HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF FOR CORSETRY
Accurate measurements are essential for the creation of a properly fitting corset that is both flattering and comfortable.
It is extremely difficult to take accurate measurements on your own, so please ask a trusted friend or family member,
or a professional seamstress or tailor to help you if possible.
Getting Started
When you take your measurements, wear a well fitting, unpadded, supportive bra, a tight fitting t-shirt or leotard and a pair of leggins or a stretchy skirt - do not wear tight jeans or anything which may cause a 'bulge' at the hips or waist, as this will give inaccurate measurements.
Tie a ribbon/tape or elastic around your waist tightly - so that it stays in place, but not so tight as to cut off your circulation!. Wiggle and jiggle about a little until the string settles into a position. This is your natural waist and the point from where many measurements will start and finish. Leave the string in place at all times during measuring. The waist tape and the side seams of your tshirt/leotard will also provide many important reference points.
Stand up straight with feet a hips width apart and arms by your side. Make sure you are standing up straight as slouching can affect measurements quite drastically. All measurements should be taken with the tape measure snug, not loose.
Accuracy is important - vanity measuring or second guessing will cause problems and extra fitting time which will incur extra expense and probably delays - Your true measurements really will give the best results
Measure around the bust - the tape measure should be parallel with the floor, pass over the fullest part of the bust (the apex) and be snug, not loose.
Measure around the underbust where your bra band would normally sit
Measure around your waist where the ribbon is
After measuring the waist, pivot your tape measure so that it is vertical, and measure 10cm from the ribbon/waist - measure the circumference of the upper hip
Measure 20cm down from the ribbon/waist - this is your lower hip - measure the circumference.
This is where you will need help - measure from the nape of your neck to your waist where the tape is. This is a vital measurement as it gives me information on where to place the bust and the under arm.
(Optional - not pictured) - Measure your side seam from waist to under-arm.
A note on Standard Sizing for Corsetry
If you fall into an average size frame, you may not need a corset fitting. Our samples and ready to ship corsets are all made to a standard size chart which has a very wide range of fit. If you fall into the sizes noted below within and inch or two, then a ‘ready to wear’ will fit. All RTW sizes come with a 7 day money-back/exchange guarantee.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to email me.
