If you are ambitious about figure training, there are traditional 19th century corseting guidelines. These were established by experienced corset makers, who in order to stay in business had to make sure that their clients had the most favorable figures, proper fit, good health and minimal discomfort. Their trade relied very much on returning customers and word of mouth.
Three methods are documented and are frequently cited in corset making literature: Method I will present the general limit, and the reality is usually found between methods I and II. Method III is the least strenuous and is suggested for "comfort" lacing, but is not regarded as "tightlacing".
Waist target is 10" smaller than the natural size. The disadvantage is that the waist reduction is not based on proportion. For a modern wearer this would require years of training, and unless started at an early age, the 10" reduction may not be attainable. For most modern day committed 23/7 tightlacers an 8..9" reduction is a more practical goal.
Reduce the waist to 5/8 of the bust circumference. E.g. a 40" bust would have a moderately tight 26" waist. The advantage is that the proportions are taken into account and thus creates a comfortable and well-proportioned figure. Many modern tightlacers manage this level of reduction.
Starting size bust/waist/hips |
25 cm / 10" reduction |
waist = 5/8 bust |
waist = upper thigh size |
44 / 36 / 45" |
44 / 26 / 46" |
44 / 27.5 / 46" |
45 / 34 / 46" |
42 / 34 / 43" |
42 / 24 / 44" |
42 / 26 / 44" |
43 / 32 / 44" |
40 / 32 / 41" |
40 / 22 / 42" |
40 / 25 / 42" |
41 / 30 / 42" |
38 / 30 / 39" |
38 / 20 / 40" |
38 / 23.5 / 40" |
39 / 28 / 40" |
36 / 28 / 37" |
36 / 18 / 38" |
36 / 22 / 38" |
37 / 26 / 38" |
34 / 26 / 35" |
34 / 16 / 36" |
34 / 21 / 36" |
35 / 24 / 36" |
32 / 24 / 32" |
32 / 14 / 33" |
32 / 20 / 33" |
33 / 22 / 33" |
Content provided by Theresa Overon. You can email Theresa with questions, discussions or for help with student projects. | ©2006 Corset Information
web{re}design 2006 Minerva Productions
