Do you want to be part of a timeless fashion trend that has been around since the 1500s?
Have you decided to live among the ranks of celebrities and gym-goers who “train” their waists, but you have no idea where to begin? Sometimes too many options are just that: TOO many.
If you’d like to partake in the trend without all the hassle of the research, we’re here to offer tips to make your decision process as smooth as the silky corset you’re about to wear out.
Whether you’d like to wear your trainer under your clothes for a shapelier figure, or at home while you’re working, read on to see how we can help you find the best corset to accentuate your unique body in the simplest steps possible.
Measuring Your Body
Do you have a tape measure on you? Awesome. Grab one out of your toolbox or borrow one from your neighbor, and let’s take some measurements. (And you may as well tell your neighbor they’re not getting it back because you’ll need it throughout the time that you are wearing a corset.)
This will be where most of the work comes in. Hang in there.
There are three key areas you need to know the exact measurements of before choosing the best corset size:
- Waist
- Underbust
- Upper hip
The waist measurement is about 1/2 an inch above the navel, where your stomach is smallest.
The underbust is where the corset will sit on the top of your body.
The upper hip is the part of your body where the corset will finish.
You would also need the torso length measurement for long-line corsets. If you already know that you have a long torso, go ahead and measure this as well. For those with very small torsos, alterations are always available.
Body Types
Once you’ve got your measurements, you can try to fit them into a body-type category, which makes buying the corset more seamless and hopefully with as few adjustments as possible. Here are eight different shapes:
- Straight
- Pear
- Spoon
- Hourglass
- Top hourglass
- Inverted triangle
- Oval
- Diamond
Although eight may seem like a lot, they are visually obvious, and comparing your body type to those visuals in a full-length mirror is a solid way to gauge what type of corset you need.
That was fun! Now that you’re all measured…
Choosing the Best Corset Shape
The measurement of your waist is arguably the most important measurement. This is what the corset is going to alter or appear to make smaller.
The corset’s waist size will be different from your actual size, unlike buying regular clothes at the store.
Most authorities on waist-training will agree that about two-four inches less than your waist would be your corset’s waist.
Here is a free Corset Size Tool which easily allows users to plug in two numbers and get back three size results.
Adding Flair
Choosing the best corset for you comes down to not just body type, but personal opinion as well! There really is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the range of shapes and personalities that want to wear corsets.
Choosing your shape also comes down to why you want to wear one:
- Is it for fashion reasons?
- To accentuate curves?
- Is it for an awesome Renaissance costume?
- Is it for back pain?
- Are you looking to stand out from the crowd at the gym, i.e. practice waist training?
Once you answer questions like these, it will be easier to determine whether you want your corset laced tightly closed or with a gap, how many inches smaller the waist should be, and so on.
Videos such as this one are great at demonstrating how users should go about buying their first corsets, with more free, in-depth calculators to help narrow down your correct size.
Go With Your Heart
Corset shapes are pretty easy to choose once you have all of this information. Although measurements are particular, you know your body and the results you want!
For example, those with a smaller bust trying to accentuate curves could go for the flat front style, which gives the allusion of a larger bust.
Some styles to choose from could be flat front, hourglass, sweetheart, and overbust, the last being more supportive for women fuller on top.
Never forget that alterations are always possible if there’s not a perfect corset deal readily available to you.
Picking Your Fabric
Once the hard stuff’s over, the fun part begins.
Choosing the best fabric can be done by, again, considering where you’re wearing this item and why you’re buying it.
Corset authority The Orchard Corset gives an in-depth list of each fabric and why you would use each one:
- Satin – for wearing under clothes
- Mesh – lightweight, easy
- Cotton – more casual than others, comfy
- Brocade – thicker, fancier
- Leather – flexible
Remember that if it’s your first time buying, go with something easier to maintain and get your body accustomed to. We suggest satin for its breathability and option of wearing beneath clothes, giving you more opportunity to practice wearing.
Most of these fabrics, while stiff at first, will bend and form to your body shape over time, like your favorite worn-in Chuck Taylor sneakers.
Wearing Your Corset
The main advice here is: go slow.
If something hurts, loosen it up. Never do anything to disturb your comfort levels. The best corset will be one that accentuates the areas you want it to, while not hurting you in the others.
Over time your waist may alter to the size of your corset. Slow steps can be taken to decrease waist size even smaller if wanted. Corset-wearing can be a journey in this way.
Conclusion
This is anything but a trend. Whether you want to buy a corset to spice up your love life or to help you get a smaller waist, the options are endless.
Don’t let the options scare you. Let them take you away! A corset is as unique as its wearer.
Consider yourself lucky that you don’t have to wear one made out of whalebone!
This classic art form has been carried out by dedicated wearers since the 1500s, and today is carried out by you. Good luck on your corset journey and please let us know how it goes!