How To Know If Your Waist Trainer Fits Properly

Featured Corset: Lara Beige Cotton Corset (Plus Size)

If asked, most people would say that they have a pretty good idea of whether a garment fits or not. In truth, ideas surrounding proper fit are relatively subjective. 

A pair of pants might technically fit two people of the same size, but one person might find them too restrictive, while the other thinks they’re just right. 

When it comes to corsetry, many people are going in blind because they haven’t grown up wearing this support garment, as bras are de rigueur. While you can figure out how to put one on and tighten the laces, it takes time to figure out how it’s supposed to fit and feel during wear. This can be especially difficult with brand-new corsets that need seasoning. 

Figuring out how to know if your waist trainer fits properly can take some time, but it starts with understanding key areas of fit and feel. Here are a few tips to get you on the right path. 

How to Know If Your Waist Trainer Fits

You might think the most important area of fit is at the waist, but if you want to enjoy optimal waist training conditions, your corset really needs to fit all around. Accurate body measurements can help immensely, as can proper seasoning, but there are a few points to consider when it comes to ideal fit. 

Is It Snug, But Comfortable?

A well-fitting corset should be snug, but comfortable all around, including at the waist, the edges, the front, the back, and everywhere in between. Discomfort, gaps, and back pain are all signs that your corset doesn’t fit right. 

Is It Uncomfortable?

A corset that doesn’t fit properly may cause chafing, bruising, pinching, poking, or other kinds of discomfort during wear, especially when you move. This is often a sign that your corset is too small or too tight. 

If you’ve tried loosening the laces or the back gap is more than a couple of inches across, you may need to upsize. 

Are There Gaps?

Gaps at the top or bottom of the corset indicate a bad fit for your body. Everyone has different body dimensions, and it’s not always easy to find a garment that accommodates yours, even with proper measurements. 

If this is a problem, consider a corset with a smaller spring or look for a model with a straighter torso shape. 

Are the Laces Properly Aligned?

When your corset is laced and tightened, you might notice that the edges of the back gap taper toward the bottom (creating a V shape) or top (creating an A shape). They may even pull in at the middle and flare out at the top and bottom. 

They should be more or less parallel. Otherwise, you could throw off the balance of tension, creating discomfort in tighter areas and reducing waist training benefits. 

How to Fix an Ill-Fitting Corset

There are a few options to consider when it comes to a corset that doesn’t quite fit right. First, you can try to fix it yourself. If you’re a deft hand with a needle or sewing machine, and clothing is in your repertoire, there’s no reason not to use darting or even add or remove whole panels to create the custom fit you crave. 

With that being said, a corset is a complex garment that relies on tensile force. If you’re afraid you’ll mess up the functional properties of your corset by cutting into it, take it to a professional that has experience in corsetry — someone who can make your off-the-rack garment all but bespoke. 

The third option is to simply give up the ghost and buy a new corset. If you want to recoup some cost, consider using a platform like Facebook Marketplace to sell a barely-used corset in the wrong size. You can put the funds toward the purchase of a better-fitting model.

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