Underbust corsets, overbust corsets and bustiers

Underbust, overbust or bustier

An underbust corset stops below the bust, so you choose the bra on top. Our Underbust Lace Corset ($98) has twelve spiral steel bones and a lace up back. An overbust covers the bust too and works as a hero piece alone; the Satin Overbust Corset ($128) has sixteen steel bones and a sweetheart neckline. A bustier uses soft boning and underwire cups, so it is comfortable for hours but shapes less.

If you have never worn a corset, start with an underbust or a bustier. They are easier to lace alone and work with clothes, too. An overbust gives the most dramatic silhouette, so it suits planned shoots and special nights.

Measuring for a corset

Measure your natural waist with the tape snug but not tight, then your hips at the widest point. Choose the letter size that matches your waist in our size guide. Our corsets are made for shaping, not waist training, so the right size closes at the front busk with the lacing still slightly open at the back. If your hips are two sizes larger than your waist, pick a bustier or the lace underbust, which sits higher on the hip.

Lacing it up

Loosen the back lacing fully, close the front busk, then tighten the laces from the middle outward in two or three passes. Give yourself a few minutes between passes. A corset should feel firm and supported, never painful, and you should be able to breathe deeply. For photos, stand slightly side on to the camera; the boning reads best in profile.

Ask someone to help the first time, because tightening evenly across the back is easier with a second pair of hands. Once the laces are set, you can usually open and close the front busk alone without touching the back again.

Styling corset lingerie

Pair an underbust with a plunge bra from our lingerie sets and a garter, or wear the Lace Bustier Top with jeans for content outside the bedroom. Vinyl corsets catch a ring light as one bright line and match our leather lingerie. Lace and satin corsets are spot clean only, so store them flat or hanging, never folded.

A corset over a sheer bodysuit is another strong option, because the mesh smooths the line between the top edge and the body.