Most people know there are at least a few different types of corset available, but in reality there are as many different variations as there are different makers; so its important to study the shape and style of a makers previous work before you buy. The most popular types are the hourglass, conical, and waist corset shapes. Others include pipe stem, S bend, Elizabethan and of course the male corset, which can be any of the above altered for the male physique.
When starting to corset train, the S bend and the pipe stem are no-go areas, these styles are for experienced tightlacers only and mould the body into fairly unnatural shapes; altering the torso to a much larger degree than the other styles. The Elizabethan shape belongs more to the realm of the historical re-enactor and the period dresser and is also less commonly used for corset training as the familiar modern day corset shape is based on the Victorian corset.
Your choice of corset style depends entirely on your desired body shape and preferred level of restriction. This will normally lead you to choose either the waist corset or an on the hips or over the hips version of the hourglass or conical shape – or something somewhere in-between these three.
The main question you should ask yourself is ‘do I want to shape my ribs?’ If the answer is ‘no’ or ‘that sounds scary!’ then opt for the hourglass, you can always progress to the conical shape later. The hourglass corset follows the curves of the ribs, moulding the figure while allowing room for them, the conical shape has straight sides that taper down from top to waist like an upside-down cone. This alters the position of the lower ‘floating’ ribs but should not cause discomfort in this area. Aching ribs are a sign of a too tightly laced corset. Remember, corset training is a gradual process not a quick fix, when in doubt – loosen!
The time period for altering rib shape is about 8 months plus, which varies from body to body and can take up to a year and a half to have full effect. During this time the corset needs to be worn at least 12 to 14 hours a day during the day or whenever you are most active. Sleeping in your corset won’t work, you need to eat, drink, walk, talk and play scrabble in it for corset training to take effect. To exercise however, the corset should be removed. A conical rib cage can reduce lung capacity slightly in the same way cardiovascular exercise increases it, but this is unlikely to affect you unless your aiming for an extreme reduction to an inched waist size in the teens. There are no other health issues involved and a conical shape won’t stop you exercising, rock climbing, scuba diving or having children.
As to corset length; whether you go for an on the hips or over the hips corset depends on your tummy flattening requirements. Over the hips gives more support to this area and is preferred for extreme tightlacing as the pressure of the corset is spread over a larger surface area and the abdomen isn’t under strain from lack of support. There is slightly more restriction of movement from a longer corset but it will also improve posture and support the back more. When ordering a pre-made corset in the longer style it is important to check that the length of the front busk (if it is a front opening corset) isn’t so long that it will hurt your pelvic bone when your sit down. The torso is shortest when the body is in a sitting position so to check this length sit down on a hard surface (not a padded sofa etc) with your back straight and using a stick or large ruler measure from your pelvic bone to your breast bone. Allow 2 inches more for an over bust, although the overbust is rarely used for corset training.
Lastly we come to the waist corset, also known as the waist cincher or waspie. This is the ‘corset training light’ corset, it has the benefit of complete freedom of movement and gives the figure the same sexy waist as a normal corset. However the waist corset gives no support or shaping to the stomach or ribs and the limited surface area also means less pressure can be safely and comfortably applied to the body; thus making the waist corset unsuitable for more than light corset training. The waist corset also gives the figure a less streamline silhouette as only the middle 6 to 8 inches are reduced. ©
does anyone know where exactly I can buy corsets that are conical and have the ability to taper the ribs? also, how can you tell just by looking at the corset if its going to create a conical or hourglass figure when worn and tightlaced?
Try checking out these suppliers – http://lucycorsetry.com/research-corset-brands/corsetiere-map/ just look at the rib area on the corset, you can see how much room has been given to the ribs, you’ll want a corset that’s fairly straight from the waist to the top of the corset.
thanks for sharing this post…really informative.
i saw some pictures of corsets with really low back on the internet…not featured in this article. i was wondering if this is ideal for waist training. it’s similar to the s bend except that the upper part of the back is really low…high at the bottom area and low at the back. i hope my description is not confusing but i really want to know about that corset type.
thanks
Hi Demi,
I think the amount of back support a corset should have is completely down to personal preference. A lower back will mean more freedom of movement where as some people wear a corset training corset specifically for back pain problems and like a high back. I don’t think it affects the training of the waist at all. Where I would say be careful is the length of the bottom edge. You said it was high at the bottom edge – If the corset is too short and doesn’t cover the stomach then the pressure is all on your waist line rather than spread out and supporting the whole torso. Which basically means it’s a waist cincher and won’t be very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Hope that helps, feel free to post a link to it and I’ll take a look 🙂
Scarlett xxx
I have a question on waist reduction – if I were to go for the waist cincher or the hourglass, do I have to wear it, well, forever? Or will the effect be permanent after a while?
A corseted waist is never truly permanent. Some people who wear them for ten years or more then stop, find they return to a natural shape but will normally be smaller waisted than if they had never worn a corset and their body had aged naturally. Some people claim that the shape of the ribs is affected over time, but unfortunately I don’t know from personal experience as i’m quite on and off with my corset training. It seems plausible to me that the lower floating ribs can be shaped over time with a corset, but to keep the tiny waist you have to wear your corset every day.
I wd like to start corset training, maybe even make a corset, this is very good advice
Thank you,
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, I like ur stuff on how to make a corset also
I totally agree, pipe stem is a bit dangerous not for newbies
WATCH OUT! I love your blog but please do more with it :/
Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoyed reading this.
Awesome blog post, now I know the difference between all the corset types! 🙂 I just bookmarked you, thanks!.
I enjoyed reading this blog, good job on the corset type pictures – pipe stem ‘ouch!’. Gracias!
Loving the hour glass n conical corset shapes 😉
My vote on old style corset shaping
Yes thats fine thanks 🙂
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Nice to see you blogging about this great topic again. Love your underbusts!
Hi, I like this .it’s really helpful to me. If you are looking for different I may have tried to assist 😉
Incredible, that’s precisely what I was looking for! You just spared me alot of digging around
Thanks! It was a good one.
So many shapes, decisions decisions! x
I found your site intriguing and I’ve added a Trackback to it on my page 🙂
Hey. Just did some web surfing and discovered this website. Ace stuff 🙂
Annnnnd I just noticed its an E-book. Observation, handy thing isnt it?
Hi there,
Do you ship your kit to Australia? Please let me know, I’d love to buy it. 🙂
Carmen
Im thankful for the blog post. Want more.
Conicle shapes the ribs, i think its prettiest. Does anyone else think there shd b a forum here?
Great site and information, thanks for sharing. My Gfriends got me doing her corset ‘research’ while she looks at ones in online shops – ta for making my job easier 😉