Sizing for Corsets
After intensive efforts and market research, I have developed the following standard size chart for off-the-rack corsets.
The Pop Antique line of corsets is drafted for a 4" reduction. However, if your measurements are between sizes or you are not looking for as severe a reduction, you may wish to order a larger size. The chart below details the measurements of the wearer, not the corset itself. Select a corset that is 4-6" smaller than your natural waist. Pop Antique corsets are intended to be worn with approximately a 2" gap at the back lacing.
| Corset Size |
Bust |
Underbust |
Natural Waist |
Full Hip |
| 18 |
32 |
27 |
24 |
34 |
| 20 |
34 |
29 |
26 |
36 |
| 22 |
36 |
31 |
28 |
38 |
| 24 |
38 |
33 |
30 |
40 |
| 26 |
40 |
35 |
32 |
42 |
| 28 |
42 |
37 |
34 |
44 |
| 30 |
44 |
39 |
36 |
46 |
| 32 |
46 |
41 |
38 |
48 |
| 34 |
48 |
43 |
40 |
50 |
| 36 |
50 |
45 |
42 |
52 |
| 38 |
52 |
47 |
44 |
54 |
Wondering where to measure yourself? Here are some basic tips and additional measurements.
For circumference measurements, always maintain the measuring tape parallel to the floor all the way around. Use a mirror to check yourself, or
if possible, have a friend assist you, as the action of taking your own measurements can cause them to change. For best results, have a professional tailor take your measurements.
Bust: Wear a well-fitting bra with minimal padding. Make sure the straps and band are snug to keep your breasts high, where they will sit in the corset. Measure across the fullest part of your bust, also known as the "apex." This is often, but not always, level with the nipple line.
Underbust: Again, check that your bra band and straps are correctly adjusted. Measure just under your bust. This measurement, along with the bust, is particularly prone to measuring tape slippage in the back so double check that it is parallel to the floor.
Waist: Measure your "natural waist" at its smallest point, not where you wear your jeans. You can tie a piece of elastic around your waist and it will roll to the correct point. Another way to find your natural waist is to bend sideways and see where the flesh of your waist creases.
Full Hip: The full hip measurement is not around your hip bones, but rather the largest measurement around your waist. This may be around the curve of your posterior, but is actually more commonly the measurement around the upper thighs. Though Pop Antique corsets do not extend to the full hip, it serves as a guideline for semi-fluid high hip measurement at the bottom edge of the corset.
Vertical Measurements: The waist to underbust measurement is standardized at 5". If you have a long or short torso, you may wish to have an alteration made to your corset. The drop from the waist to the bottom edge on the longline styles is 6.5" at the center front and 5" above the thigh. To check your waist drop, place a thin hardcover book across your thighs and measure down to it. This is where the elastic-around-the-waist trick can come in handy, as it provides a clear and fixed reference point.
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marianne (at) popantique (dot) com
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