WAIST SHAPING CORSETS
Discover steel-boned corsets and flexible Demi Corsets designed to define your waist, with different shapes to accommodate your ribs, hips and torso length. From traditional non-stretch underbust and overbust styles to powermesh designs with more give, our collection combines vintage-inspired shaping with practical fitting advice. Choose by your measurements and the silhouette you want to achieve.
What Katie Did began in 1999, and our corsetry reflects years of developing and refining patterns for different figures. A well-fitting corset needs to accommodate your ribs and hips as well as define your waist: two styles with the same waist size can feel quite different on the body.
Start with the shape and length that suit your proportions, then consider how much structure you would like. Our collection includes traditional non-stretch corsets alongside Demi Corsets that combine corset construction with stretch fabrics.
A traditional corset uses non-stretch fabric, steel boning and adjustable back lacing to create a defined silhouette. Its pattern determines the relationship between the waist, ribs and hips, making careful measurement particularly important.
Our Demi Corsets offer a more flexible alternative. Stretch powermesh and an elastic waist tape work alongside boning and back lacing, allowing more give around the body while retaining adjustable waist shaping. Construction varies between styles, so check the individual descriptions rather than assuming every Demi Corset has the same fastening or degree of stretch.
Read our guide to how Demi Corsets work for a fuller comparison with traditional corsets and waist cinchers.
An underbust corset sits below the bust, allowing you to wear it with the bra that suits you. An overbust corset also covers and supports the bust, so the fit through this area matters alongside your waist, ribs and hips.
A shorter style, such as our Luna waspie corset, covers less of the torso. This can be useful if a longer corset feels too tall on your body, but check its measurements carefully: a short corset still needs the right proportions for your figure.
Measure your torso as well as its circumference, and consider where the garment will sit when you are seated.
Our styles offer different proportions rather than simply different appearances. Morticia provides a pronounced hourglass shape, while Zita is cut to accommodate slimmer hips.
Extreme styles have a greater difference between the waist and surrounding measurements. They are not automatically a better choice or a necessary next step: the right shape depends on your own proportions and experience.
Compare the rib, waist and hip measurements on each product page before choosing. Our corset fitting guide explains how to take the measurements and use them.
Yes, both traditional corsets and Demi Corsets can be worn beneath clothing. How discreetly they sit depends on their construction, your fit and the outfit worn over them. Fine or tightly fitted fabrics may reveal boning channels, fastenings and back lacing more readily than heavier fabrics or clothing with a little ease.
If flexibility is your priority, consider a Demi Corset. The Demi Waspie has no front busk fastening, giving it a smooth front beneath clothing, while its back lacing allows you to adjust the fit.
Try your corset beneath the intended outfit and check the line while sitting as well as standing. Comfort depends on the fit and adjustment of the garment, not simply whether it is described as suitable for everyday wear.
Measure firmly around your natural waist and follow the sizing advice for the particular style. Traditional corsets are labelled by their fully closed waist measurement; this is not the same as your natural waist measurement.
Our Demi Corsets use a different sizing system, so consult their individual size charts. For every style, check the relevant rib, hip and length measurements rather than choosing from the waist measurement alone.
If you are unsure, contact our team before ordering. We also offer fittings by appointment at our Pangbourne headquarters in Berkshire.
Our traditional steel-boned corsets, including Morticia, Luna and Zita, are made in Thailand. You’ll find the country of manufacture, fabric composition and construction details on each product page, including those for our Demi Corset designs.
Loosen the back lacing before putting your corset on or taking it off. For styles with a front busk, fasten it before gradually adjusting the laces; avoid trying to close or open the busk while the corset is tightly laced.
A thin layer beneath your corset can help protect it from perspiration and skin oils. Allow it to air after wear and follow the care instructions for the particular garment. Our corset fitting guide includes further advice on lacing, wearing and looking after your corset.
