If you’re looking into ordering your first corset, picking one out can be a very exciting process! Whether you’re planning on starting an ongoing waist training regimen with your new corset or you just want to have it for special occasions, you’re in for a real treat when you see just how dramatically a steel-boned corset can pull in your waistline.

One of the most important factors to consider when picking out your corset online is making sure your order a size that fits. Corsets fit tighter than a glove, and a poor fit can create an uncomfortable and unflattering experience.

In this post, we’ll explain how and why to take accurate measurements for your corset. This will ensure that you’re getting the perfect fit, no matter what you want to use your corset for.

How to Measure for Your Corset

You’ll find a lot of measurement guidelines when it comes to intimates and shapewear, but there’s typically only one that really matters for a corset: your waist.

You’ll want to get an accurate measurement in inches for a precision fit. If you order a corset that’s too small, you’re going to find yourself forcing your way into it. If you order one that’s too big, you may not get the very best slimming results.

To take an accurate waist measurement, use a vinyl or fabric measuring tape. While keeping it level to the ground, measure the narrowest part of your waist, which is about two inches above your belly button where there is a natural bend in your torso. The tape should lay flat against your skin or a very thin tank top, but it shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t slip a finger underneath.

We’ll note that if you have a particularly short or long torso, you may prefer a corset that has a short or long cut. If you have a petite build and your corset is too long, it can dig into your ribs or your hip bones and not give you the ideal hourglass shape. If you are tall or have an especially long torso, a corset that is too small might not give you full coverage, particularly for your lower abdomen. We recommend these options for short torsos and these options for long torsos.

What Waist Measurements Mean

This part is important: your waist measurement does not equal your corset size. Many people make this mistake. Refer to your garment’s sizing chart to find your ideal size based on your waist measurement. For most steel-boned corsets, the size is 4–5 inches less than your actual waist measurement. So if you have a 28–inch waist, you would order a size 24 corset. This is more or less what your waist measurement should be once you have fully tightened the corset.

Some corset brands go by S, M, L, etc. It is very important when ordering one of these brands to be sure that you are following the instructions on the sizing chart accurately. Do not simply rely on what size dress or top you might wear, which will not give you the best fit. Follow the chart.

How to Put On Your Corset Correctly

Once you’ve selected your ideal corset and it arrives in the mail, you’ll still want to try it on to ensure that it fits. It’s very important that you put it on correctly so that you don’t damage it in case you need to do an exchange. See our policy for more information on our 100% guarantee.

First, unroll your new corset and make sure that the laces are loose and the busks are fastened. The steel busks will go in front and the laces will go in back. We recommend using a mirror or help from a friend when fastening it.

Step into the corset and gently begin tightening the laces. They are somewhat like shoelaces, except you’re going to tie them off in the middle instead of the top. Work your way from the top and bottom inward, pulling each row of laces a little bit tighter as you go.

It is very important not to yank the laces as tight as they will go the first time you try the corset on. You’ll risk warping the garment and damaging the busks, in which case you won’t be able to send the corset in for an exchange or return. Instead, tighten it until it is relatively snug and stays in place but is not tight. You may want to wear it over a shirt or sweater when you’re first trying it out.

How to Tell if Your Corset Fits

A corset that fits your body correctly should fit snugly over your midsection and create a flattering hourglass shape even when it’s not tightened all the way. While it will feel stiff, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort, digging or pinching. If your corset has a modesty panel, it should only just cover the area underneath the laces when it is loosely tightened.

What Next?

Once you are certain that you have found the perfect fit, you’ll still need to season your corset before you tighten it all the way. To do this, wear it for an hour or two a day for at least a week before pulling the laces tight. This will give the garment time to break in and mold to your torso’s unique shape. By the time it’s ready, it should easily cling to your midsection and create a stunning hourglass finish. Seasoning a corset is similar to breaking in a pair of shoes, so be sure to give yourself time to do it if you’re ordering the corset to wear at a special event. If you’re using your corset for regular waist training, you can go ahead and start slowly increasing how long your wear it fully tightened each day.

We hope you feel confident picking out the perfect corset! Contact our waist training experts if you have any more questions, and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.