Content

• Steps

Buying a corset may seem like an easy task at first glance, but there are many more details to consider than you might imagine. The type of corset you buy will depend on the purpose. A corset made for one purpose can be very different from a corset for another purpose, and the price can also be drastically different.

Steps

1. 1 Decide how stiff your corset should be.
   • The plastic rigid base is the cheapest and most common base for modern corsets. If you're looking for a cute top or something to impress in the bedroom, this is the option. It is cheaper than other counterparts and you will have a wide range of designs and styles to choose from. The plastic base should not be tightened around the waist, and it should not lace up tightly, as this can cause the plastic to bend and bite. If you choose a corset that covers the bust or most of the chest, you should not choose a piece with hard plastic ribs, as this will be uncomfortable and will not provide sufficient support.
   • The steel plastic base comes in two different types: spiral steel and flat rolled steel. Spiral steel is considered to be more flexible than flat steel and is often used for the same corset. This type of rib stiffness provides much more support than a plastic base and tends to provide more comfort. Corsets with stiff steel ribs are usually much more expensive. If you plan to wear a corset continuously or for long periods of time, the benefits of a corset with this type of rigidity are well worth the extra cost. It will not only be much more comfortable, but it will also last much longer and much less likely to lose its shape. A steel base corset can be used to tighten the waist if the overall structure of the corset is strong enough.
   • Corsets with a double base (ribs must be steel) are usually used to tighten the waist. They have twice as many ribs as a regular corset and therefore provide much more support and can be tightened tighter. If you are looking to significantly reshape your body, this type of corset will provide the best results.
2. 2 Decide whether your corset will cover your chest or not. In the first case, the corset covers the chest, and in the second, the corset ends right under it. Non-bust corsets are much easier to buy than tall corsets as they only cover the waist and not the waist and bust. If you plan to wear a corset under your clothes that does not cover the bust, the corset will not be as noticeable as a high corset.
3. 3 Analyze where you can buy a corset. If you want a corset with plastic ribs, you can choose from a wide range of corsets in stores (they are sometimes sold as regular tops, but usually you will need to look into lingerie stores). Steel-based corsets are more difficult to find, and the only way to get exactly what you need may be by ordering online. If you plan to use your corset to tighten the waist, you'd better have a custom-made corset.
4. 4 Take your measurements with a tape measure.
   • If you are going to buy a corset from a shop window, you need to know the circumference of your waist and, if you are buying a corset that covers the bust, the circumference of your chest.
   • If you order a corset online, they will tell you what measurements they need. Most likely, you will need to indicate your bust, the area just below the bust, waist and hips. They also need to know the vertical distance between each of these measurements to ensure the best possible results.
   • If you buy a custom-made corset from a store, they will have to take your measurements on site and you will not have to take any of your own measurements.
5. 5 Choose the fabric of your choice. There are many options here, and your choice will greatly affect the final look of your corset, so choose carefully. Here are some fabric options to consider:
   • Satin or polyester. It makes very shiny corsets and is especially popular for corsets as underwear.
   • Taffeta. It is usually not as shiny as satin, and it doesn't look exactly like underwear if you plan on wearing a corset as a top. This is a good option if you want a simple corset but don't want to look like you forgot to dress.
   • Brocade. This beautiful fabric will make the corset look mysterious even without additional embellishments.
   • PVC. It's not something worth going out in public in, but if you're planning on dressing it behind closed doors, this might be what you're looking for.
   • Lace. If you cannot find a suitable lace corset, a satin corset covered with lace will look very impressive. Lace is also very often used to decorate a corset.
6. 6 Determine how you want your corset to be secured. While most corsets are laced at the back, there are a number of different options for closing the front of a corset:
   • Steel busk. These are typically five or six large clips that attach the corset and create a straight line down the front of the corset. This is the most common fastening method for steel-based corsets.
   • Lightning. Zippers are often used on reversible corsets (corsets that are designed to be worn inside out to create two different designs), but may not be strong enough if you plan on using your corset to narrow your waist.
   • Wire hook and loop closure. It is always used to speed up the fastening process of each individual fastener. And although they are much more complex than clips on a steel bus, they are not that much stronger.These fasteners are great for trendy corsets that do not lace up tightly, otherwise they should be avoided.
   • Lace-up. You can choose a corset that laces up in the back or in the front. While it may seem pretty, you run the risk of looking like you've just changed.
7. 7 Explore the different corset options and choose the one that appeals to you. If you are a custom-made corset, ask your options and ask them to show you photos (or examples if you are in a store) for each style / fabric.
8. 8 Get the correct corset size. A steel base corset is usually designed to reduce your waist by 10-12.5 cm, but some waist corsets are specifically designed to reduce it further down to about 15-17.5 cm compared to natural size. If you are not sure how specific brand sizes work, or which size you should choose, ask.
9. 9 Measure your corset. There are a few things you should consider when trying on to make sure it works for you.
   • Make sure your corset fits well. If you can tighten it fully, you may need to look for a smaller corset to lace up tightly.
   • Make sure the corset shape flatter you. There is no point in buying an expensive corset if it makes you feel unattractive.
   • Make sure your corset is comfortable enough. Typically you will need. The corset should not be uncomfortable, unless it is too tight.
   • Make sure the item is well done. While you shouldn't have unrealistically high expectations for cheap plastic-based corsets, more expensive corsets should be firm enough. A corset that narrows the waist should have several layers of fabric for maximum strength. Check the seams, fabric (it should not form ridges when the corset is tightened) and seals to make sure your corset is of good quality and will last long.
10. 10 Ask about how to wash your corset. You cannot normally wash a corset in a washing machine along with everything else. Most corsets need to be dry cleaned or hand washed and washed occasionally. If possible, wear something else under the corset so you don't have to wash it too often. When buying a corset, keep in mind that you will have to wash it later.