We’ve already talked here a little bit about the history of the corset — but how do you choose which one to buy? Since buying corsetry isn’t an everyday thing anymore, deciding which type of corset best suits your needs can be a daunting task. Whether it’s for cosplay, sexy play, or the day to day, here’s a guide to help you decide which type of corset is right for you.
There are several different kinds of corsets, and which one you choose depends on what kind of silhouette you are trying to create, as well as personal comfort. The two main types of corsets are overbust and underbust corsets, and there are several categories within. An overbust corset encloses the entire torso, from armpits to hips. They are best for achieving an hourglass silhouette, because they allow you to bring in the waist while keeping the breasts and hips full. They can also be used to alleviate a bad back, because they keep your posture upright. An underbust corset, however, begins just under the breasts and ends at the hips. It is also used to create an hourglass figure, but it’s best to wear with an outfit that enhances your décolletage, because it props up the bust-line and doesn’t flatten it as much as an overbust corset would. An underbust corset is also more likely to be worn overtop of clothing as a decorative piece. If you don’t really have much in the way of boobage, an overbust corset is probably not the right choice for you. An underbust style would work much better.
A waist cincher (also known as a Waspie) is a type of underbust corset that goes around the waist to make it look smaller. Historically it was used for sleeping in, or during the warmer summer months, because it’s a much smaller and lighter corset. Modern waist cinchers are even smaller than their Victorian/Edwardian counterparts, and are typically made from stretchy materials and sometimes plastic and metal stays. They resemble more of a belt than what we typically think of as a corset. Unlike a corset, a waist cincher only sucks in the waist and does not support the breasts, so it’s a good option if a full corset is uncomfortable. The materials are also a bit more comfortable, as they are typically made to feel like you’re not wearing one at all.
A girdle is similar to a waist cincher, being made of the same types of materials, but they are often much longer, extending from under the bust all the way down to the thighs. They are typically associated with Christian Dior’s New Look, and create that wasp waist figure. They were also used to hold up stockings until pantyhose were invented in the 1960s.
A steel-boned corset is the kind of corset that is most like what we think of as a typical Victorian corset. They can be more expensive, and sometimes have to be specifically made for you, but they will last much longer than the premade corsets you can buy at your local lingerie store, which usually have plastic boning. Steel-boned corsets give the best fit and figure, and also are easier to get used to. Steel boning provides the most support, and will also last much longer than plastic boning.
As for choosing the size, most places (especially online), make it pretty foolproof. The corset will either be sized by bra size (in which case you just buy your regular bra size), or by waist inches. Waist inches are usually actually a few inches bigger than your actual waist size, so a 32″ corset will fit a 36-37″ waist. So, measure your waist accurately, and you should have no problem finding the right size, though of course different manufacturers and materials will fit differently. If you’re buying online, definitely find the store’s fit guide and follow it to the letter.
Whichever type of corset you ultimately choose, they are a great staple to have for any wardrobe, because they help create the perfect foundation for any outfit. The main reason that women of the past always looked so great was largely because wearing foundation garments like these were always a required part of the outfit.
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