Corset Sizing & Styles

Ahoy folks! As a lover of corsetry myself I am well aware it can be difficult to find the right corset. I have made a helpful guide for picking the right size and style of corset for your body-type. Enjoy your adventures in corsetry and post your photos online ate hastag Sailor Jerri or GoFYourself so we can see how you like to rock corsetry!

Sizing:

First off it is helpful to know your measurements: Bust and Waist. Cup size can be helpful too, when deciding on what style of corset is best for your body type.

Use a soft measure tape and measure tightly under your bust, the general rule of thumb for all measuring is: less than 1/2″, round DOWN, more than a 1/2″, round UP (ex: if your measurement is 36 1/4, call it 36). Now we can use this number to calculate your band size.

How to Calculate your band Size: If your Under-bust Measurement is UNDER 33 inches add 5 to the number, and if it is OVER 33 inches add 3 to the number. If the number is odd round up to the next even number.

To calculate your cup size you will need to get your bust measurement by measuring your chest at its widest point. Now simply subtract this number from your under-bust measurement. Your cup size is based on the inches in difference: 1 inch difference is an A-cup, 2 inch difference is a B-cup, etc.

Finally measure your natural waist size. On an hourglass this would be the most slim point.

Boning:

A Corset's size-style is based on its type of boning. Corsets either have plastic or Steel boning which effects its cinching ability and the cost.

Plastic-Boned Corsets

• Sized by Bust in 2 inch increments; 32, 34, 36, etc

• Mild cinching effect

• Perfect for clubbing or going out

Steel-Boned Corsets

• Sized by Waist in 2 in increments; 18, 20, 22, etc

• Extreme cinching effect

• Ideal for costumes or as fetish-wear

As a garment, a Corset’s main focus is on waist cinching. Plastic-Boned Corsets can only achieve limited cinching while Steel-Boned Corsets achieve an EXTREME exaggerated hourglass look, also referred to as “tight-lacing”. All true corsets will make you look slimmer because they will physically pull in your waist during the cinching process. This will force that mass to go somewhere... your bust and your hips! This is why you want to make sure the fit is right, to avoid “muffin-top”. Bust accentuation is secondary and not all styles of corsets will boost your bust

Straps vs. Strapless:

First off, I suggest sticking to Strapped Corsets if your cup size is over a DD, it is not fair to expect “full containment” with a strapless corset (although with the right layering, it is totally possible). Strapless corsets give a clean, classic look and a great to accentuate your waist, this is why they are so great for petite body types. They are also useful for layering over blouses, either for costumes for events like the Renaissance Fair or use the layered blouse look with your corset and a pair of slacks for a sexy work look. Strapped corsets are very comfortable and give great support, they are also great at accentuating cleavage. They are perfect for larger chested body types.

Necklines:

The Neckline of a Corset is where you can focus on bust! Straight neckline is the classic traditional corset neckline. A Straight neckline Corset is good for pulling focus away from your bust, if you are smaller busted this can be a great style to use to draw attention away from your chest and to your slim waist. Straight necklines can also be good for larger busted body-types if you are interested in de-accentuating your bust. For a full chested, “shelf-o-boob” look go for the Sweetheart Neckline. Sweetheart is a modern corset neckline which is flattering to all body-types and is perfect for a Pin-Up look (especially if you pair it will ruffle-butt panties and back-seam stockings). However, if you really want to accentuate your bust go with a Plunging Neckline, it gives a sexy fetish look.

As you wear your corset it will begin to fit better and better and remember always dry-clean your corsets! Overall corsets are like jears or shoes, it really helps to go into a store and just try on a few styles. And much like jeans and shoes the cost can vary, a good plastic-boned corset will be around $65 while a good steel-boned corset will be around $100. And much like other things on the internet, if it looks too good to be true… well you know the rest.

Here is a little Corset-Style Guide I have made based on some basic body-types:

Empire Corset (Triangle, Inverted Triangle), Hoss (Rectangle, Hourglass, Rounded), Shirley (Diamond)

#corsets #clothing #fashion #style #sizing #corsetry #corset