Tag Archives: Corset Sizing

Selecting the right corset size for your figure should be very simple. Its all about the inches! Your bra size and dress size don't really play much, if any, role in the process and here's why:

Bra Size:

If, like me, you've ever tried to purchase a bra online, you've most likely visited their size guide. And depending on which retailer you're shopping from, they've all got a different formula: some tell you to take the measure of your rib cage, right under the bust, and then add 2"...others will tell you to just take the actual measure without adding or subtracting anything, and the list goes on.

Because of these variance, it is virtually impossible to determine based on one's bra size what the measure of your bust through its fullest point, will be in inches.

What to do:

Take the measure of your bust around its fullest point in inches. If the measure of the fullest point of your bust is more than 10" greater than the measure of your waist, you will most likely want to stick to an underbust corset. If the measure of the fullest point of your bust in 10" or less than the measure of your waist, then an overbust style should fit you fine.

Dress Size:

Let's say you walk into your average clothing retailer, like Old Navy, for example. You may wear a size 6 US from their selection of clothes. But that doesn't mean that you will fit a size 6 US in all other retail shops. With certain retailers, you may find that a size 6 US is too large, or if you decide to treat yourself to a designer piece of clothing, then you will most likely find the size 6 US to be too small.

The degree of variation is so vast, that one's dress size cannot be counted on as a reliable way of determining one's ideal corset size.

What to do:

Take the measure of your waist at its narrowest point in inches. For some this will be right at the belly button, for others it will be a touch above the belly button. Once you have that measure, simply subtract 4" to 5" to get the correct size for a steel boned corset or if its a waist trainer you're after, then from the measure of your waist simply subtract 6" to 7".

And there you have: why your bra and/or dress size won't help you select the correct corset size for your needs.

Happy lacing!

I recently received a question from a customer in regards to why her corset did not fit correctly. After many back and forth questions and asking for greater detail, we discovered the issue: shapewear.

Not that shapewear is a problem, but it will influence how a corset fits you, that is certain.

Some of us rely on our corset to provide a cinched waist and to get that beautiful hourglass shape that, let's face it, very few of us were born with. But there are those who even with their corset, still wear shapewear beneath.

Whether its for additional control and smoothness, or to help with the dreaded muffin-top or lower belly that many of us deal with, if you plan on wearing shapewear beneath your corset, then here's what you need to know:

Take the measure of your waist with your shapewear on.

Though your average pair of control top undies or pantyhose or body suit won't give you the results a steel boned corset or waist trainer will, they can smooth your hips and lower waist by up to an inch. That 1" difference between your middle with the shapewear on can lead to you purchasing the wrong size corset if you measured your natural/relaxed waist sans spanx.

Happy lacing!

Being the DIY geek that I am, I always assumed that just like me, everyone had a soft measuring tape in their inventory. I was wrong.

A soft measuring tape is a crucial tool when it comes to figuring our which size corset will fit you best. How else is one expected to note their waist measure in inches?

Sure, you can certainly take a piece of ribbon or string or even a shoe lace, wrap it around your waist, mark off the points that touch and measure that against a ruler or stiff measuring tape...but that can be a bit of a tedious process. Plus, I have to assume that if you haven't got a soft measuring tape, then you are probably even less likely to have a ruler or yard stick just laying around.

But fear not! Not having a soft measuring tape is no longer an issue! We have come across what I think to be one of the most brilliant tools available to everybody with an internet connection.

Voila the printable measuring tape!

Simply visit the link below, print, cut, tape and bam! Soft measuring tapes for all!

http://www.biologyjunction.com/printable_tapemeasure.pdf

Happy lacing!