Glossary

Price

All prices have been converted to USD, because this interface will only allow me to choose one currency, and almost all brands have a USD listing. As conversion rates fluctuate, I realize that this can change the prices of certain corsets sold in the UK, Canada, Poland, etc but they should remain accurate within $5.

 

Overbust / Underbust

Overbust – A corset that covers and supports the breasts. Many find that they’re able to go braless in an overbust corset (but you can wear it however you want!)

Underbust – a corset that stops under the bustline and is not designed for supporting the breasts. Many prefer to wear a bra with an underbust corset (but you can wear if however you want!)

 

Brand Names

Off The Rack (OTR) – these corsets are mass produced, in stock, and ready to ship. Oftentimes the manufacturing is outsourced to a factory overseas – most commonly India, Pakistan, Thailand, China, and Nepal. OTR corsets are usually less expensive, and typically don’t offer a made-to-measure or bespoke service.

Ready To Wear (RTW) – these corsets are (sometimes, but not always) pre-made, in stock, and ready to ship (similar to OTR corsets) – however, these are often made by smaller brands or independent corsetieres. Because the construction is done “in house” and not outsourced, these corsets tend to be higher in price. Brands that offer RTW often offer upgrades like made-to-measure, special fabrics, or even a full bespoke service, where they can create a unique piece with all the bells and whistles – if you can imagine it, they can build it (but it will cost you).

 

Body Types

I’ll preface this by saying this is all subjective, and there is no body type that is better than another – however, most standard-sized corsets are catered to a certain body type more than others, so some definitions may be helpful. Here’s a general guideline while trying to remain as body-positive as possible.

When referring to hip spring, we are specifically talking about the high hip (iliac crest, or pelvis).

If you’re unsure about your body type, don’t choose any of the options, and just search using your desired rib spring and hip springs instead.

Straight – you have a natural rib spring of ~2 inches and a natural hip spring of ~4 inches (or less). You typically have no problem wearing modern clothing/ jeans, or you might find that your natural waist is a size larger than your bust / hip size when looking at sizing charts for dresses.

  • If you are not looking for dramatic waist reduction and you’re only interested in a corset for fashion or posture support, the straight shape may be suitable for some other body types.
  • If you consider yourself an “apple” shape (if your waist is larger than your ribcage and hip measurements) choose straight body type as well.

Hourglass – your waist is noticeably smaller than your ribcage and hips. Your hip spring may be ~6 inches, or even larger! You might have some issues wearing modern clothing. The waistband of high-rise jeans often gape on you, and your waist measurement might be a size smaller than your bust and hip sizes when looking at sizing charts for dresses.

  • Depending on bust size, a person may be a “pear” in an underbust corset and “hourglass” in an overbust corset. For this reason, many corsets are categorized in both areas.

Inverted Triangle / Top Heavy – your ribcage is likely the same size as your hips, or bigger than your hips. You may take a larger size in shirts than you do in bottoms. High-rise jeans might feel a bit baggy in the hips and bum on you.

  • If your ribcage is significantly larger than your high hips, you can expand your search by swapping your rib spring and high hip spring measurements in the filters (and omit your low hip spring). Many corsets can be comfortably worn upside-down, so their “hip spring” fits on your ribs and their “rib spring” fits on your hips.

Pear / Bottom Heavy – your ribcage might be the same size as your waistline, or maybe even smaller than your natural waist. Your hip spring is definitely ~6 inches or larger. You may take a smaller size in shirts than you do in bottoms. The waistband of high-rise jeans often gape on you.

  • Depending on bust size, a person may be a “pear” in an underbust corset and “hourglass” in an overbust corset. For this reason, many corsets are categorized in both areas.

 

 

Silhouette

We’re specifically referring to the shape of the corset, not your body shape. Silhouette refers to the shape of the ribs and hips that you find comfortable and/or aesthetically pleasing. It’s okay to like more than one silhouette!

Concave Rib (U-shape) – also called a smooth, sloped, or gently curved silhouette. A continuous curved line from underbust to rib to hips, without a dramatic dip in the waist. This can create an early Victorian style silhouette. In modern corsets, this silhouette is usually seen in corsets of relatively gentle waist reduction. Nevertheless, if the corset size is small enough, this silhouette may compress the lower (floating) ribs.

Straight Rib (Conical rib) – also called “inverted ice-cream cone” shape (imagine an empty cone sticking out of a round scoop of ice cream). This is distinct from the concave silhouette primarily because of the abrupt hip spring and convex, rounded hip shape. If the corset size is small enough, this silhouette may compress the lower (floating) ribs, and tends to create a 1950’s style silhouette.

Round Rib (Hourglass) – this silhouette is not quite conical, but not dramatically cupped in the rib – rather, it is somewhat gently rounded or convex. This silhouette is arguably the most popular among OTR corsets as it can be worn by most beginners and experienced corseters alike. This style may compress the floating ribs slightly depending on the waist reduction, but not as much as the straight rib.

Very Round Rib (Cupped) – this silhouette cradles the lower (floating) ribs without much or any compression, and dramatically nips in at the waistline. This style may be more comfortable for those with flaring or rigid ribs. This type of corset may create a narrow band of pressure around the waistline (below the ribs). It is a style of specific taste, because corsets with this silhouette tend to be perceived as more extreme – even if they are the same waist size as other corsets.

 

 

Measurements

Taking accurate body measurements is perhaps the most crucial when looking for a corset that fits you comfortably. The four most common measurements are your ribcage (underbust), waist, upper hip (iliac), and your vertical torso length. But additional measurements may be required if you want a longline or an overbust.

Torso length (princess seam) – this is the vertical measurement starting from under the breast (or bottom of your pectoral muscle) directly down to the crease where your lap starts (where your leg meets your trunk). This is not the center front length, but slightly off to the side (under one breast or the other).

Rib spring – the difference between your ribcage circumference and your waist circumference. e.g. my ribcage is 31 inches and my natural waist is 28 inches. My natural rib spring is 3 inches. If I wear a size 24″ corset, my waist is then 24 inches and my corseted rib spring becomes 7 inches. Use the calculator on this page to calculate your rib spring and hip springs!

HIGH hip spring – the difference between your high hip (pelvis) circumference and your waist circumference. This is around the iliac crest (“wings” of your hips) not around your bum! It’s where low-rise jeans sit, or around the height of your Venus dimples, if you have them.

e.g. my high hip is 33 inches and my natural waist is 28 inches. My natural high hip spring is 5 inches. If I wear a size 24″ corset, my waist is then 24 inches and my corseted rib spring becomes 9 inches. Use the calculator on this page to calculate your rib spring and hip springs!

LOW hip spring – the difference between your lower hip circumference (at the lap level) and your waist circumference.

e.g. my lower hip is 35 inches and my natural waist is 28 inches. My natural rib spring is 7 inches. If I wear a size 24″ corset, my waist is then 24 inches and my corseted rib spring becomes 11 inches. Use the calculator on this page to calculate your rib spring and hip springs!

  • If you do not want a longline corset, your low hip spring is irrelevant. Don’t assign any parameters to the low hip filter if you want a short hip corset.

 

 

Hip Features

Hip features go into specifics like how long or short you want the corset to end on your hip, and whether you like hip ties or not.

Short Hip – a corset that is cut high over the hip, often exposing the iliac crest below. The bottom edge of the corset is often ~3 inches or less from the waistline, along the side seam. If a corset has a very short hip, there’s a small chance that it might still fit you even if the hip spring appears to be an inch or two smaller than your iliac crest, because the corset stops short of your actual hip – but if you’re nervous, don’t take that chance.

  • Common for waspies and some cinchers.
  • With this length of corset, the low hip measurement is irrelevant.

Mid Hip – a corset that touches the iliac crest or goes over the iliac by an inch or two, but the bottom edge of the corset is not low enough to be in line with the pubic bone or where your lap begins.

  • “Longline” corsets made for people with short torsos are classified as “mid hip” in this database.
  • With this length of corset, the high hip is important.
  • Depending on the length of your torso and the depth of your pelvis, the “low hip” measurement of this type of corset may fall in line with your biological “high hip”. Unfortunately this isn’t a perfect science!

Long Hip – aka “longline” corset – a corset that extends low over the hip, covering the lower tummy almost to the pubic bone. Often the bottom edge is in line with the crease of your lap (where your legs meet your torso).

  • With this type of corset, both the high hip and the low hip measurements are important.

Hip Ties – all genuine corsets have adjustable laces (usually in the back), but some corsets have additional sets of laces on either side (or front-side), situated over the hips. Hip ties can be expanded to suit a range of hip springs, so you will see that some corsets with hip ties may be listed under more than one body type, and have several “numbers” listed out in the hip spring attributes since they can be adjusted to comfort.
Choose a corset with hip ties if:

  • you intend to gain weight or lose weight, and you don’t know if your weight will be coming off of your waist or hips first.
  • you want the option of wearing your corset both over and under padded underwear or frilly garments which may affect your hip measurement.
  • you love the look of hip ties and the option of changing the ribbons to match your outfits.

No Hip Ties – the corsets in this section do not have adjustable hip ties and their hip measurements are fixed. Choose a corset without hip ties if:

  • you are confident about your hip measurement and what type of “hip shape” is most comfortable for you.
  • you primarily “stealth” your corset under your clothing, and you don’t want the ribbons to show through under tight and thin fabrics.
  • you don’t like the look or feeling of hip ties.

 

 

Heaviness / Thickness / Rigidity

Again, this is quite subjective, but I’ve tried to be as generic as possible. This is also sometimes a matter of preference. Some people who prefer thicker or more rigid corsets may feel that the thinner ones are “flimsy” or unsupportive, while people who prefer lightweight and flexible corsets may feel that the thicker ones are too restrictive or “clunky”. Also note that the number of bones in a corset may not necessarily correlate with its thickness.

Very Lightweight or Thin – a very flexible and lightweight corset, perhaps mesh or single layer, which allows relatively more freedom of movement. Some people love mesh corsets, while others think that it doesn’t provide enough support.

Somewhat Lightweight – slightly on the lighter or more flexible side of “standard”, but not a mesh or single layer corset.

Moderate – middle-of-the-road in terms of thickness, number of layers of fabric, and rigidity. What might be considered “industry standard” for OTR corsets.

Somewhat Rigid / Thick – slightly on the heavier or more rigid side of “standard”. May be considered more restrictive, or posture-corrective.

Very Rigid or Thick – relatively heavy, rigid, thick, and restrictive. Does not allow much freedom of movement within the corset, and can be considered restrictive. It may have 4 or more layers of fabric. Think “back brace”.

 

Number of Bones

Fairly self-explanatory – but note that more bones do not necessarily make a better corset. If you wear a larger size though, you might appreciate more bones as opposed to less, as long as they’re well-placed. A reasonable guideline to start with is for your corset to have no less than 1 bone for every 2 inches around the waist, for your corset size. (e.g. in a size 24 corset, aim for at least 12 bones. In a size 40 corset, aim for at least 20 bones. Of course, you can choose a corset that has more bones than this!)

 

Location of Seller

This is mostly for those concerned about shipping prices and speed, taxes, border fees, etc. In the case of OTR corsets, the location is where their warehouse is, and where they ship from – not where the corsets are made. In the case of RTW corsets, it’s safe to assume that this is where the corsets are both made and shipped.

 

Extended / Special Sizes

Most brands offer standard-sized corsets in closed waist sizes of 20″ up to 34″, and many up to size 38″. However, if you are naturally small (or if you have trained your waist down significantly) and wear a size 18″ or 16″, this can be difficult to find, so we have listed the corsets that are made in this size. We have also organized brands that sell sizes 40″ through 48″ as well, as if you are fuller-figured and have a hard time finding the larger sizes.

 

Type of Use

Contrary to popular belief, waist training is not synonymous with tightlacing. One can tightlace on an occasional basis (for special events, or just for fun) while waist training is the process of wearing a corset on a daily or nearly daily basis for a specific goal. Many people have their own requirements as to what a waist training corset should comprise of (and some assert that waist training should never be attempted in a standard-sized corset, even if it seems to match your measurements), so please take this guideline with a grain of salt. For more information and explanations as to why some corsets are suitable for daily wear and others are not, see this table.

Daily Wear – corsets in this category will likely stand up to tight lacing, waist training, or otherwise fairly frequent use, at least for a reasonable time period (6-12 months is reasonable for OTR, unless the brand states otherwise). The brand is reputable / of fairly good standing, and they have a reasonable return policy or guarantee on their corsets. However, please note that not all corsets of the same label may be of the same strength or quality! Corsets in this category CAN ALSO be used for occasional tight lacing, special occasion use, or fashion use if desired.

Occasional Tight Lacing – corsets in this category may withstand the wearer lacing them at a moderate-to-high reductions, for short periods of time. However, the corsets may warp, stretch, or show structural issues if you use them on a daily / regular basis. Good for performances, special events, etc., but this corset is NOT recommended for waist training. However, this corset CAN be used for fashion purposes if desired.

Fashion Use Only – corsets in this category may have missing components (like steel boning, waist tape, or 2-part grommets, all of which are considered “industry standard” for OTR), or the corset might have known structural issues that may make the corset unsuitable for high reductions or rigorous wear. Alternatively, the brand may not have guaranteed that the corset is suitable for waist training. This corset is NOT recommended for daily wear or tight lacing.