A corset or two should be the staple of any sexy wardrobe.
However, it’s not as easy as taking your measurements and deducting a couple of inches from the results. For a good and effective fit, you need to consider so much more. That way, your wearing experience can be a comfortable one rather than painful.
Also, knowing why you want one is a good first step (fashion, figure “reduction”, etc). It will help you choose the best STYLE and SHAPE.
Keep reading for everything you’ll need to know before you go shopping…
FOREWARNING
If you are going to seriously get into this kind of garment, seeking a professional in the corset industry is a necessary step – and I mean getting your information from custom makers, not online companies who buy wholesale and throw on a measurement chart.
Does that mean you need a fully customized option to find a good fit?
No.
There are enough options out there that you should be able to hunt down something.
And, if you just want something to wear once during Halloween, or you just getting into things, it will be fine to get that cheapie from Amazon.
NOTE: This is NOT an article about how to do extreme waist or rib training. I am not an advocate of such practices.
This is simply a compilation of what is out there so you can decide what is best for you and maybe take an inch off the silhouette.
BASIC TERMINOLOGY
BUSK – front closure of a corset
BONES/STAYS – the ribs of the corset that keep its shape
CHANNELS – the places where the bones go in
BONE CASINGS – reinforced channels
WAIST TAPE/STAY – waist ribbon to minimize stretching
LAYERS – exterior (aesthetic) interior (strength)
MODESTY PANEL – lacing guard, flap of material behind the laces
LACING GAP – the open space at the back of the corset (2” gap or under is ok)
COMPRESSION – squishing things in, extremes include reforming bones and relocation internal organs, or someone who has a naturally formed rib cage that is smaller than
MATERIALS
COTTON DUCK/DRILL CANVAS – very strong, keeps a smooth line, cheaper
SATIN – good for under clothes
MESH – breathable, good for summer, good for under clothes
COTTON – durable, breathable, thicker
LEATHER – stylish, stretches out
BROCADE – thick, durable, stretches out
GETTING STARTED
First, you have to ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Are you new to corsets?
- Do you want to shape your entire body?
- Do you want to give the illusion of a smaller waist?
- Do you want to correct your posture?
- What is your breast size?
- Do you want your breasts lifted too?
- Do you have symmetrical or asymmetrical breasts?
- Do you have a short torso?
- Do you have a narrow/compressed rib cage?
- Will you be wearing it for a long time/regularly/seriously?
There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. It will, however, give you a pretty good idea as to what kind of corset you should be buying.
1. OVER VS. UNDER
Starting at the top of the style tree, there are two categories – Underbust and Overbust. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Something that goes over the boobs and something that doesn’t.
- Overbust Cons – harder to fit, harder to move, more expensive, less full-lung capacity, easy to spot under clothing,
- Overbust Pros – better posture support and possible back curve correction, large breast support,
- Underbust – pros and cons are just the reverse of the above points.
2. STYLES
BUSTIER– not really a corset, more of a body shaper, no cinching in the waist
STAYS/BODICE – stops at natural waistline, has straps (good for wide shoulders)
MIDBUST/FLAT FRONT – a straight line across the front, good for cleavage, smaller cup size, or asymmetrical breasts
EDWARDIAN – flat front and S-shaped curve along the hips
SWEETHEART – modern, common for bridal, not good for uneven breasts
CUPPED – similar to sweetheart but breasts cups are attached, should be custom fit
CINCHER – shorter than an underbust (but if a torso is short, a cincher would become an “underbust”)
3. SHAPES
CONICAL – shaped like a cone, straight line along ribs, straight line or curve along the hips, simplest looking, broadest appeal, most uncomfortable rib shape (unless you have compressed ribs or you’re not going for a large reduction)
HOURGLASS– rounded waist and hip line, defined waist, more of a reduction but easier on the waist, better for new wearers or extended wear.
CUPPED – (Not referring to the corsets that have beasts cups included), rounded waist and hip line, more extreme than hourglass, no compression around the front or sides of the rib cage, better for slim people with less padding, “squared” look.
PIPESTEM – must be custom, for more serious waist training.
U-SHAPE – usually cheap corsets, conical top going to a smooth waist curve going to a conical hip curve, short hips, best for people who want the look of a corset but not much squishing.
WASP WAIST– no one can decide the proper definition for this, confusion between (or a combination of) above terminology, either a shorter cincher or a thin waist corset.
4. “OTHER” ONES
Also known as Brazilian Cinchers or Fajas.
These are the latex/rubber ones that are closer to Spanx shapers than a corset. They are good at reducing water retention (material does not breath at all, and you will sweat buckets).
However, latex can give some people a rash (myself included) and you’ll only get about a 1-2 inch reduction. Mobility is better but there are many kinks and wrinkles that can be seen under clothing.
PossiblY okay for working out.
5. POSTURE AID
There is a way to fix that slump without having to wear a full-body corset (although they do work).
“Shoulders Back” brand is normally used by competitive horseback riders (who need perfect posture).
These are not stylish at all – just functional.
6. MEASUREMENTS
When using a measuring tape, make sure it fits snug around the area, but not tight.
- Know your cup size – should fit just right, not too small or any gaps
- Length – shorter is okay if you have toned abs, longer if you need to control the tummy
- Reduction Amount – know if you are aiming for a 2-inch (5cm) or a 4-inch reduction (10cm)
7. OTHER SUGGESTIONS
- Don’t over-lace (lace tightly) your hips. You need room to move and sit. The same goes for your chest. It should be snug, not suffocating.
- There is such a thing as breaking in your corset – just like shoes.
- When first putting it on, don’t tie it like you normally would. Just keep it snug to let your body get used to it. Then you can tie it tighter.
SOME Q&A
Are you new to corsets?
Try a conical (easiest to find) or an hourglass. U-shaped is another possibility. The safest is an underbust because you don’t have to worry about cup size etc.
Do you want to shape your entire body?
Try and overbust corset. A bustier will work too. It will give less shape but have less squish
Do you want to give the illusion of a smaller waist?
95% of all corsets aim to make your waist look smaller – with the exception of U-shaped and Bustiers. Something like a conical (depending on your torso), or hourglass would work. More extreme would be Pipe Stems and Wasps.
Do you want to correct your posture?
Go for a “Shoulders Back” or something similar. An overbust will make you have a straight back as well.
What is your breast size?
Small? Flat front or mid-bust. Big? Cupped for support or even a cincher.
Do you want your breasts lifted too?
Cupped or underbust (so you can wear a bra)
Do you have symmetrical or asymmetrical breasts?
Stay away from sweetheart lines. Midbust will be okay, but you will need padding to even things out.
Do you have a short torso?
Cinchers are underbusts are for you.
Do you have a narrow/compressed rib cage?
You are one of the few that can wear a conical without as much discomfort.
Will you be wearing it for a long time/regularly/seriously?
Underbusts give you more mobility. This is also the case where custom corsets are something to look into. Avoid Fajas because they don’t breathe and look crappy under your clothes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There you go! You’re now well-armed for your next sexy shopping trip!
Also, if you liked this article, you might enjoy these:
- Choosing the Right Underwear Styles
- Erotic Jewelry – Spice Up Your Wardrobe
- Sans Panties – The Pros and Cons of Going Commando
What are some of your favorite corset stores or sites? Do you have any corset-buying suggestions you want to add? Share in the comments!
