Tactical Corset Measurements

Measure yourself and fill out your Corset Character Sheet to be entered to win a Tactical Corset!

The 2010 Pre-Playa Tactical Corset Contest

Everyone who completes a Corset Character Sheet with all their measurements and contact info is eligible to win the contest. One lucky winner will win their Tactical Corset dream package of up to $500!

The Tactical Corset Character Sheet

The Corset Character Sheet is designed to make taking your measurements fun much like making a character for yourself in the role-playing game of real life adventures.

How To Get Accurate Corset Body Measurements

Taking accurate measurements is essential to making corsets that fit the body perfectly. Measure yourself and decide how much waist reduction you want between your natural waist size and your corset waist size.

Tips

  • 1/2" Increments: Measure in half inch increments rounded up against the skin or over your everyday undergarments. 
  • Be Honest: Your provided measurements will be used to make a corset pattern for you and you alone. Therefore, please take honest, accurate measurements. 
  • Be Precise: If accurate measurements are given, the corset will fit properly. We're not responsible for an ill-fitting corset if inaccurate measurements are supplied.
  • Consult Us: Corsets based on customer supplied measurement fit very well. If supplied measurements look out of the ordinary, we may call or email you with concerns before drafting your pattern. 
  • Have a partner measure you: If you do not have a partner, then it is advisable to hire a local tailor or seamstress to take the measurements. If you take the measurements yourself, accurate results are difficult to achieve.
  • Use A Marker: You can get more accurate measurements if you use a marker or pen to mark reference points on the body for better vertical measuring.
  • Optimal Tape Snugness: Do not pull measuring tape too tightly. The proper pressure would be snug just before the tape measure constricts the skin.
  • Wear Your Bra: For bust measurements, wear the same style of bra you wear on a daily basis to ensure overbust corsets fit and underbust corsets will not interfere with bras. See Bra Sizing below for tips on finding the perfect fit.
  • Early In Your Day: It is preferable to measure in the morning or after sleeping. This is due to the fact that gravity compresses our spines and causes us to shrink about ½ to 1" through the day. Sleep allows the spine to decompress.
  • Before Eating: If you cannot measure in the morning, at least avoid large meals 3-4 hours before measuring. You will be happier with the figures.
  • Fitting Appointments: Of course, you can set up an appointment for a free corset consultation at Tactical Corsets HQ in the San Francisco Bay. Consultations are by appointment only. Please call to set up an appointment.
  • Questions: If you have any questions, please call us at 415-881-7257. You can also email us. 

Corset Waist Size Reduction Amount Guidelines

Corsets waist measurements are designed to be 2 to 6 inches smaller than your true waist measurement.

  • Occasional Wear: Try a 2-4" waist reduction only.
  • Daily Tightlacing Over 25": If your natural waist measurement is over 25", try a 5-6" waist reduction.
  • Daily Tightlacing Under 25": If your natural waist measurement is 25" or below, try a 4" reduction.
  • Reduction amount guidelines are for your comfort. One of the secrets to tight lacing is slow reduction, not a drastic 7" cinching. Corsets can withstand great pressures but too much can be painful and harmful. If the corset waist is made too small it will put pressure on the kidneys.

Bra Sizing Guide

Your corset bust measurement is not the same number as your bra size. If you're ordering an overbust style corset, you'll need to measure your bust size. 80% of women wear bras that don't fit, so there's a good chance yours could fit better. The size chart was made by manufacturers 70 years ago before anything bigger than a D cup existed. You probably know what size works for you, but if you think your bra could fit better it's worth double checking your bra size.