How to Measure for a Corset
Before you start corseting, you want to be confident that you are using a corset that fits well. Unlike many mass produced corset sites, Violet Vixen offers a new size option for every two inches, rather than every four inches, so that you can find an EXACT fit, but you will need to know your measurements.
When measuring for your corset, use a fabric measuring tape. We are here to help you find your dream corset, and fabric measuring tapes ensure the best measurements to get the best fit possible.
How to Measure yourself for a Corset
You want to do this with most clothing removed, as added layers will affect the sizing. Also, make sure you lay your tape measure flat against your body when sizing. There are about 3 to 5 measurements you will need, and this is how you find them!
- BUST: *You only need this measurement if you are getting an overbust corset. Wrap the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest at nipple level. Round to the nearest whole number.
- UNDERBUST: Your underbust is typically wear a bra line rests, right around the top of your ribs and just under your breasts.
- NATURAL WAIST: find the narrowest part of your waist, which is typically an inch above the belly button where your torso naturally bends. Keep the tape flat and try to leave a little room to breathe by making sure you can fit at least a finger between the measuring tape and yourself, depending on how tight a fit you want.
*Corseting/Waist Training can feel restricting, and we at Violet Vixen recommend for beginners, that you leave a bit of room to wiggle in with your first corset. Once you’ve become more accustomed to the feel you can then decide how much tighter you are able to go as you train down.
- UPPER HIP: you will find your hip measurements right below the top of your hip bone, where the body naturally bends when you sit. Much like the waist measurement, for our beginners, make sure to leave a little breathing room.
- TORSO LENGTH: **Not all corsets require that you have this measurement, but depending on the type you are buying, here is how you would find this! It’s best to start off sitting straight up in a chair with your back completely straight. You’ll then want to place the end of the measuring tape at your underbust line, to the side under the nipple and bring it down to the top of your thigh.
If you have a smaller torso, it is crucial to make sure you measure this so your corset fits you in the best way possible. If the torso length of a corset is too long, it will shift upwards when you sit down, or can even prevent you from sitting at all. When taking this measurement, consider where you want the bottom of the corset to stop when sitting.
How to Find the Right Size Corset
Most corset providers, including Violet Vixen, will have a unique corset sizing chart for their brand that you can refer to on the product page (just click “Sizing Help”), so you can determine the best size. For most corsets, you’ll want to subtract 3–4 inches from your waist size to determine the corset size. For example, if your natural waist is 30 inches, you would subtract 3 inches and look on the sizing chart and that would give you your proper size. On the Violet Vixen sizing chart, you would fall in the range of a size 26 or a size 24, depending on your experience and how dramatic you want your cinch to be.
If you are worried about how you’ll handle the drastic slimming that corseting offers, don’t be afraid to size up! This process is a slow one, and you want to ensure you have enough room to happily live in and wear your corset. Some waists may slim a bit slower than others, and that is OKAY! Your comfort matters most, so if you find yourself questioning, don’t be afraid to size up! It is way easier to cinch down than it is to try and make more room!
If you have more questions about how to measure for a corset or how to find the correct corset size, please email us at service@thevioletvixen.com. We want this process to be smooth and easy for you. It's easier to send us your questions and let us help you through this process, than it is to get the wrong size and have to return it and get a new one. We are here to help but you're basically a pro after reading this, right?!
Free Automated Corset Consultation
We have a super, fun, automated, corset, consultation that is done through Facebook Messenger. It's so easy and entertaining. You should go try it! You'll talk to our friendly, robot, Rosy. She'll ask you questions about your preferences and needs with your corset. She will step you through the process of measuring for your corset and establishing what exactly you want when you just aren't sure. It takes about 5 minutes and then, someone will get back to you with hand-picked recommendations, chosen with you in mind and the exact size you'll need. It makes it super easy to find the corset of your dreams!
Try our Free Corset Consultation!
Go to: https://m.me/TheOfficialVVand click "Free Corset Consultation" to initiate the conversation
*you must have Facebook Messenger to use this feature.
Here are some of the other topics we have covered on our Violet Vixen Blog so far:
- Waist Training Basics: How to Find the Right Corset
- How to Properly Season a Corset
- About Violet Vixen and Our Staff
About the Author: Trish Olszewski
Trish is our designated social networker bringing in and introducing so many creatives and faces to help express and explain our story through the art we make everyday including photoshoots, brand promoting and event promotion.
She’s our fiery, pirate, faerie, specializing in the tantalizing fashion and performance life of burlesque and aerial work. Along with her many other performance talents she’s skilled in the world of mythical and gothic fashion. Her many faces and identities help her create unique and specialized looks for anyone and everyone!
