Corset FAQs
How to measure yourself for a Corset
Our corsets are sized by reduced waist size — the measurement of the corset when it’s fully closed. For example, a 24" corset measures 24" closed.
To find your size, measure your natural waist firmly (the narrowest point, higher than where your jeans sit) and subtract 3–5 inches. The exact reduction depends on the corset style and your build, and we include specific guidance with each corset.
For Underbust Corsets, we list both the vertical lengths and circumference measurements. Please compare these to your own body measurements to ensure the best fit and the right shape for your torso.
Remember: the top and bottom measurements we provide are for the corset fully closed. Most people wear their corset with a 2–3" lacing gap, so your fit will be slightly larger when worn.
It's not just about your waist!
While your waist measurement is the key number when choosing a corset, your rib and hip measurements matter too. In the video, I show exactly what can happen when these are overlooked by trying on each of our corset styles—some fit beautifully, while others simply won’t sit correctly. Checking all three measurements ensures you select the shape that truly suits your figure.
Standard vs Extreme Corsets
Our Standard cuts work beautifully for most figures, while our Extreme Corsets offer a far more dramatic curve. They’re ideal if you’re naturally very curvy or if you’re ready to size down from a Standard corset and want a tighter, more sculpted silhouette.
Do you need a custom Corset?
Years ago it might have been the obvious choice, but things have changed. As I explain in the video, going bespoke isn’t always the best option—unless you have plenty of time and budget to spare.
What matters most at the beginning is choosing a corset that closely matches your measurements, and for most people an off-the-shelf corset is absolutely fine unless your proportions are very extreme. Once you’ve been wearing corsets for a while and understand how your body responds, then you can consider investing in a custom piece.
Muscle and Squishiness
Our corsets come in reduced waist sizes 18" to 34" which roughly equals UK dress sizes 8-18, US dress sizes 4 to 14. If you are a UK dress size 8 (US 4) you will have less body fat than if you are a UK dress size 18 (US 14), so it will be harder for you to immediately get a dramatic corseted shape.
We recommend you stick with the sizing recommendations for each of our corsets, which can be seen by clicking the sizing tab at the top of each product description.
If you are a UK dress size 12-14 (US 8-10) you should be able to get a great corseted shape, without too much effort and without worrying too much about flub at the top and bottom of the corset. Again, you need to go by our sizing recommendations. The only thing that might cause you difficulty is if you are very athletic and have a high muscle to fat ratio. Then, like your more slender friends, you will find it harder to waist train as muscle is far less squishy than fat.
If you are a UK dress size 16 (US 12) or above, then you're in luck as fat is squishy and you'll be able to quickly tight lace yourself to create hourglass curves. You might want to go for a size smaller than stated as it's common for curvier girls to be able to reduce their waist by 6 or even 7 inches with one of our curvier corsets! However, please check the rib and hip measurements of our corsets before doing this as if they are too small for you, they will result in what can only be called, rather unglamorously, flub.
