Real Leather Corsets (2024)

FAQs

How many inches does a corset take off your waist? ›

A general corset sizing guideline is as follows: If your natural waist (where you bend side to side) is under 38” select a corset 4-7 inches smaller than your natural waist. If your natural waist is over 38” select a corset 7-10 inches smaller than your natural waist.

Corsets are typically constructed of a stiff material, such as buckram, structured with boning (also called ribs or stays) inserted into channels in the cloth or leather. In the 18th and early 19th century, thin strips of baleen (also known as whalebone) were favoured for the boning.

I originally made a template of my design based on my wife's corset, but I ended up changing most of it. Leather works very differently to cotton or synthetic fibres and there's less wriggle-room for adjustment and error, so creating an exact template makes everything else much easier.

leather comes in weights measured in ounces- the higher the oz weight the thicker and more rigid the leather is, also more difficult to work and bend into small shapes/corners. For a corset project stick to the 3-6oz range.

Corseting only temporarily changes your body. Much like ear piercings, when you take out the piercing, the hole closes up. When you stop wearing your corset long enough, the waist returns to its natural shape. Any true semi-permanent effects on your waist from corseting take years to develop.

Wearing a corset does not lead to a permanent change in your waist—only surgery can do that! However, a daily waist training practice can help you achieve the shape you want in the short term, and give you the tools you need to work towards sustainable long-term change.

"The corset physically restricts your stomach, and that can make it impossible to overeat," says New York City nutritionist Brittany Kohn, R.D. "Cinching your waist also redistributes fat from your middle, so you look slimmer." And since it's so tight, you'll sweat like crazy, and that can make you feel lighter.

Over time, your corset can literally change the shape of your waist helping you to achieve an hourglass shape with consistency! You'll really notice a difference when you're laced up though, most people see a reduction in their natural waist of 3” or more with the right size corset for their figure.

Women were often laced so tightly their breathing was restricted leading to faintness. Compressing the abdominal organs could cause poor digestion and over time the back muscles could atrophy. In fact, long term tight lacing led to the rib cage becoming deformed.

Making a corset can be a time-consuming and difficult venture, but there are ways to simplify the process so that the project is doable as a beginner, as long as basic sewing skills exist.

What goes with a leather corset? ›

All baggy everything

Here she pairs her brown leather corset with a white cut-out bodysuit, an oversized bomber, faded baggy jeans, and pointed silver pumps, creating a wonderful balance between masculine and feminine elements.

Closed corsets can either be folded or rolled for storage in drawers or upright in bins. Since high-end corsets come with a storage pouch for safety, it's best to return each corset to its pouch to avoid any damage that could be caused by heat, humidity, pests, and so on. Want to learn more about storing your corset?

Corsets that come in eye-catching materials such as leather and luxe satin look best worn with denim or a casual pant that balances out the moment and makes your outfit instantly street style cool. Finally, you can use your corset top to put together a makeshift dress, simply by selecting a skirt in a similar tone.

Cowhide is one of the heaviest leathers, making it very tough and durable. Although it can be somewhat stiff, cowhide breaks in easily. Cowhide can come from several different places on an animal, with each type offering unique qualities and uses (see our Leather Grains & Splits page to learn more).

As for what thread to use for corset flossing - there are lots of options. Button hole twist thread or "top stitch" thread (the same thing) is the most easily available and comes in a huge array of lovely colours. It is very strong and durable, easy to use and doesn't cost the earth.

Waist Training Corsets are intended to cinch down 4-6 inches. We recommend that you order 4-5 inches below your natural waist measurements to allow for cinching. So if you have a 29 inch waist, we would recommend that you purchase a size 24. A size 24 will have a 24" waist when fully laced shut.

Corsets generally do not add or subtract the width around the body drastically a half inch at most. They contour and give a smoother look.

Those that would like to focus on reducing the size of their tummy would generally wear a corset under their clothing, making an underbust a great option. Underbust corsets focus the tension around your middle, pulling in your waist and smoothing your stomach for a flatter appearance.

The compression and support offered by a rigid corset redistributes soft tissue in the midsection to create a more pleasing shape. In the long term, however, a corset cannot make your stomach flat.