Last updated on September 21st, 2023 at 09:08 am
“Lucy, what’s the best corset that hides perfectly under clothing?”
Unfortunately, there is no corset in existence, past or present, that looks and feels completely like skin and flesh – however there are a few features to look for that can get you as close as possible. Keep in mind that all corsets are rigid though – at present, all corsets must contain strong fabric, bones for maintaining vertical tension, and laces in the back to adjust the measurements. But apart from that, the options are almost endless. Let’s look at what you should look for in a great stealthing corset. (Some links below support Lucy’s Corsetry so she can continue providing awesome info for free.)
COLOR:
Go for “nude” or skintone fabrics. Bright fabrics can draw attention under thin or light colored tops. Ivory, loomstate, peach, beige, tan, brown, etc – whatever you can find that is closest to your natural complexion.
(Some shameless self-promotion here) The skintone range by Timeless Trends is available in my shop – it suits 7 different skin tones: creme, vanilla, butterscotch, latte, caramel, cinnamon and chocolate. Most good OTR shops also have at least one “nude” option, which may range from peach to ivory to tan colored. Other examples include Orchard Corset, Isabella Corsetry, and Morgana Femme Couture.
FABRIC CONTENT & WEAVE:
Satin is smooth and slippery and allows your clothing to glide overtop. But if you do go for satin, be sure that it’s fused to a stronger backing or roll-pinned – because unsupported satin has a tendency to wrinkle from stress, and these wrinkles can be noticeable. One example of a nude satin in OTR corsets is from Isabella Corsetry. You have the option of going with a peach, nude, or ballet pink cotton-backed satin (satin coutil) if you order custom from almost any reputable maker, which is the best of both worlds (strong, hardy, smooth and glides well under clothing).
For the purpose of training or daily wear corsets, when purchasing OTR / RTW, I usually recommend cotton twill or similar as an outer fabric – yes, it catches slightly more than slippery satin, but it generally doesn’t conduct static, it’s more durable and abrasion resistant, and it’s more breathable than synthetic polyester and better for the skin. Morgana Femme Couture uses nude cotton coutil, and Timeless Trends’ creme corset is 100% cotton as well.
BONING CHANNELS:
There are three different types of channels: external, sandwiched, and internal. I’d recommend either sandwiched or internal, as they create the smoothest finish on the outside of the corset.
Internal boning channels have the potential to be the most smooth on the outside but they are the least comfortable in my opinion (one rare exception is my Mimosa corset by Versatile, which has sandwiched bones on the inside and a floating fashion layer).
External channels are sewn to the outside of the corset, often in contrasting colors which is quite pretty – and truthfully, they have the potential to be the most comfortable with training corsets too, because you don’t have to deal with any bumps or pressure points with bones against your body – but external channels are not good for stealthing.
Sandwiched boning channels is what you see in many American OTR corsets like Orchard Corset (the double-boned styles only, like the 411 or 426) or Timeless Trends – they are a good compromise between smoothness, comfort and fashion, and they’re also often seen in training corsets.
TOP AND BOTTOM EDGE:
Something that’s cut straight across is best, but gently rounded on top and bottom are pretty good too. Avoid points because they can bow and poke out under clothing, or they could dig into your sternum or pubic bone.
One example of a corset that’s cut fairly straight across the top and bottom edge is the CS-411 from Orchard Corset, the Classic Cincher from Isabella Corsetry, and the Mae and Gina corsets by What Katie Did (these can also be special ordered in a peach, ivory, cream, etc).
FRONT CLOSURE:
Good OTR training corsets are typically going to have a busk in front so you can quickly and easily get into and out of it, but it does cause a line of bumps down the front, especially if you’re wearing a fitted shirt.
Some training corsets come with the option of a closed front. You have to open the back laces a lot and slip the corset over your head (or slip it up from your feet, depending on whether your hips or your shoulders are larger) – so getting into and out of the corset isn’t going to be very quick. Busks are much quicker but more noticeable under clothing. One example of a closed front corset is the Meschantes trainer that I had reviewed a few years back.
If you are able to go custom with a maker that offers a good quality zipper in the front, but you will typically have to go custom for that.
BACK CLOSURE:
Unfortunately there’s no such thing as a corset with no laces! However, there are ways to hide your corset laces effectively – see the video below:
What are your requirements for the features in the perfect stealthing corset? What was the best stealthing corset you’ve ever tried? Leave a comment below!
I would like to buy a good corset , but I don’t know
Where.
Can you help me?
Hi Zen, certainly, I’d be glad to help! I have several tiers of corset consultations available, ranging from free quick enquiries in my shop, to comprehensive Skype calls. You can read about the different levels here.
Hi, I was looking for a corset that could get me into some vintage dresses that are too small. The dresses are 22/23 at the waist and I’m 25/26 do you think this is even possible? Im just looking for the temporary fix while I’m in the dress not something permanent. Any advice is appreciated.
Hi Cory, because the outside of a corset is a couple of inches bigger than the inside, I would recommend a size 20″ corset in order to fit into your vintage dresses. It may take a bit of training over time for you to comfortably cinch your waist that small but it is possible!
I’m looking for a stealthily corset for my wife. She is petite. 5″4. What would you recommend. My budget is within $69.
Hi Ros, have you tried putting your wife’s measurements and your budget into the Corset Database? Here’s a link to the database with a maximum budget of $69 and underbust corset filtered: http://corsetdatabase.com/explore/?corsets=1&min_price=0&max_price=69&pa_bust=under
If you need some instruction on how to use the Corset Database, here is my instructional video!
Hi I’m looking for a corset I can wear under my dresses. They range from cotton to silk/satin material. All kinds,to tuck in or hide my stomach.what kind of corset or waist trainer would best work?
Hello Barbie, I’d be happy to recommend a style that would fit you if I know a little more about your measurements. Please see the measuring tutorial on this page and fill out the contact form, and I will get back to you with my recommendations within a day or so. :)
Hi , thanks for all the wonderful advice on this site. Related to stealthing.I’m looking for best overbust corsets for stealthing/breast support. thanks for any recommendations.
Hi Jessica, overbusts can be difficult to stealth properly because the bust support is quite different from that of a modern bra (corsets push the breasts up from below, while bras “hoist” the breasts up partially using the shoulders). If you’d like to retain the “teardrop” breast shape that bras typically give, I’d recommend trying an overbust corset with individual cups for maximum stealth.
Hi. I would like to have a customized corsets made for me due to degenerative disc disease in my spine for support.
I an 33 inches under my breast. Waist ( 2 inches above navel) 34.5 inches and waist is 40 inches.
Hi Amalia, please check out the yellow markers in the map on this page (or if you scroll down and use the directory, the appropriate corset makers will have “medical” by their name). These corsetieres have the experience to make you a custom therapeutic corset, and some of them work with insurance companies as well. :)
Do you think it is possible to hide corset lines and bulges underneath a trumpet style wedding dress? I could just go with shapewear only but really want the hourglass silhouette. I was thinking of wearing shapewear over a Meschantes business corset( haven’t purchased yet). Do you think this would hide the corset lines beneath a trumpet gown? Thank you for any help. I have been scouring the internet for answers 😥
Buskless not business! Oops!
Hi Jessica, I wear some high-waisted compression bike shorts over my corset and it helps hide the lacing bump as well as smooths over the bottom edge (you can also use girdle briefs). How well the corset hides under your wedding dress depends on how many layers and how structured your dress is. If it’s thin, gauzy, and a bit like a nightgown material, a corset won’t stealth well. If it has a lace overlay to conceal lines that’s better for stealthing, and if it’s more structured with ruching and other layers, it would be easiest to wear a corset underneath. But whatever you choose, make sure you buy your corset first and wear it during your dress fittings – don’t wait until the wedding day to change all your underpinnings, otherwise the dress might not drape properly on your body!