Each time I saw pictures of women in corsets I yearned to have one too. They looked so gorgeous in them, their breasts so beautifully lifted and their waists so perfectly shaped. I had absolutely no idea what I should consider before buying my first corset. So there I was, feeling the need to own a corset and be just as beautiful as those lovely women in the photos. I ordered two overbust corsets online and the first time I wore one of them, I had it on for a full day and I thought I was going to die! It ended up hurting me under my arms and it was too stiff and quite uncomfortable after half a day. The next corset I bought was an underbust corset which was fitted on me before I bought it, but by the time I wore that for one day, I was convinced that corsets are not for me.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Each time I saw pictures of women in corsets I yearned to have one too” quote=”Each time I saw pictures of women in corsets I yearned to have one too”]

There are many reasons why you might be considering to buy a corset, and none of those reasons are wrong. Just always consider that a corset might not be all you hope it will be, and always start with an educated choice.

Types of corsets

Not only are there different types of corsets to choose from, but you should also consider the boning in the corsets.

The types of corsets are:

• Overbust: covers your boobs and gives you a lovely cleavage, better supports your posture, but it also reduces your mobility;
• Underbust: stops under your boobs, keeps them in place, gives you a lovely waist and they are easier to fit properly than overbust corsets;
• Waist cinchers: a short kind of underbust corset, accentuating your waist.

The two types of boning are:

• Plastic: this is cheaper and more common in modern corsets. Corsets with plastic boning are more comfortable and cannot be used for waist training.
• Steel: corsets with steel boning can be used for waist training. You can choose between spiral steel or flat steel, but they are frequently used in the same corset. Steel boned corsets offer a lot more support than plastic boned corsets.

Choosing a corset for your body type

It’s important to choose the right corset for your body type to avoid disappointment. Let’s look at the options for several different body types:

• Average build, curvy frame, medium to large bust, small waist, natural round bottom: almost any corset would be good, especially an overbust corset with a sweetheart neckline, or a waist cincher.
• Taller than 1.68 meters, no visible curves, shoulders and hips more or less the same width, average bust: longer style overbust or underbust corset or longer waist cincher corsets.
• 1.55 meters or shorter, small body frame, subtle curves, average bust: shorter style overbust corset or shorter waist cincher.
• Short waist, heavy throughout, large frame, noticeable curves, large bust: 35 centimeter overbust corset or a 25 centimeter waist cincher.
• 1.68 meters or taller, full figure, visible curves, shoulders and hips more or less the same width, large bust: longer style overbust or underbust corset or longer waist cincher corsets.
• Short, hips, bottom and thighs are larger than upper body, pear shaped: waist cinchers are your best choice, but if you really want an overbust then stick with a 35 centimeter corset.
• Tall, hips, bottom and thighs are larger than upper body, pear shaped: longer style overbust corset or longer waist cincher corsets.
• Short or tall, mid-section heavier than rest of your body, tummy is your 'problem' area, apple shaped: longer style overbust or underbust corset or longer waist cincher corsets.
• Short or tall, wide shoulders, muscular build: any corset will work for you.
• Short or tall, large bust (cup C or larger): longer style overbust corset or longer waist cincher corsets.
• Short or tall, small bust (cup A or smaller): shorter style overbust corset or shorter waist cincher corsets.

[clickToTweet tweet=”It’s important to choose the right corset for your body type to avoid disappointment” quote=”It’s important to choose the right corset for your body type to avoid disappointment”]

Where should you buy your first corset?

Short answer: not online!

That is if you buy a corset for the first time. The best thing to do is to go to a shop that specializes in corsets and have them advise you on your first corset. Try on several corsets and keep each of them on for a while to make sure they are comfortable. Move around. Stand. Sit. Relax your body. Does it feel uncomfortable? Ask for advice. Try on another corset.

Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? Does the corset give you a flattering figure? Does it look as good from the back and the side as it does from the front? If you don’t like the look of it, don’t buy it! Try on another. Don’t buy a corset you are not happy with, no matter how much a sales person might tell you that you look good, because in the end you will regret your purchase.

If you don’t have a corset shop near you and the only thing you can do is to buy it online, then search for an online store where they explain to you how you should take your own measurements to choose the correct corset. Make sure the store has a return policy, so you can send the corset back if it’s not what you wanted.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Don’t buy a corset you are not happy with” quote=”Don’t buy a corset you are not happy with”]

Granted, it takes a bit of time to get used to the feeling of a corset, but the golden rule here is: if you have even a bit of doubt, don’t do it!

Afterword

Corsets are lovely pieces of clothing and can complete your outfit. Pair your corset with a long skirt or a skirt with a slit, depending on your body type. Wearing a skirt in the same color as your corset has a slimming effect. A skirt with a slit can show off long legs and a full skirt with a waist cincher will show off your curves.

Buy a corset and be sexy!

[sc name=”Author_Rebelle”]

[sc name=”Illustrator_Amy”]