Before you buy your first corset there are a few questions to ask.
1. What are your measurements
2. What is your purpose? (Waist training, tightlacing, back support etc.)
3. What will you be doing while wearing your corset? Will you be moving a lot, sitting, or standing?
All of the answers you have to these questions, will effect the cut, size, and style you choose.
If you plan on waist training (or wearing with the intention of permanently/semi-permanently altering your silhouette) you will want a corset which is strong enough, to hold up to the challenge. Be sure to check the product description and make sure that the corset you choose is suitable for waist training. If you plan on tightlacing (wearing a corset on occasion, or without the intention of altering your body’s permanent shape) you will have more flexibility in choice of your corset style. But be sure that if you choose to wear a corset not meant for waist training, that you do not overly tighten, or wear for long periods of time frequently. The corset is not designed to hold up to that stress. If you plan to wear a corset with the purpose of back support, be sure to choose a style long enough in the back. You will usually have less flexibility in a corset that will provide more support.
Do you plan to go out for a night of dancing? Do you plan to wear while at work, sitting at a desk? Typically a sho
rter corset, a cincher, or waspie would allow for more movement. As a side effect these do offer less support, however you still can achieve a classic silhouette and smaller waist without losing mobility.
When you choose the shape and silhouette of your corset keep these points in mind. Also pay attention to your underbust, waist, and hip measurements, and if your silhouette will fit the corset comfortably. If you have a large natural hip spring, you will want a corset that will accommodate. A properly fitting corset will not dig, poke, impede your breathing, or generally be uncomfortable to wear. It should feel like a nice firm hug. If you have a shape that doesn’t quite fit a silhouette, hip ties can also help to fit better. When choosing a size you want to keep in mind the final fit. Your body will take the form of the corset.
Another important point would be to keep an eye on the busk length. How long is your torso? Will the corset be too long for you to sit comfortably? The corset sizing is based off of waist measurement. So do not expect to choose a larger size and receive a longer corset. The only changing measurement in different sizes of a particular model is going to be the waist.
When choosing which size corset to purchase keep in mind the waist measurement is the final diameter externally when fully closed. So this will be the smallest size it can be tightened. We typically advise choosing a size 3-7in smaller than your natural waist measurement depending on how muscular or squishy you are. We recommend sending a sizing inquiry through the form below before purchasing to help best find the size, style, and cut best for your body.
As a general rule, please remember your corset will be centered on your waist. In order to find a proper fit you will need to measure yourself for the specific corset you’re looking at. Most of our corsets are measured at 3 distances. The underbust, 4″ below the waist (upper hip), 6″ below the waist (low hip/full hip). The underbust length varies depending on the model of corset you choose. Please refer to the sizing images and measure at the appropriate distance from the waist for that design. We understand not everyone’s proportions are the same (which is exactly why we offer so many varying lengths and silhouettes) so we ask you to measure yourself to fit the corset you want to wear. These distances don’t necessarily sit at the edge if the corset, but instead at the distances we measure for our sizing chart. Please review the size chart and you will see the spe
cified distances from waist located in the head column. You can also use our diagram images for each product as an additional tool.
On the note of proportional fitting, i would also like to add a fairly overlooked measurement. Please measure the length of the underbust. This would be from waist to top edge of underbust (or where you would like your corset to end). when sending an inquery this will help our representatives better fit you for a corset that suits a long waist or short waisted body (if necessary).
When measuring the waist keep in mind it is located in the space between the ribs and hips. Since floating ribs are fairly hard to detect, it is easiest to find your iliac crest (top edge of the hip bone) and feel above this area you will find is more “squishy” (generally 2″ above, or 4″ above the uper hip) this space is pretty standard on everyone, considering the waist is always in relativity of the upper hip. The ribs are what tend to differentiate in length from person to person. If you have any questions feel free to contact us via our sizing form, we will happily assist.
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