This entry is a summary of the review video “Shape of your Corset Gap – What does it mean?” which you can watch on YouTube here:
Shape/ meaning |
Brands to avoid for your body type |
Brands to consider for your body type |
/\This means that your hips are too wide for this corset pattern. This type of gap is common for women who are naturally a pear shape. Do NOT try to force the hips smaller because then you may get an odd bump at the lower edge of the corset, and it can also make your hips go numb. |
Avoid any corsets that say “modern slim” silhouette or “gentle curves.” This may include any of the “Level 1″ corsets from Orchard Corset, or the underbust corsets from Corsets-UK. | For those who have a larger hipspring, look for corsets for vintage figures: What Katie Did or Isabella Corsetry are good choices. They have a hipspring of more than 12-14 inches. |
\/This means that your ribcage or shoulders are too broad or fleshy for the corset. While it is possible to train down your ribcage, it’s unlikely that you can train it right from the very top edge. This often occurs in swimmers or in men who wear women’s corsets. |
Corsets that have a relatively narrow ribcage, which include some Leatherotics underbust corsets and some WKD underbusts. | For standard corsets with a larger ribcage, try Timeless Trends and the CS-426 from Orchard Corset. |
()This is when you have gaping at the waist – the bones in the back are either too flexible, or the waist is too small than you’re ready for. This CAN ruin the corset because it’s forcing the bones to twist in their channels. It can even make the bones kink outward or inward into your back, which is quite uncomfortable. |
Avoid corset patterns that are curvier than you are ready for. If you have a very “unyielding” figure, you may have to train down before buying corsets like WKD or Isabella. | I’d recommend you start with a larger corset size, or go for a corset that makes more gentle/ natural hourglass or slim silhouettes like Leatherotics or Timeless Trends. |
)(This is when your body is more of an hourglass shape than the corset itself! The corset doesn’t have enough curve in it. BEWARE of this common trick on websites! They will use models who are naturally quite curvy and this will make their corsets curvier. A corset that is modelled with a gap like this in the back will likely look more tubular when it’s laced straight. |
Avoid any corsets that say “modern slim” silhouette or “gentle curves.” This may include any of the “Level 1″ corsets from Orchard Corset, the underbust corsets from Corsets-UK or Leatherotics. | Try What Katie Did Morticia corset, the Curvy Girl corset from Azrael’s Accomplice, or several options available from Isabella Corsetry or Ms Martha’s corset shop. |
\\A diagonal but fairly parallel gap means that the corset fits your ribcage, waist and hips reasonably well but it is twisting on the body. There are several reasons why this may be happening: 1. If the corset is made with twill and all of the panels have the twill running in the same direction. This is because twill, while strong, has an asymmetric weave so stretches more on one bias than another. To test if your corset has stretched differently on either side, measure the ½ circumference on each side of your corset at ribcage, waist and hips. See if both sides are equal. 2. It may just have been how you put the corset on that day! Always lace in front of a mirror to avoid tying it skewed. If you notice your corset is twisted on you, take it off immediately and put it on again straight. It is possible for a corset to season into a permanent twisted shape!
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In the first situation, I recommend not buying corsets made with twill – or if they are made with twill, make sure the corsetiere is experienced enough to sew it perfectly on grain, and to flip every other panel so that the bias of all panels don’t run in the same direction.Also, as bad as it sounds, avoid “risky investments.” Ensure that your corsetiere is scrutinous about making each half of the corset the same way, and to specification (whether symmetric or asymmetric). | In the last situation (physical asymmetry), I strongly suggest finding an experienced corsetiere who can fit you with an asymmetric corset, which will then end up looking symmetric on you! |
||This is the coveted vertical parallel gap! Some people prefer to have no space in the back, while others like about 2 inches of space so the back edges don’t touch the spine. Either way, your corset fits you well. Congratulations! |
Make sure that your corset is not too big for you; when the corset is closed there shouldn’t be any significant gaping between your ribcage and the top edge of the corset, or your hips and the bottom edge of your corset. | You’re very lucky, my friend! If You’ve found an off-the-rack corset that fits you nearly as well as a custom corset. If it makes you look good and feel good, then take it and run! |
Final Thoughts:
Many people have no problem with the shape of their corset gap (after all, the wearer doesn’t have to see it!). If this is you, then continue rocking your corset just the way you like it. However if you, like me, are a little more conscientious about achieving the vertical parallel lines of a well-fit corset, I hope these suggestions can help you choose a better off-the-rack corset for next time – and if all else fails, go custom!
Great summary! If someone was experiencing the )( gap issue, would Timeless Trends be something to avoid or are they a little curvier?
It depends on your body type and how much )( you’re experiencing! I find that my Leatherotics and my Corsets-UK corsets give me the )( gap, but my Timeless Trends corsets are straight for the most part. You can see how the TT fits on me in this video. However it’s still a gentler hourglass compared to, say, WKD brand.
This information was very valuable and concise! I was wondering why I was getting the /\ shape in my Timeless Trends underbust corset; I know now that this is yet again due to my hips/pear-shapedness :-/. I went ahead and ordered the “Josephine” from Isabella Corsetry per your suggestions!
I’m glad I could help, Patricia! I hope you enjoy the Josephine corset, the one I have gives a beautiful and balanced silhouette.
I recently bought a corset and its kind of loose at the very top 2 grommets (I can lace all the way pretty much)… I’m just starting to train, should I return for a smaller size?
Hi Kelley, are you lacing all the way only at the very top? Does the rest of the back have a /\ shape? Yes, I would say either exchange your corset for a smaller size, or choose a corset that is built more for hourglass or pear shapes.
I’m going to exchange it for another size/style… Thank you!
I was able to lace up the top 2 and I could fit my hand in at the side by my bust… But it fits every where else…