Getting the right measurements is the first and most crucial step to finding a comfortable and well-fitting corset. For beginners, this process involves taking accurate measurements of key areas of your body.
Proper corset measuring requires a few key measurements to ensure a good fit that enhances your shape without causing discomfort. The most important areas to measure are typically the underbust, natural waist, and high hip.
Key Measurements for Corset Sizing
To measure for a corset, you'll generally need three main measurements:
- Underbust: The area directly below your bust.
- Natural Waist: The slimmest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
- High Hip: The measurement around your hip bones, often where your underwear sits or the top crease of your hip/thigh joint.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Always use a flexible, cloth measuring tape for accuracy. Stand up straight and relax your body – don't suck in or push out.
Underbust Measurement
To measure your underbust for a corset, follow these steps, similar to the method shown in some guides:
- Stand: Begin by standing up straight.
- Position Tape: Take your measuring tape and place it directly underneath your bust, aiming for about the center of that area.
- Wrap Around: Bring the tape straight around your back to meet the front, ensuring the tape is level all the way around.
- Read Measurement: Note the measurement where the tape overlaps. Keep the tape snug but not so tight that it digs into your skin.
Natural Waist Measurement
This is typically the most important measurement for a corset:
- Find Your Waist: Bend slightly to one side; the crease that forms is usually your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso. It's often just above your belly button.
- Wrap Around: Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- Read Measurement: Read the number where the tape overlaps. Ensure the tape is snug but comfortable – you should be able to slip one finger underneath.
High Hip Measurement
This measurement helps ensure the bottom of the corset fits comfortably over your hips:
- Locate High Hip: Feel for your hip bones (iliac crests). The high hip measurement is usually taken around this level or slightly below, where the top of your thigh creases when you lift your leg.
- Wrap Around: Wrap the measuring tape around this area, keeping it level.
- Read Measurement: Note the measurement. Again, the tape should be snug but not tight.
Tips for Beginners
- Stand Straight: Good posture ensures accurate measurements.
- Use Flexible Tape: Avoid using metal construction tapes.
- Snug, Not Tight: The tape should lay flat against your skin but not indent it.
- Measure Over Minimal Clothing: Ideally, measure over thin underwear or directly against your skin for the most accurate results.
- Get Help: If possible, have a friend or partner assist you, especially for the back measurements, to ensure the tape stays level.
Recording Your Measurements
It's helpful to record your measurements clearly. A simple table can be useful:
| Measurement | Your Result |
|---|---|
| Underbust | |
| Natural Waist | |
| High Hip |
Comparing these numbers to a specific corset brand's sizing chart is the next step, as sizing can vary. Many corsets are sized based primarily on the natural waist measurement, often recommending a size that is a few inches smaller than your natural waist for waist reduction.
Measuring for a corset is straightforward once you know which points to measure and how to position the tape correctly. Taking these steps carefully will significantly improve your chances of selecting a well-fitting and comfortable corset.
