Which Style
The first decision is whether to have an under bust style or a longer style
which supports the bust.
If you have a fuller bust, cup size DD or larger, you are better suited to an
under bust style, please see our under bust corsets section.
Your height can also be a factor - as a rough guide, customers 5'8" (170cm) and over wanting an over bust corset should look at C130, C135 and C140. Smaller customers 5'3" (160 cm) and under should avoid these. Height should not affect the fit of the under bust styles.
For men wanting a plain corset, we have two specialised styles,
C510 and
C515.
For the Transgendered we recommend an under bust style with a separate bra
for best results, because of the difference proportions of men's anatomy,
however if you really want an over bust style, look at
C130,
C135 and
C140 as these are longer.
Please see the individual descriptions under each corset for more detail.
Consider how and where you want to wear your corset - the decorated ones are fine for bedroom wear and dressing up but if you want to put a corset under everyday clothes, choose a plain style which will not show through as much.
If you are still unsure, a good style to start with is C110, which suits a wide range of figures, is plain enough to go under clothes and is our most popular corset.
Which Size
Sizing corsets is quite complicated and it is best to leave us to choose the correct size for you.
When ordering, it is important that you do not give the size of the corset you want, but your actual, uncorsetted measurements (in inches or cms.) To get these, measure around the fullest part of your bust/ chest, the narrowest part of your waist and the fullest part of your hips. You may also give your bra and cup size (e.g. 34C).
We will then select the right size for you, usually one which, when laced fully closed, will reduce your waist by about 4 inches (10 cm). However, you may not wish or be able to lace that tightly at first, but you should be able to lace up your corset so that it fits snugly all over. If you are unhappy with the fit, we are happy to exchange, provided corsets are returned as new.
The size of a corset is the measurement at the waist when fully closed. Sizes are as shown in the catalogue and go up in 2 inch (5 cm) graduations: i.e. 20' (51 cm), 22' (56 cm) etc. The largest size is 40' (102 cm) - gentlemen's corsets C510 and C515 - which can fit up to a waist of 46' (117 cm).
If you have any queries on choosing the right corset, we are happy to offer advice, please contact us.
Extra suspenders/garters(U.S.)
All corsets can have extra suspenders added (apart from C140 and C210), whether they come as standard with suspenders (e.g. C111) or without (e.g. C110). You may have as many as you like (bearing in mind you need a minimum of 4 suspenders to hold up stockings) and can add these when you finalise your order. Each suspender costs £1.50.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SUPPLY DETACHABLE SUSPENDERS ON AXFORDS CORSETS ONLY
THANKS TO AXFORDS FOR THEIR HELP IN PUTTING TOGETHER THIS ARTICLE UNLIKE UK TRANSFORMATION WE DON'T JUST STEAL INFORMATION FROM OTHER COMPANIES WITHOUT THEIR PRIOR PERMISSION