Because corsets fit differently than regular clothing, they are sized differently too. Just like a bra is based on cup size, an authentic corset is based on waist size. The corset size is the actual measurement of the corset at the waistline, and should be about 4” smaller than your natural waist. This allows the corset to comfortably shape your waist, as well as leaving space for “spring room”: a gap left open at the back to allow for movement and small sizing adjustments.
For example, a person with a 30” waist would wear a size 26 corset. If you have an odd numbered waist measurement, round the number down rather than up.

How to measure your waist:

• To determine where your natural waistline is, tie a string around your waist, bend over and then stand up straight again. The string will automatically roll to your waistline. This will probably be on or above your belly button.
• Breathe normally and do not suck in your stomach.
• Use a soft measuring tape.
• Hold the measuring tape snugly around the string, and make sure it does not dig into your skin or sag down at the sides or back.
• An accurate measurement is very important, as it will determine how well your new corset will fit.

Important tips:

• Your natural waist is not where you wear your pants. Do not measure where you think you waist is; use the instructions above.
• Your waist measurement is not the same as your jeans size. Do not use that size instead of properly measuring your waist.
• If your natural waist is larger than 36" and you feel you are quite "squishy", you may want to choose a corset that is 6" smaller than your natural waist.
• If you are unsure of what size to pick, please e-mail us with your measurements, and one of our staff will help you pick the correct size.