Corset Story Size Guide

New to the Corsets? Confused about Sizing?.....We are here to help!

Our "3 Step Guide" explains everything you need to know in order to find your ideal corset;

i) The differences between our ranges, including product features, styles and the waist reduction you can expect

ii) How to measure your waist accurately to ensure your corset fits perfectly first time

iii) The Corset Story sizing widget shows you which size corset to buy in each of our ranges

Scroll down to begin

Information

How to measure yourself Finding the right corset Our ratings explained

instant shape

Shape your waist, look one dress size slimmer instantly.

Whether you are looking for a fashion top or a comfortable undergarment, Instant Shape is a great entry level corset. Rated to a 2” Waist Reduction these garments have fully adjustable lacing allowing you to cinch your waist and smooth your shape.  Ribbon lacing makes this range easy to disguise under clothing, available in a wide range of patterns and fabrics including longline recommended for ladies over 5ft 7”

  • Rated to a 2” Waist Reduction.
  • Fully adjustable ribbon lacing & modesty panel
  • Loops for suspender clips as standard and loops for bra straps (overbust only)
  • The latest fashions featuring sleeves for extra coverage
  • Easy to disguise under most clothing
  • Spiral Steel Boning
  • Comfortable patterns often finished in breathable fabrics, perfect for everyday wear
shop instant shape
Before
After

Waist taming

Traditional Corsetry offering profound Waist Reduction for when you really want to dress up!

Exceptional control and comfort in our most encompassing range. Our Waist Taming corsets offer a waist reduction of up to 4” without compromising on style. We have a wide range of styles and patterns for both outer and underwear. If you are serious about waist reduction and style then this is the range for you. Home to our Steampunk and Burlesque collections, there is a Waist Taming corset for everyone.  Not only are Waist Taming corsets available in Regular & Longline lengths but the re-enforced construction offers ample support for larger busts. Hip gores or hip panels as standard offering enhanced comfort and curve.

  • Rated to a 4” Waist Reduction
  • Fully adjustable cord lacing & modesty panel
  • Loops for suspender clips as standard and loops for bra straps (overbust only)
  • Wider Width Spiral Steel Boning
  • Superior support and control
  • Striking & unique designs for any occasion
Shop Waist Taming
Before
After

Expert Waist Training

Expert grade corsetry for serious Waist Training

Years of development and pattern refinement have proudly resulted in the “Expert Waist Training” range. Only the most experienced of our tailors construct these garments, which offer a waist reduction of up to 5”. Suitable for the responsible novice provided tension is increased gradually.  Click for more information on ”Waist Training”.  This range offers the most impressive results without comprising on comfort. Available in Longline and Regular patterns, Expert Waist Training corsets are finished in classic colours and fabrics.

  • Rated to a 5” Waist Reduction
  • Fully adjustable cord lacing & modesty panel
  • Loops for suspender clips as standard and loops for bra straps (overbust only)
  • Double boning channels throughout: up to 24 Spiral Steel bones per corset
  • Supreme support and control
  • Functional, sleek and classic designs
Shop Expert Waist
Before
After

how to

Measure yourself

  1. Wear a comfortable, good fitting and supportive bra with no push up or padding.
    Do not measure over clothing.
  2. Stand straight but relaxed with your feet slightly apart. Do not twist, slouch or extend
    your torso. This will affect your measurements.
  3. Use a tailoring measure tape; ensure it is snug without being too tight.
  4. For more accurate measures ask a friend or use a full length mirror.

Your bust

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, which is usually your nipples and around your back.

Your waist

Measure all around the narrowest part of your waist below your rib cage. To find the narrowest part below your ribs, lean from side to side and place your finger where your torso is bending.

Your hip

To locate where to measure your hip, lift your leg when standing and feel with your finger where the bone articulates into the pelvis. It is close to the fullest part of your hip and the tape measure should go around the top of your bottom. Do not measure your high hip.

Your torso length

This is a vertical body measurement. Whilst standing measure straight down from your underbust to the same hip articulation point where the bone articulates into the pelvis. Ensure that your back is straight. You can also do this measurement when seated on a hard chair with a straight back and good posture to double check the measurement. Measure straight down from your underbust to the same articulation point where the crease is at your lap. Compare your torso length with the Princess / Bust seam length of your corset. If the corset Princess / Bust seam length is too long it may be uncomfortable when seated and you may need to choose a style suitable for a shorter torso. For an Overbust Corset the Bust seam length can give you an idea of how much bust coverage that you should get with a specific neckline. To help you can select corsets that are more suitable for a short, regular or long torso from our dropdown menu.

Find The

Perfect Size For You

Reduction potential across our ranges

My natural waist is cm wide

—

5 cm Waist reduction

Shop shapewear
—

5 cm Waist reduction

Shop instant shape
—

5-7 cm Waist reduction

Shop waist taming
—

5-10 cm Waist reduction

Shop expert waist
Waist Measurement (in)Instant Shape/Shapewear WaistTaming/Expert Waist Training
??Not AvailableNot Available
58Not AvailableSize 20"
59EUR32Size 20"
60EUR32Size 20"
61EUR32Size 20"
62EUR32Size 20"
63EUR32Size 22"
64EUR32Size 22"
65EUR34Size 22"
66EUR34Size 22"
67EUR34Size 22"
68EUR34Size 24"
69EUR34Size 24"
70EUR36Size 24"
71EUR36Size 24"
72EUR36Size 24"
73EUR36Size 26"
74EUR36Size 26"
75EUR38Size 26"
76EUR38Size 26"
77EUR38Size 26"
78EUR38Size 28"
79EUR38Size 28"
80EUR40Size 28"
81EUR40Size 28"
82EUR40Size 28"
83EUR40Size 30"
84EUR40Size 30"
85EUR42Size 30"
86EUR42Size 30"
87EUR42Size 30"
88EUR42Size 32"
89EUR42Size 32"
90EUR44Size 32"
91EUR44Size 32"
92EUR44Size 32"
93EUR44Size 34"
94EUR44Size 34"
95EUR46Size 34"
96EUR46Size 34"
97EUR46Size 34"
98EUR46Size 36"
99EUR46Size 36"
100EUR48Size 36"
101EUR48Size 36"
102EUR48Size 36"
103EUR48Size 38"
104EUR48Size 38"
105EUR50Size 38"
106EUR50Size 38"
107EUR50Size 38"
108EUR50Size 40"
109EUR50Size 40"
110Not AvailableSize 40"
111Not AvailableSize 40"
112Not AvailableSize 40"
113Not AvailableSize 42"
114Not AvailableSize 42"
115Not AvailableSize 42"
116Not AvailableSize 42"
117Not AvailableSize 42"
118Not AvailableSize 44"
119Not AvailableSize 44"
120Not AvailableSize 44"
121Not AvailableSize 44"
122Not AvailableSize 44"
123Not AvailableSize 46"
124Not AvailableSize 46"
125Not AvailableSize 46"
126Not AvailableSize 46"
127Not AvailableSize 46"
128Not AvailableSize 48"
129Not AvailableSize 48"
130Not AvailableSize 48"
131Not AvailableSize 48"
132Not AvailableSize 48"

our ratings explained

WAIST REDUCTION

The Waist Reduction rating is the maximum waist reduction achievable of the corset. Just because a corset is rated to a 4 or 5" waist reduction doesn't mean you have to wear them that tightly, you have the choice between comfort & control

DISGUISE RATING

The Disguise Rating is how invisible a corset is underneath clothing, relative to the other designs available in our collections

COMFORT RATING

The Comfort Rating is how comfortable your corset will be. Some fabrics are less suited to longer periods of wear and more theatrical designs can become heavy if wearing all day

View Guide

Our Ratings Explained

Waist Reduction Disguise Rating Comfort Rating
Waist reduction is the maximum waist reduction you can achieve from your natural waist. Waist reduction is based on multiple factors, including body shape, body sizes, type of corset, and how tight you lace your corset. Corsets need to be seasoned before you will achieve your maximum waist reduction. You can find much more detailed information on this in the Blog section of the website. Our Disguise rating is to help you determine how easily you'll be able to conceal your corset under clothing. We assess the fabrics, styles, and design features to see which will suit the most discreetly under clothing. High ratings are suitable shapewear styles with contemporary or ribbon fastenings which sit flat against your body. When wearing sheer fabrics or bodycon fits it's important to be realistic on how much you will conceal a corset underneath. Our low scoring corsets mean there's no chance you'll disguise some of our designs but of course, we wouldn't want you too. Our comfort rating is based around 3 key factors, a combination of how it feels sitting against your body, does it include modest style features? and how easy is the garment to move in as well as get on and off? We assess the fabrics, styles, and design features to give the corset the most accurate rating. Some designs you might wear all day long, other styles might be less suitable for this. It's important to remember one of the biggest factors will be how tight you lace your corset, tight lacing will ultimately be more uncomfortable. We believe in finding the perfect balance between comfort and style that best suitable for you.
     
0" Waist Reduction - Garments Designed for aesthetics only, lingerie weight pieces 1-2 Disguise Rating - Statement designs made to be seen. These corsets are often used as costumes with theatrical design features including dramatic hip panels, neckpieces, steampunk latch clips, and shoulder accessories. It's unlikely you'll find a way of disguising these styles but why would you want to? 1-5 Comfort Rating - We do not sell anything that is uncomfortable, if you corset is uncomfortable you may have a pattern which isn't suitable for your body shape, or you may be wearing the garment incorrectly
-2" Waist Reduction - One of our more popular styles, our Instant Shape ranges aim to create fashionable comfortable corsets, corsets have ribbon lacing for added comfort suitable for wearing all day long. These corset designs still boasting a impressively flattering 2" reduction. 3 Disguise Rating - Corset designs that you don't want to hide. These might be steampunk or historical styles that can be used for your cosplay or costume looks with carefully thought components to match the look including Steampunk latch clips, chains, and Buckles. 6 Comfort Rating - Corsets to be worn for fewer hours of the day than other designs, possibly made from PVC or Synthetics fabrics that get hot quickly. Design features such as heavy embellishment or costume accessories that look great but become heavy to wear for long period of time.
-2" Elasticted Waist Reduction - Comfortable waist reduction with our new contemporary Elasticated backs, a more comfy approach to waist reduction, allowing flexibility and movement with a Stylish back view. Some styles will include a zip fastening so taking on and off could not be simpler. still impressively flattering the waist by approximately 2". 4-5 Disguise Rating - Difficult to disguise, likely from outerwear ranges desinged to look like tops with fashionable feautures you want to show off. Frills and off the shoulder sleeves or decoratve high necklines would make this desgin hard to conceal. 7 Comfort Rating - Overbust patterns in synthetics fabrics that are less breathable than other styles. Likely designs wore to be seen, tie straps or front lacing details add beautiful touches to corsets but can make the style slightly hard to get on and off. You might find these styles lace up with cording, which has more power to hold you in but less comfortable than ribbon.
-4" Waist Reduction - For those more serious about creating hourglass silhouettes our Waist Taming corsets offer a dramatic reduction of up to 4". Most likely paired with corset cording to add strength for tight lacing 6 Disguise Rating - Outerwear styles designed to be worn like tops, these corsets might have sleeves or high necklines that would be difficult to hide under clothing. Fabrics Like cotton won't be as smoothing under clothes as satin styles. 8 Comfort Rating - Corsets from our outerwear collection, designed to be worn all day long, these corsets still might include a few features that stop a higher rating. Overbust corsets with off the shoulder sleeve might restive movement slightly. Some of these corsets might have front lacing and tie sleeves making them more adjustable but trickier to get on. Laced up with a ribbon for the sleekest lace finish.
-5" Waist Reduction - Ultimate waist training, you will achieve the maximum waist reduction from this selection of corsets to really accentuate the body, designed for experienced corset wearers for up to a spectacular 5" reduction. We recommend reading through our blog post before tight lacing any corsets. 7 Disguise Rating - Designs that were intended to been shown off, you might be able to disguise the fact you are wearing a corset under loose clothing. Likely an overbust style with front lace details or cotton fabrics might not look seamless under clothing. 9 Comfort Rating - Our almost perfect comfort styles, our contemporary design features including elasticated backs, zips, and adjustable straps allow flexibility and movement as well as super easy to get on. Practical for all day long wear, corsets shape such as waspies and underbust don't restrict movement.
8 Disguise Rating - Corsets that will hide easily under looser clothes, they could be overbust's in cotton fabrics or cord laced that might make the corset visible under slim-fitting items, though likely won't have style feature that stick out under clothing. 10 Comfort Rating - The Comfiest of corsets we have to offer, offering our contemporary corset features such as elasticated backs, zips, and adjustable straps for extra flexibility and movement as well as super easy to get on. Made with naturally breathable fabrics and underbust styles so comfortable you might not want to take it off.
9-10 Disguise Rating - Part of our Shapewear and compression Ranges, designed so you can easily disguise your corset under your clothing. Ribbon, hook, and eyes or adjustable straps in satin fabrics and underbust styles make it easier to conceal under clothing. S/J/D Comfort Rating - Corsets from our outerwear collection, designed to be worn for long periods of time, but might include a few features that stop it from rating higher. Overbust corsets with sleeves might restive movement slightly, you'll find these designs heavier than you average dress, shirt, or Jacket because of the corset incorporated into them. But of course, you won't find outerwear that shapes your body better.
S/J/D Disguise Rating - From our outerwear range, these include our shirt, jacket, and dress ranges. For these designs, we base the disguise ability on the corset alone. These styles are made to be seen while concealing corset shapewear beneath them. In these styles, you'll only recognize the corset by the busk and back lacing which we think add a touch of true corset styling to the designs.
     
Not Interested in Waist Reduction? This rating will give you a guide to the corsets in our collections, from lingerie to expert level corsetry, as well as the support they offer All Corsets & foundation garments will be difficult to completely disguise underneath body con and very tight fitting sheer garments, Dresses with scooped backs can also be problematic when pairing with Overbust designs Naturally you will find that your corset will be less comfortable the tighter you lace it, corsetry is about finding the balance between comfort & control that best suits your needs