Corset Shopping Guide for the Novice Corset Buyer
Nearly everyday we get questions from new customers looking to buy their first authentic steel boned corset from Orchard Corset. What size do I need? Which corset should I buy if I have a short waist? a long waist? small hips? large hips? large breasts?...and the list goes on and on. Here are some tips compiled from our knowledgeable staff and customer feedback we receive.
How to Measure:
When you wrap the tape measure around you, pull it taught but not tight. Make sure not leave any slack in the tape, but don't create a crease or indent by pulling it too tightly. You will need your natural waist (smallest part of your waist), hips, underbust and fullest part of your bust (for overbust corsets). We will discuss corset length in part 2.
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| Waist Measurement |
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| Underbust Measurement |
When I measured myself, the smallest part of my waist was about 27", my
underbust just shy of 30" (37" at the fullest part) and my hip was about 36". I
didn't measure the fullest part of my hip, as I have a very long torso
(even though I am only 5'4" tall), so I measured about where a longline
426 would hit me. I chose a size 22 in a CS-426, but would need a size 24 in
an overbust corset.
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| CS-426 Maroon Size 22 |
As a novice corset wearer, I am not able to lace this corset shut. It takes time to break in a corset (and you) before you reach your desired shape.
Orchard Corset has developed and exclusive system for determining the "curviness" factor of a corset. This is determined by taking your waist -hip and waist-underbust ratios to determine how curvy you are to help you choose a corset that will fit properly. It's possible to create more curves than you have by moving up a silhouette level, but new corset wearers should take the time and select a corset that will fit your current shape. The CS-426 I am wearing above measures 22" at the waist, 25" underbust and 32" at the lower hem. Check out our Silhouette Level Guide to see where you fit. Remember, this is not an exact science-just a guideline.
Silhouette Level
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Bust-Waist Ratio
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Hip-Waist Ratio
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Level 1 Moderate
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4-5 in. (UB) 5-6 in. (OB)
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6-7 inches
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Level 2 Enhanced
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5-6 in. (UB) 7-8 in (OB)
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7-9 inches
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Level 3 Extreme
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6+ in (UB) 8+ in (OB)
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10+ inches
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How to Determine the Right Size:
As a rule of thumb, we have our customers order 4-6 inches below their natural waist size. So if you have a 29" waist, you would order a size 24 corset. However. there are other factors to consider. If you aren't looking to really cinch up your waist, but perhaps are more interested in back support, fashion, or a costumed event, then we recommend only 2-4 inches. That would mean that same 29" waist would order a size 26 or even a 28. Brand new corset wearers should error on the side of too big and work your way into a smaller corset. Another important factor is the "squish" factor. Lean muscle is not going to have as much give as soft tissue. So if you have 28" waist that is packed with muscle and very little soft tissue, you will find cinching down to a 22" or 24" corset very challenging and very uncomfortable. Whereas someone with a 28" waist with ample soft tissue will be able to tight-lace down into a 22' or 24' corset, depending on their level of experience.
We will be back with Part 2 very soon! Happy Corseting! | | | | |
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im a plus sized 22 24 womens with a long torso. Can you service me?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what the measurements are for a woman who wears a 22 or 24, so I can't answer your question. Our corsets run up to a size 40, which using the standard rule of thumb would work for someone with up to a 46 inch waist. However, as I mentioned in the blog, the more soft tissue you have the more you are able to cinch. This means the size 40 could potentially work for someone with a waist of 48-50 inches. The CS-426 is a longline corset designed for people with long torsos.
DeleteI'm a little confused about how to determine what level I am for your corsets.
ReplyDeleteMy measurements are 49, 44, 45.
I got measured like 2 days ago, and I'm assuming that the middle number is my waist. I've worn corsets before, but they weren't really as good of quality as the ones I see on your site. I really like the fact that they're affordable and really nice. If you could offer me any help, I'd really appreciate it!
Hi there! Looks like you would probably wear a size 38 corset. It doesn't look like you have a lot of curve, so maybe a CS-305 would work well for you, depending on your corseting goals. If you are longer waisted, you could try a CS-426-but they are much curvier.
DeleteI have a 33 outer bust, 32 waist and a 37 hip. I was thinking of getting a steel boned corset. Is size 32 the right size??
ReplyDeleteYou would want to order a size 26 or 28, depending on what you are looking to achieve (is this more for support and shaping or waist training?), and how comfortable you are in a corset.
DeleteAdvice? My measurements:
ReplyDelete43" fullest part of bust (in bra. w/o bra: 42")
underbust 34"
waist 34"
hip 42"
I am 5'9" tall, but I think my torso is fairly average in length. I am definitely more "squishy" than "lean" ;) and am fine with cleavage showing atop the corset. This is the largest size I will be - summer usually slims me down a bit.
I've worn boned corsets many times before (costumed as an actor, and for real life fashion), and am very comfortable wearing them, but never yet for waist training. Interested in both underbust and overbust corsets.
Bust to waist ratio suggests Extreme, waist to hip suggests Moderate. Does this mean i should go with the Extreme silhouette? and what size would be appropriate - I'm thinking treat me as a "support and shaper" - I may graduate to waist training, but don't think I'm there yet.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy measurements are 38" underbust,(46"overbust), 40" waist and 46" hip. I ordered and received the CS- 426, but it doesn't lay smooth against my hips (maybe 2-fingers width on each side). I believe it has to do with proper Silhouette Level. What style would you suggest?
Oh...Just a thought/suggestion...How about a type of chart you plug in your measurements that will link you to styles that may work for you :)
Thanks in advance,
Sophia
Hi Sophia,
DeleteIt does sound like perhaps there is simply too much curve in the 426. The 305's might work better for you, especially if you are new to corseting. At this time, we do not have a longline less curvy corset-but we plan to in the future!
Oh...and I ordered a size 34 by the way....
ReplyDeleteI have a 39 waist, a 37 under bust and a 40 hip. I want to get the cs-426 but I'm not sure if I should get a 34?
ReplyDeleteIt's not the size that concerns me (a 34 sounds about right), but rather the curviness of the corset. The 426 is a level 3 and very curvy, and based on your measurements, I am afraid the corset would be too big at the top and bottom edge. You might want to look into the CS-305 corsets, which are a Level 1.
DeleteWhat are your suggestions for someone with a short torso? I was looking for a level 3 corset but they are all long lined and too long for my body. I ordered a level 2 in a CS-411. This is my first corset for waist training and hopefully it will fit my body.
ReplyDeleteThat should be perfect! Check out our blog on comparing the 426 and the 411. http://orchardcorsetblog.com/2013/03/14/corset-comparison-cs-411-cs-426-underbust-corsets/
DeleteMy underbust is 34,my waist is 32 and my hips are 48. What size should I order and which number corset. I want a smaller waist line. So I guess I will be doing waist training???
ReplyDeleteRosa, you will probably want to start with a 28 (a 26 if you are willing to have a larger gap in the back to begin with-just remember not to overtighten your corset before it is seasoned). As to which corset, that depends on how long your torso is. The 426 or the 411 are both double boned extreme curved corsets-the 426 is a longline and the 411 a standard length. There is a comparison blog about those two corsets!
DeleteI just measured myself Waist=42 Underbust=44 I plan on ordering CS-426. Is a size 40 the right size to get? Really need help.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend you order a size 38 or even a 36. It's easier to cinch down when you have a little extra fluff :)
DeleteHi, I have been wearing corsets for costume, so wouldn't want it too tight. My measurements are Bust 43" UB 37" Waist 40" and hips 48". I would really like to buy the Authentic Underbust Corset in Bright White Satin (CS-426)because I like the long torso. Would this be too curvy for me?
ReplyDeleteThe only place you might find it too curvy would be a gap at the top. I think over time, you will be able to reduce your waist measurement to give yourself a more hourglass shape. You will probably have some uneven lacing to start with, just be sure to break your corset in carefully.
DeleteI know this may sound a little funny, but where exactly should I measure my hips? I only saw a visual of waist,and underbust.
ReplyDeleteHi there, measure at the top of your hip...not the fullest part. I will get some additional photos of that and add them to this post! Thank you and sorry for the confusion.
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