What are the different types of corsets?

Corsets have been used for centuries to enhance a woman’s figure. Although corsets are no longer standard undergarments, they have not entirely been relegated to the past. Many women choose to wear corsets because they can improve her shape and can create a sexy look. 

Shapes of Corsets

Corsets are designed to enhance a woman’s shape. They come in a number of different shapes and styles. Some styles a woman can select from include a waist cincher, the conical shape, hourglass shape, as well as other shapes. The shape of the corset affects what parts of the wearer's body it will enhance. Certain corset shapes are easier for a woman to wear because they are not as constrictive and do not change the shape of the wearer’s torso.

Hourglass Shape

A corset in an hourglass shape fits around the wearer’s ribs and creates a somewhat curvy shape. This is a good choice for women who do not want reshape their bodies in extreme ways. A woman who is just starting to wear a corset may want to start with this style.

Conical Shape

A conical shaped corset is one that has straight sides that taper down from the top to the waist. It can be thought of an upside down cone shape. This shape of corset can be harder to wear since it does shape the lower floating ribs. A woman new to wearing corsets should probably not start out wearing a conical corset. If the wearer’s ribs start aching, the corset is laced up too tightly. It generally takes the wearer about eight months to shape her ribs, and for some wearers this adaptation can take as long as a year and a half.

Waist Cincher

The waist cincher is also known as a waist corset or "waspie." This style of corset may not be what one typically thinks of when it comes to corsets because it is a small corset that only goes around a woman’s stomach. A waist cincher is really only good for light corset training because it gives support to the stomach and does not provide shaping for the ribs. Women who are unsure about how to use corsets may want to try this kind of corset first because a waist cincher gives the wearer a slender stomach, but is not as constricting as other types of corsets.

Other Shapes of Corsets

Some other styles of corsets include the Elizabethan corset, the S-bend, and pipe stem. The Elizabethan corset looks like something from the Middle Ages and has straps. This type of corset is commonly used for historical reenactments and rarely for corset training. Women who are new to using corsets should probably avoid S-bend and pipe stem corsets because they can force the body into very unnatural and extreme shapes.

Corsets for Different Body Types

When shopping for a corset, every woman should consider what style will look best on her body. Women come in many different shapes, including tall, petite, curvy, and slim.
 

Body Type	Description
Average Build	A woman with an average build with curves should be able to wear almost any type of corset. A corset with a sweetheart neckline will accent the wearer’s bust. Look for corsets that accent that hourglass figure.
Tall and Slim	A woman who is 5 feet 6 inches or taller with a slim build will need to create the illusion of a fuller bust. The buyer should consider one with a beaded trim at the chest or one that cinches in at the waist to create an hourglass effect.
Short and Petite	If the woman is 5 feet 3 inches or shorter, she should try out a shorter corset. Wearing a dress in a color that matches the corset and with a short hem will make the wearer look taller.
Short and Full-Figured	For a full-figured woman on the short side, she should look for a corset that cinches in the waist and accentuates her curves. A dress in a slimming fabric is a good option over the corset.
Tall and Full-Figured	If a woman is 5 feet 6 inches or taller and has a full figure, she should opt for a longer corset. A dress with a slit that shows off her long legs is also a good option.
Athletic	A woman with an athletic build should leave her shoulders uncovered to make them look smaller.
Apple-Shaped	An apple-shaped woman will want to look for corsets that will make her stomach look smaller. Obviously, this is what corsets are meant to do, but the effect can be enhanced by adding accessories to the top and bottom of the corset, or by choosing a slimming color.
Pear-Shaped	If a woman is heavier on the bottom half, she should consider a corset with trim and other accessories and details on the top half to draw attention away from the bottom half. Another option is using brighter colors on the top of the corset.