So, what actually changes when you size up in a corset? The short answer is: less than you might think! At every size, the right fit comes down to the same three choices: your seated torso length, the curve that suits your body shape, and how many inches smaller than your natural waist to order. The one thing that shifts is that last number: if your natural waist is over 38 inches, you'll usually order 7 to 10 inches smaller. You'll measure yourself the same way whether you wear one of our standard sizes 16 to 32 or our plus size series, which goes all the way up to 46.

Here at Orchard Corset HQ, we talk to hundreds of people every week about finding their perfect fit, and we'd love to help you find yours! We'll walk you through each of those three choices below, and whenever you're ready for more detail, our corset sizing guide and Buyer's Guide have you covered. Still unsure? Our real, live sizing experts are always happy to look over your measurements with you. The right corset should feel like a tight hug, and once you're laced up in one that truly fits, we think you'll feel your most awesome!

How long should your corset be?

Your corset should be the same length as your seated torso, or a little shorter. Any longer, and you won't be able to sit down in it! That's why we always measure torso length sitting down (our corset sizing guide shows you how).

Here's how our three lengths match up with your seated torso:

• Waspie: as short as 7.5 inches (and waspies look great on just about everyone else, too)
• Standard: about 8 inches or more
• Longline: about 11 inches or more

This surprises a lot of people, but more than half of our customers can't wear a longline corset, and that's perfectly okay! On a shorter torso, a waspie can fit just like a longline. And if you do have a long torso, you'll find lots of lovely options in our plus size longline corsets.

Which curve suits your body shape?

Curve level is all about the ratio between your natural waist and your hips, so it's your shape that decides your curve, whatever your size. Here's how to find yours:

• If you have little natural curve, from athletic to apple shaped, or you're a bit wider at the ribs than the hips, Modern Curve is your family! The CS-305 is made for athletic or firm body types, including apple and column shapes, and the CS-701 is ideal if you have a broad rib cage and narrower hips. You'll find both in sizes up to 46.
• If you have a little to a moderate amount of natural curve, you'll feel right at home in our Romantic Curve. The CS-411 has been a fan favorite for years, and some of our most dedicated waist trainers choose it for its comfortable shape.
• If you have lots of natural curve and extra hips, Hourglass Curve is perfect for you. Waist trainers, pin-ups and performers all love our CS-426!
• And if you're an experienced corseter dreaming of a dramatic, vintage look, there's our Extreme Curve. Lots of corseters want this one, but few can wear it, so it's best once you have some corseting under your belt.

Not sure which curve you are? Just ask our sizing experts, and they'll be happy to do a fit assessment with you!

How many inches smaller should you order?

As a general guideline, go by your natural waist measurement (that's where you naturally bend from side to side):

• Under about 38 inches? Order 4 to 7 inches smaller.
• Over about 38 inches? Order 7 to 10 inches smaller.

You'll see those inches come in the moment you lace up! The right size also depends on what you'll be using your corset for, so for your first corset, we highly recommend sending your measurements to our sizing experts.

Are you firm or squishy?

Your squish makes a difference, too, because softer, squishier bodies can usually size down a little more. To find yours, wrap a tape measure around your relaxed waist and note the number, then gently pull it until you're squished but still comfortable. Firm bodies might have 1 or 2 inches of squish, and squishier ones 3 or 4 inches or more. Squishability matters most on smaller frames, since plus size bodies (women and men alike) tend to have a little more fluff, but it's still a handy number to know. Our firm vs squishy guide has all the details.

What's the best corset for an apron belly?

The best corset for an apron belly is one that fits your seated torso length, and the secret is in how you lace it! Our friend Lucy of Lucy's Corsetry has a wonderful tip: as you lace up, gently lift your soft tissue up into the corset so it settles inside and stays put. It helps you create a smooth silhouette from any angle, whether you have loose skin from weight loss or childbirth, or a low hanging tummy that wants to escape down and out of your corset.

Want to see it in action? Watch our Corset 101 video on tucking your lower stomach into your corset for a smooth silhouette.

If you're an Hourglass Curve, our CS-426 with hip ties makes this even easier, because you start with the hip ties loosened, settle your tummy in, and then tighten them. And if you're a Romantic Curve with a seated torso of 11 inches or more, our CS-411 Longline is ideal for superior lower tummy control.

What is hip spring, and do you need hip ties?

Hip spring is the extra room a corset gives you at the hips, so if your hips are much wider than your waist, you'll want plenty of it!

The CS-426 with hip ties is one of our best options for fuller figures. Its hip ties can add up to 8 inches to the hip spring, you can choose standard or longline length, and our hip ties guide shows you exactly how to use them.

Our CS-479 Extreme Curve corset is the other option, with the greatest hip spring ratio in our collection. It's made for avid waist trainers and tight lacers, and it comes in sizes up to 40.

Hip ties are made for wider hips, so if your hips and waist are closer in size, a Romantic Curve or Modern Curve corset may suit you better. Our sizing experts can help you find which one. And if you're an Hourglass Curve and back bulge is on your mind, the CS-426 has extra coverage at the back to help, in both standard and longline lengths.

Why we suggest a plus size underbust corset first

Underbust corsets are generally easier to fit, wear and break in than an overbust, and they're great for waist training, for wearing under your clothes and for everyday wear. Most of the corsets we make are underbusts, so you'll have lots to choose from! If you're interested in waist training, start with an underbust. And if you're looking for a statement piece for an event, cosplay or costume, our plus size overbust corsets are a great option!

What can a corset do for your waist?

You'll see a smaller waist the moment you lace up, and that's one of the best parts! With consistent waist training, many people find their natural waist measures smaller even when they're out of their corset, and like any training, it takes a little maintenance to keep your results. Take a peek at our Before & After results to see what waist training can do!

What a corset can't do is melt fat (as much as we'd all love it to!). So if anyone promises you a permanent reduction in inches in just a few weeks, that's your cue to hop off the trend train. And if your corset ever pinches or hurts, that's a sign of a poor fit (or a little operator error!), so reach out to our sizing team and we'll help you find a better match.

Before you lace it tight

Every new corset needs seasoning, a gentle break-in that lets the steel bones mold to your shape. Lace it snug, so it feels like a hug, not a vice, and wear it for just a couple of hours a day for the first few days. Our Corset Seasoning Schedule shows you how to build up from there.

We also suggest wearing a corset liner from day one. It's more comfortable against your skin and will extend the life of your corset.

Frequently asked questions

Can plus size people wear corsets?

Absolutely! Our plus size series runs from size 34 all the way up to 46, and styles like our CS-411 even add more steel bones as the sizes go up, for extra support. Our busks are stainless steel and the same strength in every size, too.

Can you wear a corset with a big belly?

Of course! Start with your seated torso length, because that decides which lengths you can wear, then gently lift your tummy up into the corset as you lace for a smooth silhouette. If you have wider hips as well, our CS-426 with hip ties is one of our best options for fuller figures, and if your hips and waist are closer in size, a Romantic Curve corset like the CS-411 or a Modern Curve corset like the CS-701 may be the better fit.

Which curve should I choose if I'm plus size?

If you have little natural curve, from athletic to apple shaped, or you're wider at the ribs than the hips, you'll want our Modern Curve. If you have a moderate amount of natural curve, choose a Romantic Curve corset, and if you have a lot of natural curve, you'll need an Hourglass Curve corset. Our Extreme Curve is for experienced corseters.

Will a corset flatten my tummy?

Yes, and you'll see it the moment you lace up! Your corset smooths your tummy and brings your waist in by inches while you wear it, and with consistent waist training, many people find their natural waist measures smaller over time.

What size corset should I order if my waist is over 38 inches?

As a general guideline, order 7 to 10 inches smaller than your natural waist (or 4 to 7 inches smaller if it's under about 38 inches). Corset sizes are the closed waist measurement of the corset, so your dress size won't carry over. For your first corset, we highly recommend sending your measurements to our sizing team, and our corset sizing guide walks you through measuring.

Should I buy a plus size underbust corset or an overbust?

For beginning corseters and waist trainers, we suggest an underbust as your first corset. It's easier to fit and offers more versatility for everyday support and waist training.

Can I wear a corset every day?

Yes! Just season it first. For the first few days, lace your corset so it's snug, like a hug, not a vice, and wear it for a couple of hours each day, slowly building up your time with our steady schedule. Give your body breaks, and if your corset ever causes pain, numbness, restricted breathing or any real discomfort, take it off.

Where to start

Ready to get started? If you'd like to begin waist training, browse our plus size waist trainer corsets, or shop by style number once you know your curve and length. Still deciding between a corset, a faja and a latex waist trainer? Our faja vs waist trainer vs corset guide will help! And if you're between sizes or unsure which curve you are, chat with a corset expert, and they'll be happy to do a fit assessment with you.