I, too, am a neophyte. Have been tight lacing for only two weeks, but have discovered already that the little plastic bones in cheap corsets like those available from Fredericks and the like just don't hold up. I have in this short time period, developed an "innie" where I used to be an "outie." LOL

I just broke down and bought a leather corset from Alter-Ego (LEATHER UNDERBUST CORSET Steel Boned Waist Cincher) on e-Bay. Because I am so new to this, I don't want to lay out big bucks, only to find that I decide six months from now that it just isn't for me. My girlfriend (and, yes, I'm hetero) thinks I look sexier already, just having a defined waist. We talked about getting a corset specifically designed for the male figure, but decided the cost didn't justify the gain, unless we both decide it is a permanent thing. Besides, we both like me to dress in ladies things on most weekends. ;)

also in SF Romantasy & Sheri Jurneka also make men's corsets