constantly make corsets a torture device! I often will read about the young woman who can't keep up with her male companion while going for a walk because of her horrible corset! Poor example, but we all get the gist. I find it ridiculous to to think all the females of the past just tolerated having their corsets being cinched so tightly that they could barely take a breath! I believe that these ladies were intelligent enough to say " that is too tight" , or simply loosen it up on their own. If some ruthless Nanny insisted on giving said lady a 15 inch waist, surely theirwas a sister, cousin, friend who couldloosenit!! I appreciate that you shine an informative and honest light on how these undergarments were worn. Especially now with so much intrest in historical dressing. I feel it's important that people know how it is properly and comfortably worn. Of course as with all clothing, undergarments and outerwear of all types; the person who is wearing them is free to make changes as they see fit, including cinching a corset tightly... I am going overboard and apologize. I am literally reading a book now, where this nonsense is written just as in my example. Your dog is adorable 😍 With happiness, Audri

[@ragnkja]

If a girl can’t keep up with her male companion, it’s because his legs are much longer than hers, and he’s not slowing down to compensate. (By the way, this means he’s not her suitor, because it’s been shown that men will slow down to match the pace of their beloved, but not necessarily anyone else who might have shorter legs unless explicitly reminded.)

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much Audri! 🥰🥰🥰

[@18thcenturyfan]

Bruno puppy is best puppy!! 🥹 Also, I love your vocal style!! I feel like it would work really well with a lot of songs from the musical Hadestown.

[@VBirchwood]

Isn’t she so sweet?! 🥰 Aww thank you so much! I actually hadn’t heard of Hadestown, but I just looked it up and I can totally see what you mean. A lot of jazz and blues influence in it!

[@18thcenturyfan]

@@VBirchwood I recommend listening to the whole soundtrack (personally, I love listening to musicals while I sew). It's one of those musicals where everything said and sung is on the soundtrack, so you can get a really good idea of the story without seeing it :)

[@VBirchwood]

@@18thcenturyfan Oooo musicals like those are the best! what a great suggestion, thanks!

[@Diniecita]

I found your music channel a week ago so Im really glad you are going to start doing more with it. Loved this.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Silver Fox! Great timing 😉

[@jaehaywardkent]

ahhh so cool!! love this kind of content from u🙌🏻

[@VBirchwood]

Awww thank you Jae! 😊

[@sheleavitt06]

I teach people how to diaphragm breath every day at work in a doctors office because the stronger a person’s core the less likely they will injure their backs. About 90% of our patients that we see are there because whatever they did when they were doing it they weren’t engaging their core correctly. I’ve never seen the book method you used before but makes sense to me. Generally I push with my hands so they know where to breath and have that resistance to push against.

[@VBirchwood]

What a cool thing to teach people in your profession! And it’s so true, diaphragmatic breath can help in so many aspects, like core strength as you say to reduce injuries, and I also find it helps a lot with mental well-being as it’s a great technique to calm the nervous system - no surprise there with its presence in methodologies like meditation and yoga. Pressing with your hands makes perfect sense! I suppose the book method could be convenient if people wanted to practice themselves at home and didn’t have someone to help them 😊

[@ragnkja]

I remember one of my classmates (a quiet, petite pianist/organist) being told that she needed to engage her core more when speaking 😁 I suspect the singing lessons she had to take that year (we were 16 at the time) strengthened her speaking voice as well.

[@VBirchwood]

@@ragnkja It's actually often recommended to singers by their teachers that they do exercises in the morning before speaking a lot, because then they'll be using their breath and voice in a healthy manner even whilst speaking, which can also get quite taxing on a singing voice.

[@ragnkja]

@@VBirchwood Maybe if I get into the habit of doing singing exercises each morning, my voice will get less tired when I’m reading aloud for too long?

[@sheleavitt06]

@@VBirchwood one of my patients was a nurse who was helping with rehabilitation of COVID survivors and she was like “wow, this is how I can help teach them how to breathe again!” Boy did I feel validated☺️

[@jessicabey275]

Beautiful 💜 Wow Runa has gotten go big! She's beautiful 😍

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!❤️ this was a couple months ago even! She’s leaned out a lot because her fluffy undercoat is now all gone for the summer and she’s gotten a bit longer. I’ll have to post an updated video of her in the near future 🥰

[@jessicabey275]

@@VBirchwood after I posted that I seen what you wrote 😅 I would love to see an update on Runa whenever you can get to it 🥰

[@DrAnarchy69]

I have started wearing corsets a bunch. As long as you don't tight lace (which no one does because people like to breath) I've found that my corset is incredibly comfortable. Thanks for making this video!

[@DawnDavidson]

I sang at my own wedding in a corset. No problems whatsoever. :) So yeah, it can definitely be done! Thanks for sharing!

[@caitha8831]

Your channel is so underrated

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thank you! 🥰

[@tj-8422]

My dear: your singing gave me chills! Oh my gosh...

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thanks so much 🥰

[@DocHolliday1851]

I generally do tightlace since I like the pressure for some reason. I'd be an anomaly back then, but I do loosen my laces for singing to breathe from my diaphragm. When tightlaced, I breathe from the chest. I think some people also think a corset is supposed to pull EVERYTHING in; chest, belly, hips. That's no bueno and what those terrible cheap tube things pretending to be corsets do.

[@kobaltkween]

The historical fashion experts who repeatedly make this argument are missing a really key point: A-list actresses who wear corsets are generally either looking to severely reduce their waist and overall size or under pretty inflexible pressure to do so. I watched Jennifer Garner describe an ordinary Oscar's experience on a talk show. Mind, she wasn't up for an award. So this was just to be background pretty for random people at an event, not to be center stage gorgeous in a movie. She said they put her in a metal corset-shaped frame, shoved her liver over to make more space and squeeze her waist as tight as possible, and then sewed her dress onto her. She said she had to have a (very good, better than I'll ever be) friend help her wipe in the restroom because she couldn't bend or reach herself, nor take off the dress and put it back on herself. I also read an account by a guy who said that he dehydrated himself to the point of being unable to produce fluids for a few seconds on screen without his shirt (because that's how guys on screen get so cut). And got told by a trainer at his gym he could have done more to get him cut. The show runner on Voyager forced Jeri Ryan (7 of 9) to wear clothes so tight that she passed out on set multiple times, despite her complaints. Dancers for videos and even ads are frequently forced to wear clothes so tight and restrictive they pass out while trying to perform. Even just plain models are often treated like dolls to pose, and are often put in horribly painful positions and clothes. It's not the costume designers, and it's not lack of knowledge. It's that people in front of a lens are often given few bodily rights, and expected to suffer for aesthetics. You give the fashion or entertainment industry a tool like a corset, they're going to use it to shape the person wearing it without any consideration for their ability to breathe. After all, if it were just about not having custom fitted costumes (and I doubt that's true of all major productions, despite complaints being universal), you'd expect as many to be too big as too small. But all the press tours comments discuss how tight they are. Also, if you look into just contemporary corset wearing in general, not as a history bounding, and it's all about "waist training." So even ordinary contemporary women tend to use corsets specifically for tight lacing, because they want that aesthetic.

[@VBirchwood]

I hear you! If you read my description box, I speak about how it’s about how corsetry is worn rather than the corset itself, and there are very unhealthy ways to wear corsets. Just like there are unhealthy ways to drink water (I.e. way too much of it). The problem is that a lot of people in society clump all of corsetry together and often comment on “how could people breathe” when it comes specifically to how corsets were worn historically. So yes, while there is the massive issue of people in the entertainment industry being given incredibly few bodily rights and also being pressured into fitting a certain image, size, etc. it is very often people in history or people studying/wearing corsetry historically who get the brunt of the awful comments. Almost everyone I know that wears historical corsetry (people who don’t tightlace primarily) either receive comments heavily sexualising them or comments arguing with the individual about how they cannot breathe to the point of the commenter blocking the creator because the conversation doesn’t get anywhere. That’s why I make these types of videos in context of historical corsetry. Modern corsetry comes with an entirely new conversation, but it’s also not something I have firsthand experience with, so I don’t like to comment much on it besides the understanding that corsetry can be very harmful if applied in a harmful way. Like anything 😊

[@isabellaferretti7279]

Awwwww that kissing and cuddling scene with Runa made my day! You have beautiful voice. I'm definitely going to try that lifting books exercise next time I'm on the floor ( a rare occurunce these days lol)

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thanks so much Bella! She's a very cuddly dog, especially lately, unless she obsesses over some fly in the house and won't stop chasing it lol. Definitely give this book exercise a go! It's a great way to help strengthen the core as well.

[@katwitanruna]

I love wearing corsets when I’m singing! It’s all about being properly fitted!

[@VBirchwood]

Absolutely! Fit is key, with or without the addition of singing 🥰

[@mangalover0149]

Thank you for more corset myth busting. I love this kind of content.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericalarochelle3779]

It is quite interesting to hear your perspective in regards to singing and breathing in corsetry. I tip my hat to you on being able to sing well, accomplishing such a feat myself has been a long running goal of mine. Would you have any advice or recommendations for resources? I sung in choirs as a child and my singing voice can sound pleasant, but singing without music while keeping pace and tune stands beyond me.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Erica! I would recommend first doing exercises to strengthen breath control and for releasing the jaw, as these two things can impact singing tremendously so they are important parts to warm up and train. From there, practicing scales and such can be helpful for further developing tone and pitch. As boring as it sounds, most of the voice is trained with exercises and then the song is almost like the reward and helps to build up stamina that allows an entire show to be performed over time. There are many amazing vocal coaches showing techniques and warmups here on KZbin actually! 😊

[@ericalarochelle3779]

@@VBirchwood Thanks for all the details! Are there any specific KZbinrs you had in mind?

[@VBirchwood]

I quite like Verba Vocal technique. Her videos are older but they’re still very good. There’s also a yoga channel that does exercises just for singers (super niche I know!) called Vox Yoga, and they’re great. A big part of singing is getting the body very relaxed and free and fluid, being able to work through that tension that we tend to all carry throughout the day, and from there performing exercises etc. so it’s super important to have physical exercises that support that relaxation.

[@ericalarochelle3779]

@@VBirchwood I will definitely check them out, thank you so much! For all the resources now available, it can be a challenge to figure out who actually knows what they are talking about when you know little about the subject.

[@VBirchwood]

@@ericalarochelle3779 you’re very welcome! I can definitely understand that. I find sometimes hearing how they sing themselves and looking at what technique they use themselves really helps

[@lefterismplanas4977]

I really appreciate that you're debunking such annoying myths! Yeah I'm a man, but people discrediting history like this is very stupid. I'm an amateur writer and I think that, from a story perspective, modern clothing is just too revealing. In the past I imagine that seeing a woman naked was a big moment, because you never saw much of her skin. And that was beautiful! In so many ways! It cussed you to be more courteous want it or not, even by a little bit. Now that moment feels no different than any other, and this sad considering that the importance of that action has not diminished as much as we're willing to admit

[@Vintagebursche]

My grandpas name was Bruno. Great video too! :D

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! 😊 Her name is actually Rúna but I think the captions thought it’s Bruno and I haven’t correct them yet 😂 people often think she’s a boy though and her name is Bruno! 😅

[@emilyparker4316]

Fabulous information

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 😊

[@emilyparker4316]

@@VBirchwood 🥰

[@kathleendoodles698]

I used to work for an opera company, and a lot of the singers actually liked to have a corset or some sort of shapewear as part of their costume-it was helpful to push their diaphragm into the corset.

[@VBirchwood]

It makes perfect sense! It’s a really welcome feeling to have that additional support whilst singing because of how physically demanding it is.

[@marciannewagner-heaton5143]

I truly enjoy your videos! Can you recommend a pattern for the chemise you are wearing in this video? Thank you!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! 😊 this one is a regency style chemise actually. Laughing Moon have some nice chemise patterns, as do Black Snail patterns

[@marciannewagner-heaton5143]

@@VBirchwood thanks so much!

[@BringMayFlowers]

I'm not wearing historical clothes at te moment, I still need to lose some weight, but I do wear a rather form fitting sleeveless hoodie vest and I feel like that would be an alright analog as it's snug and supporting but I can still breathe easily in it regardless.

[@rockflashbass5408]

your dog is really cute btw *o*

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 🥰

[@emilyparker4316]

You’re an amazing lady,, I want to wear corsets but iam 🫤 unsure

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 🥰 they’re not for everyone honestly and so you don’t have to wear them if you don’t want to 😊 there are other cosy options too, like jumps!

[@emilyparker4316]

That’s awesome I think I just am unsure how I proceed with getting the correct fit as you’ve absolutely explained everything I think

[@SomeOne-q3j]

Is it true for most corsets? Because most people online say that you actually can’t use the lower part of your lungs when you wear a corset, only the upper part. Maybe it depends on the type of the corset.

[@chrysanthemum8233]

When I was a kid I played trumpet in the school band and my parents paid for a few lessons. The first day, the teacher asked me to play a scale just to judge my skill level. I inhaled to blow the first note and he said "no wait stop!" 14 year old me was totally baffled by the idea that it was possible to breathe wrong. And then the teacher explained to me about diaphragmatic breathing.

[@ragnkja]

Hopefully you didn’t also inhale through the nose 😁 Because surely your first instructor would have told you not to do that long before then.

[@VBirchwood]

Isn’t diaphragmatic breathing incredible? What astounds me the most is that so many don’t know it exists too! It’s almost like some secret way of breathing that mostly musicians and athletes end up learning and then it doesn’t leave you haha.

[@Namiyasi]

Wow 😳 is just delightful

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!

[@MystraRavenwind]

I find that it's easier to support your breathing in a corset. I definitely would not tightlace though which I think is what alot of people picture when they hear someone is wearing a corset.

[@VBirchwood]

Definitely! Tightlacing is so often the thing that pops into mind at least probably in mainstream society (I.e. not people into weird niche hobbies like historical fashion 😂) which is interesting since it was such an uncommon practice when we consider how most people were working class and tightlacing was really only a thing amongst upper class and just for a small frame of time

[@myladyswardrobe]

Should also remember that the golden age of the Opera Diva co-incided with the golden age of the Corset! 19th century Opera Singers were able to sing powerfully, be heard in every corner of the theatre from the stage without any of the modern amplification we have now. If they could sing in corsets there is no reason why modern singers should not be able to.

[@Flugkaninchen]

Female metal singers like Floor Jansen from Nightwish or Simone Simons from Epica often wear corset-like stage outfits for exactly these reasons, I've heard.

[@VBirchwood]

It’s true!

[@taniavafeiadou4420]

Of course one can breathe and sing in a corset opera was a main upper class entertainment and all the singers wore corset certainly all the females and many times the male too (in the continent of Europe like Austrian opera etc all of them). You sing so wonderfully !!!!!!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 🥰

[@eckhardhess7173]

Please could you let me know where to find the link to the song on Spotify?

[@VBirchwood]

Sure thing! I've linked it in the description box of this video 😊

[@eckhardhess7173]

Thank you, I didn't scroll far enough the first time.

[@nneoma1583]

Could you link where you got your corset?

[@VBirchwood]

I get mine made by TheBoudoirKey but she’s booked up until next year I believe!

[@daemonbug]

I'm just curious, because I've watched a previous video of yours saying you work in IT in one of your interviews, were you referring to KZbin as that? Or do you have three jobs?

[@VBirchwood]

Ah I don’t work in IT, but more generally in tech (on a content management side). You perhaps are thinking about my interview with Vintagebursche? As he does work in IT. I sang professionally a few nights a week before KZbin and before pandemic days. I haven’t since as there isn’t much happening still, and I also put music very much on hold because of KZbin. I sort of do have 3 jobs though now as I do my day job, do KZbin, and also have video editing clients and some other odd jobs on the side (and maybe eventually do singing too). I’ve been pulling 60-70 hour weeks for years to make ends meet because of cost of living (and just the sheer amount of time and money it costs without much payback the first few years of running a business).

[@astrothsknot]

my son had a copyright claim by someone who'd ripped off his newsreels. it took ages to get sorted. youtube's algorythm sucks and youtube doesn't help

[@VBirchwood]

I’m sorry to hear this :( I have a copyright claim on my music channel as well, for one of my own songs. It’s very annoying lol.

[@LixiaWinter]

My friend got flagged for putting his own music on youtube😭

[@VBirchwood]

Awww that’s so sad! It can sometimes happen. One of the tracks on my music has a copyright claim (someone claimed it) even though it’s my song lol

[@VBirchwood]

It’s just much easier to appeal thankfully when it’s your own music

[@Hbd2002]

But you look really tiny so you’re probably not squeezing yourself very tight. What about people that wear super tight corsets which squeeze them in many inches?

[@VBirchwood]

There are a number of curvy historical fashion youtubers who have had very positive experiences with corsets as well 😊

[@kellysouter4381]

Your corset is not tight or rigid.

[@VBirchwood]

Many of them aren’t! 😊 I have others as well with busks that are a bit more rigid, but they act just the same whilst I’m singing.