 Corset Shopping Guide for the Novice Corset BuyerWelcome to part 2 of our informal, but informative collection of helpful tips and tidbits to navigate the novice corset buyer through the sometimes tricky waters finding the perfect off-the-rack corset. In this article we will discuss overbust vs underbust corset styles and corset lengths. Missed Part 1? Check it out here. Overbust vs Underbust
This is mostly a matter of
preference and what your corset-wearing plans are. First-time corset wearers
will find an underbust corset easier to fit, wear and break-in than and
overbust corset. However, if you plan to wear your corset out on the town or
for a specialty event and need an overbust corset-then an overbust corset it
is! It's important to not only have your waist and hip measurement, but also
your underbust AND full bust measurement when choosing an overbust corset. Most
off-the-rack corsets do not offer adequate bust room for women with an ample
bosom. Orchard Corset is currently designing an overbust that will accommodate
larger busted women. We will let everyone know when that is available! There are some lacing tips at the end of this blog you may find useful. See part 1 for information on how to use the Silhouette Level Chart once you have your measurements.
Corset Length
Corsets, like people, come in different lengths. At Orchard Corset we carry 2 basic corset lengths, with subtle variations of each. The first is our standard length corset, which also includes our wasp waist corsets. These corsets measure about 10" at the front busk for underbust models and about 14" at the front busk (16" at the center bust) for our overbust models. The second is our longline corsets. Longline styles measure about 13" at the front busk for underbust models and and 14-15" at front busk (16" at the center bust). We are working now with our manufacturer to create a longer overbust longline with a fuller bosom than we currently offer.
One reason for choosing one length over the other is your shape-longer torsos need a longer corset and vise-versa. But the choice could simply be a matter of style. If you are looking for a curvy accessory to wear over a cute top or dress, a standard length or wasp waist might be perfect. The shorter length makes everyday tasks easier as well. However, some women worry about creating a bulge between the corset and their jeans. A longline corset worn on an average torso will come down around the top edge of the hip and prevent any unwanted bulge. It's worth noting that different styles vary as to side length and accent points that create longer lines depending on where set the tape measure.
A tip from our in-house model, Danielle: It's OK to adjust the loops on your corset (see corset lacing instructions) to align with your natural waist. For example, I have a long waist, which means the smallest part of my waist is lower than most belted tops or dresses attach the belt...or in this case where the pull loops are usually placed on the corset. I find if I re-lace the corset and moves the pull loops down, the corset laces more evenly. Larger busted women may find this helpful when lacing an overbust corset as well.
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any advice for a novice male purchaser?
ReplyDeletei'm not trying to look female, just want to try corseting.
r1g0r@yahoo.com
The same advice applies. Chances are you would be looking at a Silhouette Level 1 Corset. Keep in mind that lean muscle has less give than soft tissue, so depending on your body type you should adjust accordingly how many inches below your natural waistline you need to go. On a recent 20/20 episode that aired on ABC in October of 2012, a corset maker in San Francisco shared that she has several male clients who wear corsets underneath their clothes to give them added confidence when they step in the courtroom to litigate a case.
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ReplyDeleteI am a plus size gal who doesn't want to cause any extra rolls and bumps but would love to try corseting for my back. Would I end up in an either/or situation? Meaning that in order to have back support it would have to be tight enough to cause muffin top rolls.
ReplyDeleteLeola, several customers have told us that the longline corsets help to eliminate unwanted rolls. Longline corsets come down and curve over the hip. Also, corsets offer such a high level of support that you don't need to cinch it up as much as someone who is waist training in a corset to achieve back support.
DeleteI am looking into corseting as a method of trying to control these enormous THINGS on my chest and the back pain they exacerbate. I gather from this information that I will be probably be waiting for the "full-figure" version. My measurements (42"-33"-33"-43" from top down) put me in the extreme silhouette category for bust but only the enhanced category for hips. I don't know for sure how to determine whether my torso is long, but I lean toward thinking it is short-ish (underbust to waist measurement is 9.5"). Does this mean I should be sticking with standard length, on the assumption that a longline corset that fits my bust will be loose on my hips? What is the difference in mobility and support between the two?
ReplyDeleteIt definitely sounds like the fuller busted version we have in production will suit your needs better. The overbust longline is only about an inch longer than the standard overbust (at this time...we will be working on new designs in the near future). The 426 Overbust we are working should work nicely for you. Even the 411 Overbust we have now in a size 30 might do the trick, but I think it would squish the girls a bit and perhaps not give you the look you want. The support is amazing, with no pull and tug on the shoulders and back. I will update this blog when we receive the new 426 in our warehouse. We eventually plan to offer all 3 Silhouette Levels in both Under and Over bust corsets, standard and longline.
DeleteI have some scoliosis and an anterior pelvic tilt, which basically means my butt and belly poke out when I'm standing normally, and I can't straighten them. Would wearing a corset affect that at all? Also, I'm quite a bit wider in the hips than in the bosom. I think I'm a level 2, but I'm not sure because it seems as if the bottom might be too small and the top a little large. Would that be a problem, or should lacing take care of any such issues?
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
DeleteWe would recommend checking with your doctor about the benefits a corset might have on your posture. I find mine is infinitely better when I have one on. Depending on your torso length, I would recommend the CS-426 underbust. It has a great Level 3 curve at the hip, but a more more moderate curve at the underbust. It rides down low over the hip, providing additional low back and hip support.
Thank you for your advice! That really helps!
DeleteDo you have any idea how soon your new 426 should be available?
ReplyDeleteWe received the first prototypes, and we wanted still more bust room. We have sent that request back and are anxiously awaiting the next sample. Once we are satisfied, it will take just a couple of weeks to get our first color line to full stock in the warehouse. We expect sometime in March.
DeleteI am still very confused as to which corset I should purchase, I hope you can help. I am a novice to corsets. My measurements are as follows:
ReplyDeleteBust - 36", Underbust - 30", Waist - 29", Hips - 38".
Underbust-Waist span - 5", Waist-Hips span - 8.5".
I want to waist train to 24". Also, I would like my corset to rest slightly under my jeans to avoid any bulges. What would you advice as my corset options. Also, based on my measurements, am I considered long-waisted or short-waisted?
Are you looking for an overbust or underbust corset? I think a CS-411 Overbust would work well on you, in rides a bit further down over the hip.(see our most recent blog that highlights the 411 over and underbust corsets). The CS-426 is a longline and rides down (so it should rest under your jeans), but it might be too curvy and not lace evenly for you. You are welcome to try one and if it isn't right we have a great return/exchange policy.
DeleteThank you for responding so quickly! I apologize for not clarifying. I was looking for an underbust corset, mostly because popular advice for corset novices seems to be to go with an underbust version. I am, however, open to purchasing an overbust corset.
DeleteThe CS-411 overbust looks lovely. If you think it will suit my needs, I am willing to follow your directions and make the purchase. the CS-426 might be frustrating if it will not lace up evenly on my person.
Would you personally recommend I go with an underbust or overbust corset?
hmmm...I would love to put you in a longline Level 2 underbust corset, but we don't currently have one of those. Underbusts are easier to begin with and offer more wear opportunities. Both myself and our in house model like the 426's, despite the fact that it seems like we can tighten more at the top and bottom. If you have some squish factor it is definitely easier to mold you to the corset and not the other way around. The 411 underbust would be perfect, but shorter than you want perhaps. You might just need to try one and see how it fits. If it doesn't feel right, then you can exchange for a different one.
DeleteI'll go with the CS-411 underbust then, even if it does turn out shorter than I would like it to be. I'm off to place my order. Thank you so much for helping me out!
DeleteI'll keep an eye out and hope that you will be introducing a Level-2 Silhouette Longline Underbust Corset sometime in the near future. Are there any plans in the works in this regard?
It is part of our wish list! It takes time to get the corset just right, sometimes several trips back for subtle changes, before we give the green light for full production. We will certainly highlight it when we do!
DeleteI'm a plus-size gal...I just measured my waist and it is a whopping 46". I am on a journey to a happier, healthier me and I am very much interested in trying the CS-426 style to incorporate some waist training. I have a somewhat short torso but feel the longer corset would catch some of the "overflow"...if you know what I mean. Lol! Do you have any recommendations/guidance?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help! :-)
TP
Dear TP,
DeleteThe 426 tends to really work well with our plus-size ladies. Just make sure that your torso length isn't so short that you can't sit down in your corset. If that is the case, the 411 underbust provides a great curve and also has double steel boning. The 426 in a size 40 measures 14" at the front busk and lacing busk, 11" at the center bust, and about 13" along the side.
Thank you so much for the guidance. I went ahead and placed an order last night. If it doesn't fit, I'll exchange it for the 411. Thanks! :-)
DeleteGood Luck! :)
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have odd measurements when it comes to bust/waist and waist/hip ratios..
Bust/waist = 5 inch or 12 cm
waist/hip = 10 inch or 25cm
which would mean, according to your level chart that I am a level 1 on top and a level 3 bottom.
Now I have chest (46inch full bust/40inch under bust), a fair size waist (38inch) and large hips (48.5inch)...
I have no idea what corset would be good for me. I need support everywhere (chest, back hips) I have a bit of scoliosis and almost no stomach muscles (I wear an abdominal brace) and was told that corseting would better suit me as an alternative to surgery.
Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you!!
Hi there. So, I have mild scoliosis in my lower back and a slight hip tilt due to years of sitting at a computer desk (I'm currently seeing a chiropractor to help correct this), and I am strongly considering buying a corset for everyday wear to help with my posture (which has also gotten very poor due to extended sitting at a desk all day.) My measurements are:
ReplyDelete38" - hip
30" - waist
31" - underbust
35" - bust
Making my hip/waist = 8" and my bust/waist = 5", which would put me at a Level 2, I think (please correct me if I'm wrong.) My question is, what corsets would you recommend for everyday usage and what size should I get if my waist is 30"? Would I need a 26" or a 24"?
Brittany,
DeleteIf this is your first corset and your primary goal is to provide support and improve posture, I would recommend a 26 in a CS-411 (unless you are very long waisted, then you might want a 426). I wear the 411 at my computer all day at work and I love it!
My torso appears to be average sized, but since I have such wide hips, will the CS-411 cause a sort of muffin effect around my hips or does that style cap it a little? Would the long waisted style be better for my hip measurements or just make sitting at a desk all day uncomfortable?
DeleteIt's really a matter of personal preference. I am very long-waisted and prefer the 411, but I know women with shorter waists than me that prefer the 426. Corsets really are a personal choice-so I can't tell you which you would prefer. Your hips are not that wide compared to your waist, so you won't have a problem there. I think you are more likely to experience and unwanted overflow at the top end of the 411 than the bottom. The 426 rides much higher on the back. We have a generous exchange policy, so if you find it doesn't work you can try the other.
DeleteOkay, great, I'll take all of that into account when I decide on a style. Thank you so much for your help! :)
DeleteYou are very welcome! Good Luck :)
Delete