How to Find Your Authentic Corset Size
Please note: An authentic corset is a top of the line corset intended for tighter lacing. Basic corsets can be laced somewhat tightly, but they are not built for the same extreme tight lacing as authentic corsets, therefore this guide should only be used if you are ordering an authentic corset. View basic corset sizing here.
Most of us know our shirt size, bra size, jean size and shoe size… But our corset size is something entirely different! 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.
A corset’s size is the actual measurement of the corset at the waistline. Your corset size 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. That four inches of extra room is what allows the corset to create the hourglass shape it’s known for!
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, so someone with a 31″ waist would also wear a size 26 corset.
Authentic Corset Size Chart
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Waist | 22″ | 24″ | 26″ | 28″ | 30″ | 32″ | 34″ | 36″ | 38″ | 40″ | 42″ | 44″ | 46″ | 48″ | 50″ |
How to measure your waist for fitting an authentic corset
- 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 authentic corset sizing 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.