Choosing the right corset size is the single most important element to get right if you want that perfect pinup girl hourglass figure.
Corset sizing is based on waist measurement and desired reduction. So it has nothing to do with your dress size.
The general rule for getting the right size is to deduct 2 to 6 inches from you natural waist line. Where to measure is just below your ribcage at the narrowest part, make sure the tape measure is straight and not too tight.
Deduct 2" : you are new to corsets or want the look without the pain. Deduct 4" : this is the standard corset size choice and will be right for most people Deduct 6" : you are experienced, or in the stages of waist training. As waist training goes through many stages your corset size reduction will increase over time to your desired result. But 6" is the maximum for most people.
plus size- For pinups with a waist measurement of over 34 inches you should probably best choose a corset size of 6 inches smaller than your natural waist size.
Remember you do not have to tighten the laces all the way all the time, so having a bit of wiggle room in the size is a good idea. Especially if you opt for a modesty panel, as this enables you to lace looser without showing a gap.
Buying your corset is a big expense and you want to purchase from someone you can trust. One of the world's most famous commercial corset makers is
VOLLERS
Vollers is a British company, established in 1899, and is now into the fourth generation of the family name. They make an extensive range of off the peg garments, all with steel boning. This is a brand most likely to be stocked in alternative clothing boutiques too, so they are many pinups first purchase. They are very good but not my first choice
Another famous British maker is
FAIRY GOTH MOTHER
Their site is gorgeous and easy to spend the whole day on (as well as your monthly salary) and they certainly have the largest selection of burlesque corsets, gowns and special occasion lingerie around.
HEAVENLY CORSETS or ROMANTASY
These two may not be as famous as the two above but they are the place to go if you need a custom made garment for every day tight lacing and/or intend to start waist training. They specialize in waist training, infact Romantasy run a waist training program you can join online. They also make a great range of corset liners sized and colour coordinated to your needs.
My last but by no means least recommendation is
WHAT KATIE DID
.What Katie did are primarily a vintage styled lingerie boutique (to my mind the best in the world) so they have a smaller selection of corsets than the others. But what they have is truly excellent quality and keeps to the most popular styles for all body shapes and sizes at great prices. Their range is always growing and they now offer a semi custom service so you can get the WKD style you want in the colour and fabric you choose.
As you can see most of my recommendations are based in England, but they do all ship internationally. If you are lucky enough to have a maker near you I would advise going to them for a fitting in person. To help you know what you should be looking for when purchasing a corset here is a review video by a young lady who not only is waist training but also makes corsets herself. She does many of these reviews and does not pull her punches! In this example she is reviewing my favorite style - WKD's Morticia...
Now you have chosen your new intimate friend you will want to get laced and go out to get started on stopping traffic..so...
Read the next part of the corset guide
To find out everything you need to know about getting into, out of, wearing and caring for your corset.
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Corset retail therapy:
Fabulous corsets and more, hand chosen by me for you to love!
* Art.com have a huge selection of vintage and modern pinup art, vintage advertising/fashion and movie posters all available in a choice of sizes and framing options. I love them! Use this search tool to find something gorgeous for your home.