My very first corset was a Vollers. Im still wearing it now and it's almost ten years old! I have had many corsets through the years, worn them for a while and then sold them on, but that one I've never let go, even though its a tad on the large side these days.
I dont think the manufacturer of the corset really matters, but being able to try it on, and to get someone who knows what they're talking about to fit you in it, is invaluable.
All I would say is that I have seen girls laced into corsets with massive gaps at the back, and then talked into believing it's the right size when really it's far too small. If you have a decent sized modesty panel at the back, and want to train your waist down gradually, fair enough - your body does get used to it. But otherwise, for comfort's sake as much as anything else, stick with 2-4", expect not to be able to close it at first, and make sure you still like it when you sit down - I know so many people who have bought stunning corsets, then found they either CANT sit down in them, or that when they do, there's some wee bulge somewhere that they dont like and then refuse to wear it because it make's them look 'fat'
