Corset & Waist Trainer Sizing
Updated October 8, 2026
Sizing a corset is complicated, and that's exactly why we're here to help! For the best fit, you need to consider a combination of corset size, corset style, your squishiness and natural body shape. As a general guideline, you'll choose a corset 4 to 7 inches smaller than your natural waist if it's under 38 inches, or 7 to 10 inches smaller if it's over 38 inches.
At Orchard Corset, we have two ways to help you find a great corset fit:
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Use our corset calculator. Pop in your measurements and get an instant size and style recommendation. Our calculator works great for most, but not all, body types.
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Contact our real, live sizing experts for the best recommendation. Just fill out the form below, and we'll respond as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours (excluding weekends & holidays).
It's always a good idea to get a second opinion, so we recommend trying both options to be extra sure!
Option 1: Use our Corset Sizing Calculator
Get a personalized size and corset style recommendation based on your measurements.
Let's get started! You will need:
- Tape measure (or use a ruler app with string, ribbon or a shoelace in a pinch)
- Wear a comfy, supportive bra (if applicable)
- Don't measure over clothing, and ideally do this in front of a mirror
We'll take you through with step-by-step video instructions. Navigate the Corset Calculator using the blue arrows!
Please note: At this time our calculator hasn’t learned enough to recommend overbusts. Follow through these steps to take your measurements and open a ticket with our team. Or, send them a message using the form below.
Got your size? Here's what's next!
Once you have your recommendation, you're ready to find your corset! Your results will point you to styles that suit your shape, and you can also browse by what you'd love to do in your corset:
- For waist training and everyday wear, start with our steel boned corsets.
- Is your size 34 or above? You'll love our plus size waist trainer corsets, which go all the way up to 46.
- Dreaming of a statement piece for an event, or a bra alternative? Take a peek at our overbust corsets.
- Our stealthing corsets are made for wearing under your clothes.
- Shopping for him? Our men's waist training corsets are a great place to start.
And if your corset doesn't fit quite right, we've got you covered with our 30-day no hassle return & exchange policy. Products in new condition can be exchanged free of charge, and we'll even pay the shipping back to you on your first exchange (a few exceptions apply, like special orders). Wondering how your new corset should feel when it arrives? Our corset quickstart guide walks you through your first time lacing up!
Option 2: Contact us for a customized recommendation
Two steps to get a recommendation from a real, live sizing expert.
Step #1: Take Your Measurements
Underbust
Tip: Measure right at your bra line. Make sure you measure parallel to the ground.
Natural Waist
Tip: Measure where you bend side to side. Usually about 1" above your belly button.
Upper Hip
Tip: Measure at or just below your hip bone. Just above where you bend when you sit.
Torso Length
Tip: Sit in a chair, place the measuring tape centered under your breast and extend the tape to the top of your thigh. Be sure to sit straight. (video)
- Measuring for plus sizes / full figures (video)
- How to measure your torso length (video)
- Are you firm or squishy? (video)
- How to measure for a man (video)
If your measurements fall above our standard range, start with our plus size corsets, the same sizing method applies, with the fit notes below. Our guide to what changes when you size up can help you choose your size, curve and length, too!
Corset Sizing Guidelines
A general corset sizing guideline is as follows: If your natural waist (where you bend side to side) is under 38” select a corset 4-7 inches smaller than your natural waist. If your natural waist is over 38” select a corset 7-10 inches smaller than your natural waist. Use our corset calculator for a more precise estimate.
As a general rule, we have our customers order 4-7 inches below their natural waist size. So if you have a 29″ waist, you would order a size 24 corset.
Other Factors to Consider
- Wearing a corset for fashion or back support? We recommend only 3-5 inches smaller than your natural waist.
- New to corseting? Err on the side of too big and work your way into a smaller corset.
- Torso length: If you are tall and have lots of extra "fluff," you may find 8-10 inches is not too extreme a reduction because you have more area to spread your soft tissue.
- Your "squish" factor: Lean muscle is not going to have as much give as soft tissue. The more "give" you have in your waist, the more aggressive you can be with your silhouette level. Are you firm or squishy? (video)
- Interested in an overbust? Please include your bra size when talking with our sizing team so they can best assist you.
Corset Styles
Corsets come in a variety of different sizes and levels of "curve" to fit a variety of body types and styles. These articles will give you an overview of the types of corsets available, and which might fit your body and personal style the best.
What size waist trainer should I get?
Shopping for a steel boned waist trainer? At Orchard Corset, our waist trainers are steel boned corsets, so you'll size yours exactly the same way as any of our corsets! Start with your natural waist (where you bend side to side), then choose a corset 4 to 7 inches smaller if your natural waist is under 38 inches, or 7 to 10 inches smaller if it's over 38 inches. Our corset calculator will do the math for you, and it takes your shape into account, too.
Shopping for a latex waist trainer? Here at Orchard Corset HQ, you'll usually hear us call those waist cinchers! Our waist cinchers and shapewear come in letter sizes, from 2X-Small to 5X-Large depending on the style, and our real, live sizing experts would be happy to help you choose. Our guide to corsets vs waist cinchers explains the difference, too.
Should I use a corset sizing chart?
Many corset sizing charts only consider waist size, or maybe a couple of additional measurements. Corsets have a rigid structure and different corsets have very different shapes, so sizing charts will often not guarantee you a good fit.
Always make sure to look at size plus the corset style/shape that you plan to get, in addition to other factors like squishiness, torso length and your corseting experience.
Our corset calculator and our sizing experts take all these factors into account when giving you a recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Is my corset size the same as my dress or jeans size?
Corset sizes are the closed waist measurement of the corset, so your dress size won't carry over. You'll order by your natural waist measurement, as well as your torso, underbust and upper hip measurements, and our corset calculator makes it easy!
What if I'm between two sizes?
If you're new to corseting, err on the side of too big, and you can work your way into a smaller corset over time. Our sizing experts are always happy to look at your measurements with you, too.
Can you recommend an overbust corset for me?
Absolutely! Our calculator hasn't learned enough to recommend overbusts yet, so send our sizing team your measurements and your bra size using the form above, and they'll help you find your perfect fit. Our guide to choosing a corset for a large bust can help, too!
