The Violet Vixen Blog

How to size your corset

With so many numbers out there picking the right size corset for your body can be quite intimidating. We have tried to cover some quick basics and F.A.Q’s to help you pick the right size. If you are still having difficulty please consult our free Corset consultation service found here.

The number one thing you can do to make sure that you get the right size is to actually measure yourself! Don’t Guess!

The second thing would be to lean toward your largest measurement if you find you are between sizes. It’s easier to cinch in more on the waist than it is to grow space for your chest!

Many people think they can guess but all too often a guess is just not as exact as an inch! Find yourself a flexible measuring tape or use a piece of string that you can measure against a hard ruler. Don’t try to guess by using a hard ruler on your sassy curvy self! An inch can make all the difference!

We have included our size chart in each individual corset description to help alleviate sizing confusion. Please refer to the provided charts to ensure the best fit possible. Because each manufacturer is different, do not assume you will be the same size in all corsets.

Most corsets will fit 90% of all body types if they are sized correctly; however, we have provided more specific advice for those looking to get the most detailed information about their body type because every Vixen is special.

Key corset dimensions:

1. Natural Waist Line: Use a natural waist line measurement (waist at rest without shaper or corset).  Authentic corsets will generally be able to reduce your natural waist dimension by 3-5 inches, while a Costume corsets should not be utilized for waist reduction.
2. Front Length: This is the dimension from the bottom most part of the corset in the front, generally between your breasts to the very bottom of the corset.
3. Bust to Bottom Length: Critical for those with long torso because it tells you if the corset will be long enough for your toros. If you are a tall girl, please pay attention to this measurement.
4. Back Length: The total length of the corset in back, generally only critical to those with a long torso.
5. Bust: This is the total circumference of the fullest part of your bust.  If you have a larger bust (C cup or larger) make sure to size for your bust size over any other dimension to prevent “fall out” in the case of an overbust corset.
6. Hip: This is the total circumference of the fullest part of your hips.

F.A.Q. BODY STYLES

Average Build

Description: You are an average build and a semi-curvy frame. You have a medium to large bust and a smaller waist. You have a naturally rounded bottom.

Ideal choices: Almost any corset type and shape will work for you. To accent your bustline go for a sweetheart neckline in a fashion over bust corset or any of our professional corset styles for waist reducation to achieve that hourglass silhouette.

Suggestions: Show off your curvy figure with any corset. It’s just a matter of your preference and style. A full skirt and a cinched waist with a sweetheart neckline will accentuate those curves and bustline.

 

Tall and Slim

Description: You are 5’8″ or taller, slim, your shoulders and hips are approximately the same width, and you have an average sized bust.

Ideal corset choices: The longer front length styles such as 15″ to 18″ inch or longer heights are important to you. Its very important that you pay attention to the vertical height of a corset as an “average” corset length may place an “average” bust-line  below your natural bust-line. Please consult our Corset consultation staff for more details if you are unsure. You may also wish to select a corset style with high curved over-bust pattern verses something that is more of a flat scalloped line. We find that tall slim girls can cinch up a bit more than our curvy girls so if you are between sizes, round down in size.

Suggestions: Pair any of our longer styles with a gorgeous skirt with a slit to reveal your long legs.

 

Short and Petite

Description: You are 5’3″or shorter and have a small body frame. You are trim with subtle curves and you have an average sized bust that is proportional to your body.

Ideal Corset Choices: Shorter front length corset styles such as 14 inch overbust corset or perhaps an underbust to help accentuate your bustline and create a longer you.

Suggestions: The shorter overbust styles will look great on you and help to accent your bustline. Wear a dress in the same color as your corset with a short hemline and instantly look taller.

 

Full-Figured Short

Description: You are shorter, but have a large frame with very noticeable curves and a large bust.

Ideal choices: Try the 14 inch over bust corsets or any underbust styles to ensure fit and comfort. We recommend that you stick to our Authentic corset line in order to get maximum support, shaping and long term wear out of our purchase.

Suggestions: Try fabrics in the same color as the corset of your choice that won’t cling to every curve to make you appear taller, because your lines will be uniform and not broken up.  A corseted waist will highlight your curves and hide a fuller bottom.

 

Full Figured Tall

Description: You are 5’8″ or taller, full figured and have visible curves. Your shoulders and hips are approximately the same width and you have a large bust.

Suggestions: If you are unusually slim with unusually larger than average breasts for your waist line consider ordering a size up from your natural waist line and then cinching the waist tighter. Pay attention to your bust size more than any dimension.  We commonly have returns from extra endowed women who have trouble “falling out” of their corsets. If you commonly struggle with a smaller waist and larger bosom and have had problems with other corsets in the past please try this sizing method.

If you are tall you should also focus on the total length of the corset and follow the size chart for that corset. Do not hope that an average height corset will match your tall frame especially if you are full figured. Please consult our Corset consultation service if you have concerns or wish to see recommendations.

Suggestions: Pair any of these gorgeous styles with a skirt with a slit in the same color as your corset to reveal your long legs and make you appear slimmer.

 

Big Busted

Description: You are short or tall and have a C cup or larger.

Ideal Corset Choices: If you are proportionally sized for your figure our Authentic steel boned corsets are the way to go and size quite nicely for larger bosoms. When you measure yourself, check your measurements against the chart and go with the size that matches your largest dimensions.  If however you have extreme variants in your proportions like a 22″ waist with 46″ breasts or if you commonly buy an XXL bikini top and a S bikini bottom, you already know that you are a difficult fit.  If you size appropriately for your bust, you can certainly be eye-popping in an overbust corset; however, it might be best to start out with an underbust corset the larger your bust (DD and larger and then work with our corset consultant to figure out the best overbust for you).  The majority of our returns are women who have a disproportionately sized bust compared to their hips and waists – size for your largest asset lovelies 🙂

Suggestions: The Authentic line of corsets has a huge size range that will help you pick the correct size and will give you added support to accentuate your curves. Also, try a halter style that can be adjusted according to the support you need.

 

Small Busted

Description: You are short or tall and have an A cup or smaller.

Ideal Corset Choices: Obviously, you still need the appropriate length style for your torso, but perhaps something with wilder colors, or those with ribbons or bows to help increase volume.

Suggestions: Spice it up – great neck or shoulders – accentuate them with a choker or jewelry. Wear a dress in the same color as your corset with a short hemline and instantly look taller. Or, if you are taller wear a skirt with a slit to accentuate those long legs.

 

Athletic

Description: You are short or tall. You have wide shoulders and a muscular build.

Ideal Choices: Almost any corset type and shape will work for you. To accent your bustline go for the sweetheart neckline in the longer length overbust corset styles. You could also consider some minor waist cinching with our professional line to really accentuate those awesome neck and shoulder lines.

Suggestions: Show off your lithe figure with any corset and leave your shoulders uncovered to make them appear smaller while showing off that hard work. A halter style neckline corset or any strapless style will slim the midsection and produce an hourglass silhouette.

Now get to shopping our wonderful corset selection 🙂