Last updated on July 24th, 2023 at 05:15 pm
This past weekend I made a free corset sizing tool – one that accurately calculates your ideal corset size based off of your measurements, lifestyle, and personal needs (because “4-6 inches less than your waist” sometimes isn’t specific enough.)
After testing this calculator with close to 100 people, it seems to have over 90% accuracy rate. While it won’t replace talking to a real person for their recommendation, and it doesn’t take every life situation into account, it will give you a good place to start.
One more important thing:
Just because this calculator recommends *A* specific size, does not mean every corset in that size will fit you perfectly. (After you find your ideal corset size, you need to find a corset that suits your curve as well! Head on over to the Corset Database for more free tools!)
See the video below for a tutorial on how to use this free tool!
In the video I go through four examples:
Example 1: a slender athlete who wants to start waist training. (Timestamp: 1:20)
- 26 inch natural waist
- visible abs in front
- bit soft, fingers sink into side
- wants to waist train
- weight fluctuates, with a natural tendency to lose (because they’re doing sports all the time)
This would recommend a size 22” if they want their corset to lace closed, or size 20” if they prefer a small lacing gap in the back.
Example 2: someone who works in an office and perhaps has a sedentary lifestyle, but likes to wear vintage clothing and wear a tightlacing corset underneath. (Timestamp: 2:40)
- 32 inch natural waist
- bit soft in front
- bit soft at the side as well
- interested in tightlacing
- wants to wear their corset laced closed
This gives a waist size of 27″, which you can correct to a “real” corset size by using the extra question at the bottom. Size up if you have less experience, or size down if you have a little more experience.
Example 3: a mother who’s had multiple pregnancies, a lot of weight gain and loss over the years, and suffers from lower back pain. They’re not interested in waist training, but just wants something to smooth over the loose skin of their tummy and support their spine. They might have a similar waist size to the last person but a very different composition, and different needs. (Timestamp: 3:56)
- 35” natural waist
- very soft in front
- very soft on the side
- wants a corset for back support or pain relief
- fluctuates in weight, with a natural tendency to gain
- prefers a lacing gap in the back
This calculates a waist size of 29″ which can be corrected up to 30″ if they have no corset experience. When worn with a small lacing gap, the corset will be just snug enough to hold in their loose skin and support their posture.
Example 4: someone starting out a bit larger, who has made a new year’s resolution to lose weight (I’ve been getting a lot of emails like this in the past few weeks!) and wants a corset to last them a little longer through their weight loss. (Timestamp: 5:16)
- 49” natural waist
- very soft in front
- very soft at the side
- interested in waist training
- they are actively in the process of losing weight (the wording is intentional here – see below)
- NO gap at the back (see explanation below for the reason why)
This calculates a corset size of 38″ which will carry their waist training at least several months through their weight loss journey, depending on how much they plan to ultimately lose, and how quickly they’re dropping weight.
Extra notes on this case:
Please choose the “actively and intentionally losing weight” ONLY if you are currently in the process of losing weight – because if you only intend to lose weight but have made no steps to start, clicking this option might not be realistic and might leave you with a corset that’s too small to wear. Clicking this option takes you down a size, so that you don’t have a corset that you shrink out of too quickly. (Same with the other option of intentionally gaining weight, it will take you up a size!) So if you’re actively in the process of losing weight already, you may click that option. You’ll also see a cautionary note pop up on the calculator, if you are changing your weight quickly, so be sure to give this a read!
Then you get to the question for a lacing gap in the back – if you’re already losing weight, we recommend choosing the “no gap” option otherwise it will give you a corset that can be around 12 inches smaller than your natural waist (which is not recommended or safe for beginners).
People with a larger natural waist tend to be able to cinch more. Some experienced corset models have a natural waist over 40 inches and are quite soft, and they’re able to cinch down 8 inches within minutes! If you’re also losing weight on top of that, the calculator will size you down. But do keep in mind that there’s a point where OTR corsets don’t have laces long enough to open up by 10-12 or more inches – also, if the gap in the back is too big, you won’t have the right torque to pull it tighter so it wraps around the body and fits properly.
Hope this tutorial helped! Try out the sizing calculator for yourself and let us know if it worked for you!
Hi Lucy!
I’ve had this issue where my corsets tend to flare slightly on the top right side, but the left side is nice and flush. If I pull the cords on the right side it the corset looks crooked.
Hi Christy, bodily asymmetries are not all that uncommon! I would recommend taking measurements of your body (left and right side), measurements of your corset (left and right side), and seeing where the asymmetry might be. If the asymmetry is in your body, you can choose to pad out your corset on the side that feels bigger, or you can invest in an asymmetric corset that fits your body more closely. If it’s your corset that’s asymmetric and not you, then I’d definitely contact the company you got it from, explain the issue and see if they can replace it for you!
I know this isn’t related to this blog/chat/whatever this is… But I’ve watched your Youtube videos for several years now. At one point, I vaguely remember you mentioning a way to trade your used corsets for new ones. I was wondering how I would do that… (If this dosen’t make sense or I’m remembering something incorectly please let me know)
Thanks!!
Hi Kathryne, I simply sold my gently used corsets on sites like Ebay or Facebook Marketplace and I used whatever funds I could get towards purchasing a new corset.
Hi Lucy’s Corsetry,
I just wanted to say thank you for making this helpful guide. My measurements have changed since the last time that I attempted waist training. I wasn’t sure if I should try using my old corset or get a better fitting one.
And I just sent my measurements. I look forward to hearing from you!
– D.
Hi D! Thank you for your kind comment! I’ve answered your email; please let me know if you need any other information or have any other questions!
If im recommended size 19 (24 years old and 105lbs, 5 foot 2) and my measurements are 28 1/2, 25, 29 or 29, 25 1/2, 29 1/4. I like the lace gap at the back but hope to waist train and utilize stealthing to reduce my waist. I wear cheap corsets at home and even sleep in them and eat in them so i’m confident in my experience, but unsure if a size 18 will be too small. Should I size up or down?
Hi Julianna, your measurements aren’t labeled, but assuming a 25″ natural waist, I would normally recommend a size 20″. If you have quite a lot of experience with waist training already, then you can technically go down to 18″ and wear it with a 2-inch wide lacing gap in the back. If your plan is to go custom, then a size 19″ waist is feasible for a specialist corsetiere.
Hi Lucy my name is Alyssa I’m having a hard time finding the right corset for myself and was wondering how I could reach out and get a recommendation from you more then just the waist size I should get. Thank you
Hi Alyssa, I just sent you an email, please check your inbox. :)
I am in the process of seasoning my new Timeless Trends Hourglass Waspie in size 22. My initial measurements before corset training was: torso 8”, under bust 27.75, waist 27.5”, upper hips 32”. I have 4 prominent abs and a bit squish in the waist and hips. After 11 days, i can now wear it with a 3.25” gap.
I’d like to know if I will need another size 22 TT Waspie to train in as a substitute. I intend to wear it 8-10 hrs. daily. I air it out on a hanger after every use. I am also actively trying to lose weight because I have a natural tendency to gain weight. I intend to wear them with a slight gap os that the bones do not rest on the spine.
When would i know the time to size down to 20”? Should I then get a curvier cotton waspie from Orchard Corset with a rib spring of 26-28” and hip spring of 30” (size 20j or stick to TT Hourglass Waspie which has a rib spring of 24” and hip spring of 29” (size 20)?
Thank you.
Hi Lou, whether you get a second training corset is often personal preference – but many people recommend having two corsets to cycle through, so one is airing out while the other one is worn. It improves the longevity of the garments to have more than one (same with bras, shoes, other types of clothing). But when it comes to training down: since the ribcage and hipbone measurements are unlikely to change much over time even with weight loss (if you can feel your bones, then it won’t change much) then you will probably need a curvier corset once you’re finished with the TT cincher.
Hi Lucy,
I have been looking to get a corset due to low back pain & I also wear only women’s lingerie. I do wear all in one open bottom girdles with garters, yet they don’t help much with my lower back, longline bras don’t compress enough. Wear a 42B I do live on a fixed income.
I have also support your site through Patreon @ $25 lvl. Any help you can give a first timer would be much appreciated.
Hi Norman, thanks so much for your comment! If you’d like a personal size recommendation from me, here’s my measuring tutorial and contact form, it’s completely confidential and I usually get back with my suggestions within a day. Talk to you soon!
Hi
Lucy, Two of my measurements I’m sure of. My front center torso length is 16
.6 from waist to corset bottom and 10″ from Waist to corset top.And I want the waist 16 outside the corset when closed!7 down from my natural 23. No exceptions!
I’ve seen most of your videos .I’m going to check out your men’s gallery but I’m sure nothing will fit!
I ordered a custom from Meschantes the torso is 2 inches shorter than I ordered and the laces don’t glide well. When I go to take it off Its harder to loosen than tighten !
I ALWAYS give you a thumbs up , do you have any advise or suggestions for me?
.
Hi Aaron, there are two galleries that might be of help to you.
The first is the custom corsets that have base prices under $200.
The second gallery features corset makers who are specialized in creating tiny corsets (under 18 inches). Many of them have made corsets 15 inches in the waist. I would probably go with the second gallery for commissioning a custom corset as they will have the skills necessary to create a piece that fits you.
Hi, I’m looking for a corset, I’ve never worn one properly before. I have a large hip to waist ratio, bipeing 22″ I have 33/34″ waist bit soft a wife had 4 children, trying to lose weight (unsuccessfully haha) but I have 54/55″ hips. So I am not sure where to start, any help would be appreciated.
Hi Jodie, I have a measurement tutorial and contact form here if you would like my personal recommendation for what would fit you!
I dont see much for men and i want to find a corset for my boy friend. He like how i look in them and how it pushes my bust up. He said he would anything once if it makes me happy so i want to find a corset for him.
Hi Stevie, I have a gallery dedicated to corsets for men here!