How to choose a corset
After questions regarding size the next most asked corset question we receive is ‘What shape of corset is best for my body-type?’. Choosing the correct corset, especially at the beginning of your waist training is as important as selecting the correct size. For example, select a corset too short in length when you have a longer torso and the corset will not be able to cinch to its full potential; you may also produce a ‘muffin top’ just under the bust which could be cured with a longer line corset.
If you select the correct model and size of corset for your body at the beginning you will be assured of pleasurable and effective tight-lacing whilst wearing your corsets. Not only will you look fabulous with a much sought after hourglass figure but you will make the optimum progress in reducing your waist over time with all the health and appearance benefits that ensue.
As well as knowing the correct shape and size of corset to match your body there are other considerations to think about before making that all-important purchase. What is the main purpose of your corset purchase? Are you intending to wear it every day as part of a waist training regime or is it just to be worn occasionally e.g. at the weekend? Will you be wearing the corset under clothes, on top as part of a fashionable outfit or both? Is it just a one-off purchase to be worn for a special occasion like a bridal occasion? And remember that your budget will likely be a consideration that will affect your eventual purchase.
Your own body shape and your desired end result are key in correctly matching the correct model of corset. Many of our clients need lower belly support in addition to just a tighter waist area and if that is the case then there are definite styles you need to choose. Select too short a corset and it will push the belly flesh down even exaggerating the size as it ‘bubbles’ at the bottom of the corset. In this case a corset that dips down to approximately the pubic bone at the front is required. Make sure also that the same corset has the same length at the back otherwise the cinch will not be able to support equally all the way around at the bottom edge.
Are you still unsure of the ideal style of corset for your body shape? Read on and we will highlight the main corset styles so that you can easily match the one that will best suit your body shape and needs.
This guide is useful for those wearing corsets already but is a must for those of you just starting out on your corset-wearing journey. We are breaking down the main types of corset and how they match up to your body type and the use for which you intend to purchase the corset. As well as understanding the type of corset that best suits your body shape you need to have also answered the following to ensure you make the correct purchase first time around:
- MAIN USE – Is your corset for waist reduction and/or part of weight loss, for example or just to be part of a fashionable outfit for occasional use?
- FORMAL OR INFORMAL – Do you intend to wear everyday around the house for example or will it be used for attending parties etc.
- UNDER OR OVER CLOTHING – Do you need to wear a corset discreetly under everyday clothes or will you be wearing over clothing to show off the garment or maybe both?
- FREQUENCY – Will you be wearing every day, only in the evening or weekends or only for special dressing occasions?
- COMFORT LEVEL – Is the end result important and are you willing to withstand a little discomfort or do you just want a more subtle and snug, comfortable cinching garment?
- YOUR IDEAL FIGURE – Do you just need to reduce the immediate waist area or do you have some lower belly that also needs shaping/compressing?
Answer the above as they will definitely affect your end purchase and how much you spend on your ideal garment. For example if you intend to embark on permanent waist-reduction versus just occasional wearing then you will probably want to spend a little more on a really strong corset or buy 2 of the same and alternate them so that you increase the life of the corsets. This is not a consideration for occasional wear.
Fitting a corset
SHORTER CINCHER CORSETS
These are best suited to average body/torso types and certainly those persons of shorter height/torso length. Most cinchers are 9″ to 10.5″ long and so they concentrate on the immediate waist area with regards compression and shaping. Because they are shorter than a full underbust corset and even a full corset with cups they are ideal steel boned corsets for beginners. Being shorter they are less constricting to movement and easier to lace so that the beginner in particular will have a pleasurable beginning to their tight-lacing.
The cincher is ideal for persons requiring moderate re-shaping and because of the shorter length a more subtle and gradual u-shape in the waist area is achieved rather than an extreme wasp-style re-shaping. Cinchers are also ideal for wearing under everyday work clothes if that’s what you require since they are less bulky than full corsets etc. Most cinchers are cut straight across at the bottom and do not give sufficient compression for a ‘pouch’ or lower belly especially for taller/longer torsos where a full underbust corset with a lower front busk will be needed to achieve the desired shape and flat front.
UNDERBUST CORSET
The classic Victorian design of corset is still the most common and sought after since it will produce the classic hourglass figure in most body-types. Usually they are an inch to even 3″ longer than a cincher. The front-busk and tail/back dip down to afford compression to the lower stomach as well as the waist area and most styles are cut higher on or above the hip bone.
The longer length of the corset affords the opportunity for even greater waist reduction than a cincher and so are ideal garments for those with a lower tummy bulge that needs attention as well as the waist area. Like the cincher, an underbust corset is easier to lace than a full corset and is a lot less restricting to movement that a full corset that covers the bust area and/or covers the hips. Since underbust corsets can vary in length from 11″ to as much as 14″ for a Longer Torso Underbust Corset for taller folk, be sure you select the correct one. If you have a short torso and you purchase one above 12″ long you will probably have issues with the bottom of the busk digging into the lap/crotch when you sit and/or the top edge digging into the bust. If in doubt consult GlamourBoutique.com customer service via email or call them on 1-888 721 8688 for advice from a live representative.
FULL CORSET WITH A HALF-CUP
Being cut on or over the hip bone this style gives a similar classic hourglass shape in the waist area like that of the under bust corset with the main difference it has half-cups that support the breast. having a half-cup corset rather than a full cup it is most suitable worn under clothing or with a lace bra or thin blouse under the corset for sake of modesty if that is required. Perfect for average body-types and a half cup fits a bigger range of bust since it tends to support rather than cover the full bust. These styles are often worn under formal dresses and bridal gowns since the shorter half-cup length will not be seen above the dress.
If you are of a longer torso then we would suggest either using an underbust corset or a full corset made for a longer torso which will have full cups. If over 5’10” and above average length of torso the half-cup corset could well end up exposing too much of the breast. The half-cup full corset gives a classic hourglass shape and makes even average bust persons look voluptuous !
VICTORIAN FULL CORSET
The longest corset style is the Victorian Full Corset with full cups to support the bust. This style of corset is better suited to average to taller torso lengths and give good all round compression and shaping from waist to bust. This style of corset is more commonly worn on the outside as part of ‘look’ or costume as a bustiere and can be worn with short skirts or longer dresses including formal gown style to the floor.
A person with a shorter than average torso length may well be better suited to a half-cup or even an underbust corset as a Victorian Full Corset may well dig in under the arms and be uncomfortable at the bottom edge digging into the thigh. This style is not the correct corset to wear under form-fitting clothes as it’s length will mean you see distinct lines/ridges.
DOUBLE-BONED CORSETS
For the tight-laced and/or serious waist trainer it is important to think about corset materials and construction if you intend to wear daily and/or lace tightly to maximize your waist reduction over time. Double Boned Corsets are extremely hard-wearing for the obvious reason in the optimum stress points of the corset they will have 2 bones separating panels instead of just one. This added reinforcement will mean as you progress you can lace that more tightly and the garment will have a longer life.
These corsets, when constructed properly, will be heavier and stiffer when new and so may well take a little more time to be broken-in to be nice and supple for everyday use. They feel that little bit stronger when worn and the construction is often used to obtain that wasp waistline look that so many love where the tight cinch just under the ribs at the waist is quite sudden and exaggerated.
Before thinking about your next or even first corset purchase give a thought to the basic styles of corset on offer and which will be more suited to your body shape. Look at the pictures of each style to see the waist shape achieved and the different cut of the top and bottom edges and how that may or may not suit your own torso shape and length. Don’t forget to think about the different fabrics available and the color and texture of the fabrics and what you would like. Satin may be the most common and flattering of fabrics but think of other considerations; a tight-lace leather corset is a very strong yet supple fabric that can withstand the strongest of lacing for example. And for corsets to be worn on the outside of clothes there are beautiful ornate fabrics like silks and jacquards.
Think about how you want to look, the best style that will help you achieve it and how frequently you intend to wear your corset. For beginners ease into the corseting lifestyle by purchasing and easy to lace cincher or if tall enough the true Under bust Corset like our best-selling German Under bust Corset that is one of the easiest to lace and wear and gives the classic hourglass figure.
Remember, if you have any sizing or selection questions we are just a phone call away, 7 days a week on 1-888 721 8688 and can help ensure you get it right first time.