Buying a corset may seem easy, but there are a lot more things to consider than you might think. The type of corset you buy will depend on the purpose you want it to have, because a corset made for one use could be very different from one that has another, and it could be priced significantly differently.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what kind of splints you want in your corset
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Plastic splints are the cheapest and most common type of splints found in modern corsets. If you are looking for a cute top or something to impress in the bedroom, then go with this option. It is cheaper than other types and you will have many designs to choose from. Plastic splints cannot be used to tighten the waist and should not be fastened too tightly, as the plastic can bend and hurt you. If you choose a corset that exceeds the bust and you have large breasts, you should avoid plastic splints as they will be uncomfortable and will not offer much support.
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Steel slats come in two types, spiral and flat. Coiled steel is more flexible than flat steel, and they are often both used in the same corset. This type gives more support than the one with plastic splints, and is usually much more comfortable. Although steel boned corsets are usually much more expensive, if you plan on wearing the corset regularly the benefits of buying a corset with this type of boning are well worth the extra cost. Not only will it be much more comfortable, but it will last much longer and is much less likely to warp. A steel boned corset can be used to narrow the waist if the structure of the corset is solid enough.
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Double boned corsets (should be metal) are normally used to narrow the waist. They have twice the boning of a regular corset and therefore can offer much more support and can be laced tighter. If you want to significantly change the shape of your body, these give the best results.
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Step 2. Choose if you want an above-the-bust or below-the-bust corset
An above-the-torso corset covers the breasts, while one below stops just below. Corsets below the bust are much easier to buy than corsets above, because they only follow the measurement of the waist, rather than the waist and bust. If you plan to wear the corset underneath your clothes, a corset below the bust will be much less noticeable than one above.
Step 3. Find where you can buy a corset
If you want a plastic boned corset, you can buy one from various stores (sometimes they are sold as regular tops, but you'll often have to search in underwear tops), but metal boned corsets are harder to find and you may make yourself realize that the only way to get what you want is to order it online. If you plan on using your corset to change your waistline, you will get the best results by having your own custom made one.
Step 4. Take your measurements with a measuring tape
- If you are buying a corset in a store you will need to know your waist size and, if you buy one above the bust, the circumference of your breasts.
- If you are ordering a bespoke corset online you will be told which sizes you need. They will likely include your bust measurements, below bust, waist and hips. You will also need the vertical distance between each of these measurements in order to give you the best possible cut.
- If you are buying a custom-made corset in a store, they should measure you for the corset in place, and you don't need to.
Step 5. Consider the type of fabric you want
There are many options, and it will have a huge impact on the final look of your corset, so choose carefully. Some fabrics to consider are:
- Satin (or satin polyester). It produces a very lustrous corset and is especially used for corsets sold as underwear.
- Taffeta. It's usually less bright than satin, and so it doesn't look as much underwear if you're planning on wearing your corset as a top. This is a good option if you want a simple corset but want to avoid giving the impression that you have forgotten to dress.
- Brocade. These beautiful woven fabrics will make an elaborate corset look like without the need for other embellishments.
- PVC. Not the kind of corset you'll wear in public, probably, but if you want something to liven up the privacy it might be what you're looking for.
- Lace. While you won't find corsets made only of lace, a lace-covered satin corset can be very effective. Lace is also used very commonly as a decoration for corsets.
Step 6. Consider how you want the corset to lace up at the front
Although many corsets tie behind the back, there are a number of options for the front of the corset:
- A steel stick. It will usually have 5 or 6 thick clips that secure the corset and create a straight line along the front of the corset. This is the most common way to tie a steel boning corset.
- One zip. Zippers are often used for double face corsets (corsets designed to be worn on both sides to give two different designs) but may not be strong enough to shape the waist.
- Wire hook and eye. It takes a lifetime to fasten every single hook, and while they're much more discreet than the clips on the steel bar, they don't even come close in strength. Excellent for fashion corsets that do not need to be tied tight, but in general better to avoid them.
- Buckle up. You can choose a corset that fastens at the back and front. While she may look good, you run the risk of looking like you're just dressing up.
Step 7. Look at the different options you have for corsets and choose one you like
If you are having a tailored corset made, check the options available to you (or examples, if you are in store) of each style / fabric.
Step 8. Buy the right corset size
Iron boned corsets are usually designed to reduce the waistline by 10-12cm, but some waist shaping corsets are designed to reduce it even more, down to 15-17cm less than your natural waistline. If you're not sure how a particular company's measurements work or what size you should choose, ask.
Step 9. Try on your corset
There are a few things you will need to consider when trying on your corset to make sure it fits.
- Check that the corset fits. If you can tighten it to the end without discomfort, you may want to get a slightly smaller corset so it can be fastened tightly.
- Check that the cut of your corset is nice. There is no point in buying an expensive corset if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Make sure your corset is reasonably comfortable. While it usually takes some getting used to, a corset shouldn't be too uncomfortable to wear unless you're lacing it extremely tight.
- Check that the quality is as high as it should be. While you shouldn't have far-fetched expectations about a cheap plastic boning corset, the more expensive ones should be firmer. Waist shaping corsets should have several layers of fabric to make them as strong as possible. Check the seams, the fabric (it shouldn't crease when the corset is tight) and the eyelets to make sure the corset is of good quality and can last a long time.
Step 10. Ask about washing your corset
You can't normally slap a corset in the washing machine with everything else. Most corsets should be dry cleaned or hand cleaned, and should only be washed occasionally. When possible, wear something between the corset and the skin to reduce the frequency with which it will need to be washed. Make sure you can wash the corset before you buy it.
