Taking Measurements

Correct measurements are the most important step in creating a custom corset pattern to properly mold and shape your figure. They say in carpentry to measure twice and cut once, we suggest measuring three times to ensure all is correct. If the measurements are not taken correctly, the fit of the corset will be sacrificed which can be painful and not produce the desired effect. Please ensure all measurements are honest and accurate. Once you have run down the list with your measurements, begin from the top and measure again, following a third time to ensure all is correct. I can’t say this enough, measure, measure, measure. Exact measurements are vital to the comfort of your corset. Relax and don't pull the tape too tight. You want to measure your normal, comfortable posture.

You will need a partner to take your measurements, do not take the measurements on your own. If you do not have someone to take your measurements, a local tailor at your drycleaner or shopping mall should be able to take measurements for you.

You will need a piece of string and a flexible dressmaker’s tape measure, not a steel tape measure used for carpentry.
 

Measurements should be taken in your underwear or with tight fitting clothing like a tank top. A bra should be worn to provide bust support.

To achieve the most favorable results, avoid eating for several hours before taking your measurements. If you are near or in your menstrual cycle, wait a few days before commencing with the measurements.

Waist reduction should be a slow process. Too much reduction too quickly is painful and can cause harm to your body and corset. A maximum reduction of 4” over your natural waist measure is recommended.

  

Tie a piece of string around your waist to provide you with a point to use for measuring. For women, this is approximately 1” above your bellybutton. For men, if a female waist is desired, tie the string approximately 1.5” – 2” above your bellybutton. It is extremely important that the string is tied at the narrowest part of the waist below the rib cage and above the pelvic bone; this area provides the most in waist reduction.

When taking measurements, ensure the tape measure is parallel to the waist string and not at an angle. When measuring, do not pull the tape too tightly. The tape should be snug just before it would indent and wrinkle the skin.

Horizontal Measurements

Bust – circumference of your bust at the widest point (bust point)
Breast Measure – measure vertically across your right breast from the inside of the breast over the bust point to the outside of the breast. This point is across your breast, from one end of where your underwire would end to the other. Repeat for the left breast.
Under Bust/ Rib cage – circumference of your rib cage just below your bust, usually at the bottom elastic of your bra.
Over bust – circumference of your upper chest with the tape measure directly under your arm pits.
Waist – circumference of your waist at the narrowest point, around the bellybutton.


Desired waist reduction – the waist measurement of the corset when laced completely closed, usually 4”-6” smaller than your natural waist measure.
Hip – circumference of your hip 5” below the waist string.
Widest hip – circumference of your hip at it’s widest point. For women, this is usually parallel to the crotch. For men, this is usually 5” below the waist string.

Center Front Vertical
Center front waist to top of corset – measure from the waist tape up to where you want the corset to come between your breasts.
Center front waist to bottom of corset – measure from the waist tape down to where you want your corset to end. With this same measurement, sit down and use a ruler to measure to cover the tummy and end just above the pubic bone, be sure the corset will not interfere with leg bending and sitting posture. For women this can be as low as the bikini line. For men, this measure is usually 4” or less.

Side Front Vertical
Side front waist to under bust – measure from your side body waist string up to the point under your bust; do not measure into the breast tissue, but below it.
Side front waist to nipple – measure from your side body waist string up to your nipple.
Nipple to top of corset – measure from your nipple up to where you want your corset to end.
Nipple to under bust – measure from your nipple to the bottom of your breast.
Side body waist to top of corset – measure from the side body waist tape up to where you want the corset to end beside or below your breast.
For Over Bust corsets – measure from your side body waist string up to the outside edge of the underwire on your bra.

Underarm Vertical

Waist to top of corset – measure from your side waist tape up to where you want the corset to end under your arm. This is usually to the top of the bra.

Waist to bottom of corset – measure from your side waist tape down to where you want the corset to end. For a Victorian corset, this is normally 3-4”. For an Edwardian corset, this measurement is normally 5-6”.

Center Back Vertical
Waist to top of corset – measure from the back waist tape up to where you want the corset to end.
Waist to bottom of corset – measure from the back waist tape down to where you want the corset to end.

Do you currently wear a corset? If so, was it a custom made corset or off the rack corset? Label?
Do you tight lace?
Are you dieting?
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