Corsets: Getting the Perfect Fit

Measuring Yourself for a Corset

Our Corsets are sized by 'reduced waist size'. This means the size of the corset when fully closed. For example, a size 24" corset will measure 24" when fully closed.

To determine your corset size you need to measure your waist firmly and deduct a number of inches. Please note that your jean size is not your waist measurement! You need to measure the narrowest part of your torso which is a lot higher up.

The amount of inches you take off will depend on a variety of factors, including the corset style and your build, but is generally between 3 and 5 inches (precise details are included for by corset style).

Please be aware that you need to check your measurements before ordering. For our Underbust Corsets we supply both the vertical lengths and circumference . Please compare your measurements to ours to determine which corset will be right for your figure type. Finally, be aware that the top and bottom corset measurement we provide are for the corset being entirely closed at the back. It is pretty standard to aim for a gap of 2-3".

You can find a sheet at the bottom of this page with all of our corset measurements.

Corset Tips

It's not just about your waist

Your measurements are far more important than the style of corset you like on our website. In this video I wear some of our corsets to show you that not every corset suit every figure and why you need to choose the corset that comes closest to your natural measurements for the best fit.

Do you need a custom corset?

Your measurements are far more important than the style of corset you like on our website. In this video I wear some of our corsets to show you that not every corset suit every figure and why you need to choose the corset that comes closest to your natural measurements for the best fit.

Standard vs Extreme Corset Cuts

I developed the first corset line for What Katie Did in 2004, and over the years, have refined our designs into a capsule collection that is designed to suit a wide range of different figure shapes, torso lengths and sizes.Unique to What Katie Did is our range of standard and extreme underbust corsets. You can start with the standard version of one of our corsets then move on to the extreme version if you want to take your waist training further.

How squishy are you?

Our corsets come in reduced waist sizes 18" to 34" which roughly equals UK dress sizes 8-18, US dress sizes 4 to 14. If you are a UK dress size 8 (US 4) you will have less body fat than if you are a UK dress size 18 (US 14), so it will be harder for you to immediately get a dramatic corseted shape.

We recommend you stick with the sizing recommendations for each of our corsets, which can be seen by clicking the sizing tab at the top of each product description.

If you are a UK dress size 12-14 (US 8-10) you should be able to get a great corseted shape, without too much effort and without worrying too much about flub at the top and bottom of the corset. Again, you need to go by our sizing recommendations. The only thing that might cause you difficulty is if you are very athletic and have a high muscle to fat ratio. Then, like your more slender friends, you will find it harder to waist train as muscle is far less squishy than fat.

If you are a UK dress size 16 (US 12) or above, then you're in luck as fat is squishy and you'll be able to quickly tight lace yourself to create hourglass curves. You might want to go for a size smaller than stated as it's common for curvier girls to be able to reduce their waist by 6 or even 7 inches with one of our curvier corsets! However, please check the rib and hip measurements of our corsets before doing this as if they are too small for you, they will result in what can only be called, rather unglamorously, flub.

Waist cinchers vs corsets

If you're confused about the different waist shaping garments available we've put together a video not only explaining the differences, but showing each garment on model Miss Sugar Rush so you can really see the difference.

Demi Corsets

Demi Waspie Corset

Find out about our Demi Waspie Corset and how the sizing works for both our Demi Waspie and Demi Corset.

Demi Corset

Our Demi Waspies and Corsets are half way between a powermesh waist cincher/waspie and full non stretch corset.

The button below takes you to a Google Doc Spreadsheet where you can see the measurements for our Demi Corsets both unstretched and stretched.

Modesty Panels

A modesty panel is a piece of fabric that covers the gap between the your corset lacing and your back. All of our corsets used to include a modesty panel, but as people tend to either love them or hate them we now sell them as an optional extra with our underbust corsets. They are still included with our overbust corsets which are more likely to be on show.

If you are wearing your corset with a corset liner, then you really don't need a modesty panel. However, if you do wear your corset over clothing you might like to wear one as it can look neater .Our modesty panels can be laced in to your corset, or simply slotted in.

Corset Measurements

The measurements below are the top (rib) and bottom (hip) for each corset closed. To allow for a 2-3" /5-7.5cm gap your measurements should be 2-3" bigger than those listed. 

Firstly determine your corset size by measuring your waist firmly. Then deduct 3-4 inches / 7.5-10cm (or slightly more if you are squishier - see above). This is your approximate corset size.

Next find the top/rib and bottom/hip that are 2-3"/5-7.5cm smaller than your rib and hip on the styles below. Note, generally we advise measuring 4-5"/10-12.5cm above and below your waist, but in the case of our Luna which is a lot shorter, you need to measure 2.5-3" /6.5-7.5cm above and below.

Demi Corset Measurements

The stretched measurement for the waist of our Demis looks very small as it has firm elastic and it's not possible to get an accurate measurement by pulling it! When worn, the waist will stretch out more so don't worry too much about it. From feedback, if anything our customers size down with these two garments.