Dark Garden

By far the best customer service I've ever experienced. This was my first ever corset and Carynn was extremely thorough and helped me get the correct size. I got an underbust and I am in love with the support it gives my back. I will be buying again in the future. Service: Delivery

I didn't know it was possible to be so emotionally overwhelmed by a garment until I saw my completed wedding gown for the first time. I met with Autumn several months before my wedding to discuss my vision and begin planning my ensemble. A couple years ago, I saw the Rosalind gown on the Dark Garden Instagram page when it was debuted. I knew right away that if I were to ever get married, I would be wearing some form of the Rosalind.

I had meetings with Autumn, Shelby, Kalico, and Marianne at different stages of the process. To say this is a talented, creative, and gifted crew would be a *massive* understatement. The completed look was exactly the vibe I was going for and I could not be happier with how it turned out. I was so looking forward to wearing it all again at this year's Edwardian Ball, but will have to wait for next year when (hopefully) venturing out to an event will be less stressful (lookin' at you, covid). Thank you to the dedicated and amazing team at Dark Garden for making me feel my very best!

Dark Garden made my Wedding Dress, back in 1998 by the owner Autumn. It turned out so BEAUTIFUL, and it was perfect in every way. The fabrics were top of the line, the corset had real boning, the details literally caused me to become emotional when I saw them. Best of all, the dress fit me like a glove. Autumn listened to what I wanted, she kept all her customers handmade corsets measurements. (Which she took at least 3 times).

She asked questions I hadn't even thought of? There's no place on Earth who can make EXACTLY what you want (involving a corset of all kinds) except Dark Garden and Autumn. If you want a timeless piece, a dress made from start to finish, and one that can be passed down for generations. Dark Garden is the ONLY place you'll ever need!

My wife had her wedding dress custom made here years ago. They did a fantastic job and it was less expensive and fit better than the fancy name brands. They make a lot of dresses using corsets. Definitely consider this place for dresses.

Everything in this place is so beautiful. The ladies who work here are very friendly, knowledgeable, and inclusive. I'm so excited for my custom corset to be done! 5 stars. Would recommend!

The staff is very friendly. The place is clean. I have one complaint and that is that the price for my custom skirts changed about 3 times. That was pretty disheartening, and sort of made me mistrust them a bit. However, after I looked at my previous gown that I had bought from them, and realized that it was the same fabric and also half the amount of fabric AND just about half the price, I settled down a bit.

My husband seemed to think that it's because I told them it was my wedding, and that's why we were gouged from other companies as well. Honestly, after I received my pieces, I forgave them. Their corsets gowns, and skirts are one-of-a-kind, gorgeous/glamorous pieces and the staff is so nice and timely. I give them 4 stars. I wore two pieces during my bachelorette party and two during my wedding.

This place is a classic San Francisco treasure. Non-judgemental people, high-quality offerings. It's also quite niche. It's for the corset wearing, burning man going, cyber punk aesthetic. Ok, it's not that niche, but you get my point.

After 20 years since my last Dark Garden corset, it was time for another one.two. Jessica measured me, found a style she felt would complement my body, slightly different than my original, and it was perfect! Absolutely perfect. Wonderful service, outstanding quality, and reasonably priced (hand made, custom fit). I left with two. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

Dark Garden is the place to get real hand made from start to finish corsets. Other online shops might say handmade but it's like Nike is handmade. Dark Garden's workshop is in the back of building, behind the sales floor and you can poke your head behind the curtains to see wonderfully skilled seamstress's sewing up a storm. They are a local business who support the local community.

Come in and get fitted by one of the knowledgeable sales staff or make an appointment with one of the in-house designers. Come and see why celebrities get their corsets from here.

If you're looking for a non-traditional wedding dress salon, THIS IS IT! They helped me through my couture bridal ensemble, which included an AMAZING black lace cape, as well as a beautiful corset and matching skirt. The dress was a HIT on the big day, people kept on saying I looked like I had walked out of a fairytale! If you want to feel like a badass, taken care of, but don't want to walk the traditional white gown path, reach out and see what they can do for you.

Iconic San Francisco couture corsetry. This business embodies OMG. If I ever marry, this is where I'm coming for a dress!

Where do I even begin with how much I adore Dark Garden? Autumn and her absolute sorceress coven of seamstresses created a high back leather corset for me for my opera concert. Singing in it was like being hugged by a god. It fit me perfectly, and every painstakingly precise detail was created according to my obscure vision. The level of expertise and passion Dark Garden offers is beyond anything I could have imagined.

This is my second piece with them and I am already starting the initial sketches for my next one. You owe it to yourself to have a couture creation from this establishment. 500 stars!

I've always had a great experience at Dark Garden (and Revelation in Fit). I'm an opera singer, and I've purchased corsets for performance. For someone that came in totally new to the experience, I felt comfortable and in-the-know every step of the way. Every fitting I've had at Revelation (upstairs) was a similar experience. The specialists have always had so much patience and go the extra mile to get you options that work with your fit and taste.

Always a pleasant experience! Everyone I've interacted with is always so helpful, and I enjoy every visit. The designs are so beautiful, and I'm always impressed with how perfectly everything fits. I've also purchased some of the Besame Cosmetics, and they're some of my favorite makeup products.

Walk into Dark Garden and be transported to another world. Autumn made my wedding dress many years ago. The dress was beautiful. The seamstresses are very talented. They also do their best to stand by their products. My first fitting showed that the corset's hem was uneven. They fixed it right away. The skirt was puckery in the back, which I only noticed on my wedding day.

The closure was hooks and they puckered. My SIL and pal actually sewed me into the dress and it looked great. I wanted her to somehow compensate me for that trauma so she gave me a $100 credit which I gave to a friend for her wedding dress. I think it should have been more generous, but that was years ago. They do beautiful custom work, so enjoy!

Dark Garden is the gold standard for corsetry. Their work is absolutely beautiful, and the comfort is beyond compare. The corsets look and feel amazing - it is the corset you won't want to take off. Everyone at the boutique is delightful and welcoming. Don't hesitate to stop in - I learn something new about corsets and corset history on every visit.

I first discovered Dark Garden through their booth at the Dickens Faire. Corsets have gotten a bit of a negative reputation over the years due to the fainting women of the past and the short comings of the availability of cheap, poorly constructed "corsets" of today. Dark Garden will change your mind and blow it at the same time. If you are a man or trans, don't worry, you are welcome here.

I finally had the chance to visit their boutique. The boutique is arranged and decorated beautifully. I really like the antique 19th century furniture. Sitting on the short legged, long couch laced up makes you feel like someone from those times. I brought a friend with me. I am very pleased this boutique gave us great disabled friendly service. My friend was very reluctant and cautious about trying out corsets but ended up having so much fun.

Both of us have chronic pain illnesses but the saleslady, Jessica, was very understanding and we were not pushed into being cinched beyond our comfort zones. If you are plus size or busty or have wide hips, this place is very friendly to those with big or large curves. My friend fits into this criteria and Jessica recommended the Valentine corset which fit my friend like a glove.

We both felt very beautiful. During our visit, Jessica answered all our questions and gave us quite the education on corsets, the history of Dark Garden, the different projects Dark Garden has done including celebrity requests, and all the different ways to customize your corset like spiral boning for more flexibility. Besides corsets, they have hats, crowns, bras, stockings, fans, garter belts, and fascinators.

I didn't buy anything because I haven't reached my fitness body goal yet but I will definitely be back once I do. Yes, it is expensive and quite an investment but each corset is handmade, can be tailored to your measurements, and the details and quality are phenomenal. Dark Garden is a small company that I feel is worth supporting and I really encourage you to check their boutique even if you are unsure if corsets are for you.

Dark Garden is an SF staple around the women I hang with. Every year they have a trunk show where they sell off pieces that were never picked up and have steep sales on about 70% of their merch. During one of their sales I picked up a corset I'd fallen in love with. It was also during this visit that I found out my ribcage will be the reason sweetheart corsets will never fit me correctly, which is always good to know!

After receiving just fantastically friendly (and knowledgeable!) service I purchased a straight top corset and had a back panel specially made for me for a total of around $300 or so. I love the corset, but the issue for me is that I change sizes pretty consistently, so I've worn it perhaps 3 times in the 5 years I've owned it. It feels sacrilegious because I swear by Dark Garden but I personally like my cheaper Living Dead Souls underbusts better because they have more give.

My advice to people who want to adore one of their pieces from Dark Garden is to be someone who stays about the same size regularly and has few rib and hip issues (though they can specially design for you at an extra cost) and additionally be someone who actually loves wearing corsets. Which, sadly, I don't. You should definitely come on by and try some gorgeous pieces on! You'll mostly likely fall in love with something and at the very least they'll make you look fabulous!

Why did I resist this for so long? Put down the spanx and come try this. Yes it's way more expensive but it actually works and you won't sweat to death like you do in spanx, etc. A total body positive experience. These corsets are works of art. And ask for Lillith. She made the experience.

Love this place and double thumbs up for Jessica. Wanted to take my sister someplace to buy something to celebrate her upcoming wedding. She is a non-traditional size and I had been calling many places - including large department stores - that had nothing. Then I reached Dark Garden and clouds parted and unicorns came sliding down the rainbow! Didn't know if my sister would be into a corset and with the aid of Jessica's amazing expertize my sister was transformed.

She looked the bomb-didley. And then when we finished with my sister the two of us accompanying her also found styles we loved and will return to pursue our own acquisitions. Apparently they rent corsets so if you're not sure you could always take one for a test drive. Recommend an appointment especially on weekends. And there is such a thing as men's corsets so gents are not left out of this party. Egads - a person's paycheck could evaporate fast with a corset habit (especially with custom work) but they are pretty amazing. Thanx Dark Garden for the enlightenment!

Walking into Dark Garden is like finding a secret boudoir staffed with enchanting women whose goal is to make you feel your best. No matter your body shape or personal style, Autumn and the creators on her staff make you feel invited and never pressure you to purchase their expertly crafted wares. The shop isn't just corsets, either. Dark Garden has lingerie, robes, hats, and more, and is an excellent place to drop your guard and try on things you never thought to touch in a more public setting.

Dark Garden is an ideal place to take a lover, fiance, or partner. Over the years it's been Autumn's expert hands that have taught the men in my life how to safely and sensually lace me up. They can sit on a luxurious couch and marvel at you as you pick out, try on, or customize an outfit of your choosing. Given the quality of everything Dark Garden makes and endorses, anything you purchase will certainly make you feel and look good for years. Overall, I know and appreciate my femininity because of Dark Garden, and always look to the store and it's old world ways of craftsmanship and care as a respite from the new world that's moved in around it. Here's to many, many more decades of your work adorning us to feel as beautiful on the outside as we do on the inside.

WHAT: This is the place to go for a quality corset either over-breast, under-breast, cincher, or uniquely custom made. The prices are definitely up there.$400 or more, but they say you pay for what you get. They have corsets already made you can buy off the rack. You should call ahead of time to make sure a seamstress is there if you want something custom made so they can measure you.

They have two photo albums with photos of corsets if you want ideas for something custom made. Yes, guys wear corsets too! Like a Victorian or pirate look from the photos I saw. What else do they sell? Vintage looking hats, veils, gloves, jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, crowns!, stockings, socks, finishing belts that go over your clothes and the corset, and more. STAFF: The young lady who assisted me and my friend was really nice and wasn't pushy at all.

She was patient and personable with a gentle personality. She even took the time to show us how to put a corset on ourselves by showing us on hers. There is one fitting room downstairs (not sure if there is another one upstairs). The associate helped put corsets on after measuring you. WHERE: Located in San Francisco on Linden next to a small coffee shop.

Very artsy looking street with wall art. You may have to park elsewhere and walk a couple to a few blocks. Be sure to put extra time in the meter so you have enough time to shop and try things on. BUY: My friend bought a corset, which came with instructions. They direct you to a YouTube video they produced to show you how to put a corset on yourself. They're on all major social media too if you want to check them out.

I followed them on Instagram after shopping with them so I can see other people's corset purchases and custom made designs. OVERALL: A cute artsy store specializing in corsets.

I was looking for a beautiful, custom-fitted dress for a second wedding. I found what I was looking for at Dark Garden. The styles are classic and simple and the choice of colors in gorgeous silks are endless. The service is friendly and helpful and the price is very fair. I picked my dress on Friday, with a custom shawl, and I could not be more pleased. Thank you!

:: sigh :: it's places like this that make me wish I was a woman. These corsets are gorgeous. I dropped by to check it out after hearing about it from friends. Also bought a gift certificate for someone, which is a well-designed post-card thing inside a lovely box. One of these days, I'll get up the confidence and figure out enough of my personal style to get a corset and somehow integrate that into my wardrobe, at least for some semi-fancy events.

I'm amazed with this shop, it's a San Francisco treasure that I wish I would have known about years ago. Just bought my second corset from DG: it is the best piece of clothing I've ever owned and probably ever will own. From the Risque Collection, when I hold it in my hands, it looks and feels like a piece of art. It has sheer, super-strength nylon panels that are set between satin-encased boning. Unbelievably light weight, and it can be worn under or over clothing. (I attached a photo from the DG website.) On top of the beautiful construction and light weight, I'm blown away by the comfort.

Extremely comfortable and invisible under clothing. It has a huge positive effect on my silhouette. I can't believe that I didn't know about this magic years ago! In the past, I've wasted money on shapewear that was uncomfortable, flimsy, and didn't have much of a noticeable effect. As much as I love the product, it was just as much the staff that made my experience with Dark Garden winderful.

They spent a ton of time showing me all of the options available, doing the fittings, and answering all my ridiculous questions. The first corset that I bought was off the rack, but the second one was semi-custom, and it fits like a second skin. I'm a certified addict, and I'll definitely be back to DG for more. Highly recommend this product and experience, it's fun even if you do t immediately make a purchase.

Who thought lil' ol' me could find a corset off the rack? I sure didn't? My dress had been ordered and I was running around looking for foundational garments. I had just left my go-to spot, broken hearted from an epic fit fail. I had massive doubt that Dark Garden had anything for me so I had little faith. They popped up in a local bridal magazine so I decided to check them out.

My goodness, they have everything! They have it for everybody. You need not be the size and build of Dita VonTeese they have something gorgeous for you. You can be fancy and get something customized but you don't need to. They even give you instruction on how to put on, take off and care for your garments. There is even a YouTube video. I encourage you to visit and see what they have for you.

The price tag may seem daunting but it is really worth it. These undergarments are appropriate whenever you're wearing clothes. or not! What I mean is that these are not exclusively worn for your wedding day. They are worth every cent.

The female form is treated as individual works of art here and the lingerie fitting expertise is perfection. Buy your ludicrously beautiful and fanciful undergarment what-nots here and skip cheap mass market noise like Vicky's and Freddy's at the mall. I might as well give Dark Garden a retainer--I paid a pretty penny, waited a month, fell in love with what I ordered, and am now plotting my next purchase. Moral of the story? You really CAN pay to look like hot shit, oh yes. Take my money now!

Most girls grow up dreaming about Vera Wang wedding dresses and Versace gowns but I always pined after a real steel boned corset. Since I was 15, I've had various cheap costume versions but never the "real deal." I was super excited to discover Dark Garden while I was attending the Dickens Christmas Fair and even more delighted when I discovered that Dita von Teese is amongst their clientele.

I mean, if it's good enough for the queen or burlesque (who I deeply respect and have a HUGE girl crush on), then how can I possibly go wrong here? So after chatting with one of the staff members at DCF, I took a card and made plans to visit once I return from my trip to Asia. Months go by due to being super busy at work, prolonged illness, and bad timing.

But finally the day came when the stars aligned perfectly and I found myself in Hayes Valley during their open business hours. I hightailed it over directly and was really excited to be fitted and to try on the various styles. Danielle was super sweet, educational, and not at all pushy. She encouraged me to try different styles even though I went in thinking I would prefer an underbust style like the waist cincher.

She also fitted me in different colors and suggested the sweetheart style which I was initially ambivalent about. I really thought I would be coming in to get a better idea on styles and fit options and was planning on a second trip to come back and pick out a corset but I really loved the sweetheart style in black poplin and thought it would be perfect as my first starter corset. Danielle was great and even humored me as I got my male companion that day to try on a corset as well.

He gets props for being a good sport and Danielle was really nice to take the time to lace him up. Euphrates was also in that day and talked to me about tips on caring for my corset and sharing her YouTube video on how to lace yourself into a corset. I was eyeing the Lancer style as I left the shop so I suspect I'll be back again to get myself a Christmas gift later this year :)

I purchased my wedding dress, corset and veil from Dark Garden and I couldn't be more satisfied. They made me a beautiful custom dress, filled my every request and I am not a easy customer. I have to mention as a plus size bride, they made me feel beautiful and never treated me any different from any other bride. Unlike most San Francisco Wedding Boutiques. Six years later and planning on renewing my vows and I will be flying back to SF for another amazing creation. Thank you ladies!