Costumes, Support, Fashion

Do I Need To Size Differently for Different Needs?

Costuming: Tree Nymph

Hello OC Blog Readers! Some of my long time readers might recall a blog I did last year, “Corsets: Not Just For Waist Training” which touches on this very subject. In this blog, however, I wanted to emphasize the approach to sizing for a corset based on what you plan to do with your corset. The answer to the title question is sometimes.

I know, just what you wanted to hear! Much has to do with your size and shape. For example as my regular readers know, I wear a size 22 (measurements are 30″ UB, 27.5″ waist and 37″ UH)in either the 426or the 411. I wear my corset at work for 5-7 hours most every day, but rarely on the weekends or evenings unless I am wearing out to an event. I do not consider myself a waist trainer and although I can close my corset further than when I started, I attribute that more to a well seasoned corset and increased comfort level with wearing a corset than actual waist reduction.

OC’s CS Manager Jessica

If I were buying my very first corset with full intention of rigorous waist training, I would still not be able to size down to a 20 without first training my 22 to a fully closed position. On the flip side, if I only wanted a corset to wear as part of a cool costume or Renaissance Faire, I would not size up (unless I had a really bulky outfit I was trying to lace over) as I have a couple inches I can expand before I reach the end of my modesty panel.

Now the reason it matters not so much for me is due to my size and shape. I have quite a bit of natural curve and pretty small frame (without too much squish as I am quite the weight lifting gym freak). But, if you have a natural waist of 30″ and are softer through the middle, then you will certainly want to consider your corset use when determining what size to order. This increases with size, as generally with more of you comes more malleability.

45″ natural waist, size 36 corset

Here is an example. Let’s say your measurements are underbust 33, waist 32 upper hip 38. You have enough curve for the 411 and not too much for the 305. If you are looking at a 426-you might find it too large in the hip spring. If waist training is your goal, then choosing a size 24 in the 411 or 305 will likely work for you (depending on your degree of squishiness). If you want a corset just to look extra amazing on occasion (or for a costume), then a size 26 in either of those corsets will be more comfortable, and should still be snug enough to make a difference. You will still want to season your corset as it will fit better and lay flatter. A size 26 would also work well for back support. In this scenario, the size 24 will probably work in the 426 (if you are long enough) for waist training. But in the size 26, it will fully close at the bottom without effort and could create an unsightly bulge over the hip.

Tess Munster in CS-411 Red Satin

So the more you have to work with, the play there is in determining a size. If you are looking to waist train, we recommend a significant downsize for our fuller figured gals (and guys). This is because you will see results so much faster (usually) and will have your corset fully inside a month if you are dedicated. Most of you don’t want to have to buy another corset so quickly (although daily waist trainers should have more than one corset). But if you are wearing your corset for any other reason…there is no need to size down as dramatically. A snug fitting corset will suffice for less rigorous corset uses. And a note to all of our BBW’s out there-don’t be afraid to size down! We find that most women over about a 45″ waist (depending on the upper hip) can size down 10 inches.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and experiences to help others make the best possible choices when selecting a corset!