Last updated on February 9th, 2015 at 01:29 am
This article is a summary of the following video “What is the BEST corset brand?” which you are free to watch below, skip to the text below to read the main points.
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About half of all the emails/messages/ comments, I receive ask me the same thing:
“What is the BEST corset for waist training that I can start with?”
“What’s the cheapest amount I can go and still get a good quality corset?”
“What corset gives the BEST shape or fastest results?”
I’m here to tell you that there is no such thing as the BEST corset brand. There are a few dominating OTR corset brands out there in social media including Orchard Corset [7], Isabella Corsetry [3], Timeless Trends [5] and What Katie Did [10]. The numbers beside each brand are the number of corsets I have owned from them over the past few years. I can recognize these brands at a glance, even if they are being resold by other distributors under a different name. But please bear in mind that I said these were the DOMINATING brands. These brands are popular and consistently do well in business, like the McDonalds, Walmart, and Apple of the corset world. But these aren’t the only brands, and they are not suitable for every body type and every purpose.
If you would like to know which of these are the best corset for waist training in terms of strength, curve and customer service, see my table on this page: Can I Waist Train in That Corset?
(But also know that before you buy just any one of them, you should do further research into their length, silhouette and proportions so it fits you properly!)
Many people approach corseting with an over simplistic view. They want fast and clear answers, as if corsetry were a black and white practice. I can understand that prospective corseters are super excited to get started, but too many skip over an important research phase, or they figure they will ‘learn as they go along’. From my observations, those who are too impatient to properly research corsetry before purchasing, also have a higher chance of being impatient in their tightlacing practice – and sooner or later, either the corset or the wearer suffers the consequences:
- They may experience pain or injury (muscle cramps, headaches, bruising) from pushing themselves too hard
- The corset may break prematurely due to misuse and abuse.
- The corseter may fall off the wagon or become disenchanted with corsetry, their money and their efforts wasted, because they went into corseting with unrealistic expectations.
Please remember these words:
Corseting is not for the impatient.
All that said, I know how frustrating it can be to find a corset that does everything you want it to do – fits comfortably, shapes you nicely, strong and doesn’t cost and arm and a leg. It’s taken me many, many years of searching to find a corset that suits my needs, and over time I’m just getting pickier and pickier about what I want in a good training corset. This is why I started doing corset reviews: so others could learn from my past mistakes and make wiser purchases. Since everyone has a different body, it stands to reason that the same corset is not going to fit two different people the same way. For this reason, there cannot be ONE corset that is perfect for everyone. It’s not like the magic travelling pants.
Several years ago, I used to recommend 1-2 brands to everyone regardless of their body type, silhouete preferences etc., because those brands are what worked for me at the time. I now regret that I did, because over time I learned that what works for me may not work for you. So if you are a beginner and you ask someone for corset recommendations, and they immediately direct you to one brand without even looking at your measurements or your use for the corset, practice caution – you don’t know if they’re affiliated with a certain company, or maybe they don’t have much experience with many different brands. Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen various corset companies hire bloggers and vloggers to push and promote their brand. On Fiverr, there are literally thousands of people willing to give fraudulent positive reviews and testimonials. I’m not saying this to scare you or make you believe that you can’t trust any brand, but I would advise that for any brand you’re looking at, get a second, third or fourth opinion if anything you hear doesn’t sit right with you. That applies to anything that I say, too. I have always said to take information with a grain of salt and do your own research.
But if you do value my opinion, then for those of you who remember my consultations last year, I have finally brought back the consultations. I refuse to be ‘bought’ by corset companies; all recommendations in these consults are coming from my heart. I’m much more interested in you being safe and comfortable in a corset that suits you, than running with your money. Why? Because in the long run, more happy and healthy corseters drown out the naysayers and those who believe that all corsets are the same (“painful and dangerous”). With so many different brands, cuts and styles available, clearly they are not all the same and they don’t all do the same thing. More happy corseters means less corset fearmongering.
Bottom line: There is no such thing as the “perfect corset brand” for everybody. But there very well may be a suitable corset for each.
I love your blog me and my sister are looking into corset training. We’ve done research after research but not sure what’s true, safest, reliable and so on. Is there any way you could help us find what we looking for?
Hi Sabreena, certainly I can help you find a suitable corset! My consultation page is up, have a read through and see if it’s suitable for you.
I still don’t really know what corset would work for me im 5`6 size14 I weigh 175 bra size is 40 D someone help me pretty please.!!
Hi Kristina, I have a measuring guide on this page which may help.
As someone lightweight interested in purchasing and beginning a journey of corseting, this blog was probably the best beginning advice I could have received. I thank you :)
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found it helpful. :)
Hi. I am 5 months post partum and I don’t know if you have had any children but I am sure you know mothers. I have lost all the weight thankfully from my pregnancy but my stomach and waist are still a bit eh to me. I have a smaller upper torso, long legs and I am currently 125 pounds. I am about 5’4. I was wonder what you would suggest as far as a good brand and size for me.
Hi Brenda, I have a measuring page here – you’re welcome to email me your measurements and your budget, and I can make some suggestions for you.
Omg I just read your blog and I love it :) & I Juss Had A baby Bout 2 1/2 weeks ago and I am trying to train my waist so please help… How can I purches one or something cause I need my body back I’m only 20 and I have 4 kids !!!
Hi Rebecca, I have a measuring guide here which can help narrow down the choices. You’re also welcome to look through my sale page – before purchasing, I have a contact form at the bottom of the page where we can discuss what styles will work for you.
Hello Lucy, love your blog! I’ve been interested in getting into waist training for a while and your blog has cleared many of my doubts and queries.
ATM I’ve been hearing a lot about the ‘whatsawaist’ waist trainer by premadonna (following the whole Kardashian wearing craze). Just wondering have you personally tried that waist trainer or know how good they are? They’re rather pricy (over $100) so just wanted to gather some opinions on it.
Or would you be able to recommend any other reasonably priced but effective corsets? I have pretty bad muffin top/love handles + gut so am just unsure on which one i should purchase
Thanks a lot in advance.
Hi Rachel, I haven’t tried that latex cincher as I find latex to be incredibly uncomfortable – they give me itchy, painful heat rashes, and usually the garment is not supported with enough bones and end up digging into me. I have a video on latex cinchers here.
Thanks so much for your quick response!
Which corset would you recommend then? I’m about 5’4 and weigh 70kg, i’m just after something that will cover my gut and love handles as I have a wedding coming up!
Also, do you know of any retailers in Australia or places I can order off with reasonable shipping prices?
Thanks again.
I am currently 230 lbs but you can never tell that by looking at me I have a good shape but after having my daughter by c section my mid section of my body has gotten to a point where it’s uncomfortable. I’m 22 and 5″7 which courser brand do you recommend for me? I wear size 18 pants and a large shirt.
Hi Brittany, corset sizes are different from street clothes sizing, so I’ll need some more accurate measurements from you before I can recommend a style or brand. I have instructions for measuring yourself here. Thanks!
I found you via YouTube as I’ve been researching. Which is how I was lead here then to the site Timeless Trends. I’m not sure how tall you are but I’m about 5’4 and I think I have a long torso. I’m trying to be patient and learn before purchasing to get great results and my money’s worth. I’d like an under bust corset but looking at the traditional (not the minis) it looks as though my fat (lol) could hang out near the bottom. How do I find out if I need the extended lengh which you offer on your site or the regular? I’m not at all needing the mini (as I call it)! I know you said you no longer give advice with out seeing the body type. I do have a photo available if need be. But I’d like to purchase soon as I’ve been researching for a month or so.
Hi Bella, thanks for your message. If you could take a look at my measurements page, and send me an email with your natural measurements I will be able to suggest a couple of corsets that will be compatible for your body. If you have a specific budget too, that would be useful. :)
Oh my God… I am SO glad that I found you ! :D
I have a body image OBSESSION [ as becoming a glamour model is my ultimate DREAM ], && having that perfect hourglass figure has ALWAYS been a CONSTANT obsession of mine [ seeing as I’m a ‘banana/boy shaped’ body… :((( ].
I constantly research what workouts && diet plans will help me achieve my desired curvy body look [ && will be implementing these to my lifestyle soon ], but I’ve also always been interested in corset training, just in case all else fails [ which it probably will, seeing as it’s nearly impossible to change our body type/shape ].
With all this said, as one poster asked above, may I PLEASE send you my measurements, a pic or two, && my price preferences ?
What is your email ?
Thank you so much for your time ! ^_^
I’m just DYING for this !
Hi Kerstan, my email is on my “FAQ & contact” page. :) You can also message me on Facebook and Tumblr as I can answer questions there too. Cheers!
Hello! Just got to your blog and I love it, I’ll learn as much as I can before getting started….too bad I’m from Chile and nobody knows anything about waist training… :(
I’m so glad you love my blog, Catz! Thank you very much! Don’t worry, there wasn’t anyone I could talk to about corsetry when I first got into it, but there’s a great online community of people around the world. You’re welcome to ask any questions you like here or on Youtube, and to join the Tightlacing Society group on Facebook! :)
I am from Chile too! Have you find something :(? I dont want to order online, i would like yo try it on first
I am from Chile too! Have you find something :(? I don’t want to order online, i would like to try it on first
Lucy, we LOVE you! You are the numero uno corsetting teacher on the Net! You have saved SOOOO many of your sisters from unecessary expense (for wrong choices) and maybe even injuries.
Many thanks and much love. No reply needed. Kari from San Diego, CA
What corset would be best for rib training? I’m trying to tighten my rib cage but don’t know which type to buy or from where.
Hi Ariana, I have a gallery of corsets with a conical ribcage here; this is the most effective silhouette for training your ribs. :)