It’s a common misconception that open bust corsets are — or even should be — painful. This is not the case! Your open bust corset should fit your body comfortably. To ensure you’re working with a snug (but not painful) fit, you’ll need to understand how “tightness” works for waist training.

So How Tight Should an Open Bust Corset Be for Waist Training?

That's the whole point of waist training, right? Okay, but think of it more as a gradual compression and less as a pulling on the laces so tight you can't breathe. Your body does not compress like the cartoon character's!

Getting the right size so that your open bust corset fits snugly without causing pain is key — not only for effective waist training but also for maintaining a consistent waist training regimen. Even if you have willpower of steel, a painful open bust corset can quickly deter you from meeting your goals.

So How Do You Get It Right?

You will need to take very specific measurements to ensure you are purchasing the right size for your open bust corset. Good, steel-boned open bust corsets designed for waist training will have a few measurements to ensure that you get the perfect fit. If you see sizes like small, medium, or large, you are looking at fashion open bust corsets. While they are pretty, they don't have the structure and support needed for serious waist training.

• Underbust: The crease where your breasts meet your torso
• Natural Waist: The point where your body curves when you bend to the side
• Hips: Just above where your body bends when seated
• Torso Length: The distance from your underbust to each hip

When choosing an open bust corset, you need to consider your body type. A long torso will not fit an open bust corset if it has a short torso length. If you're more lean than curvy, an open bust corset with a lot of spring won't be your best choice.

When you put on your new open bust corset and the laces are relaxed, it should fit without tugging. When you tighten the laces up snug — but not to painful tightness — the bones at the back lacing should just reach the modesty panel. (Need help? Still wondering, "How tight should an open bust corset be?" — Give us a call! We love helping customers find their perfect fit!)

How Tight Should an Open Bust Corset Be?

It should be tight enough without pinching, chafing, poking, or any other type of irritation that makes you want to rip it off. Trust me, that's just not fun! Pulling the laces too tight right away will hurt you and damage the open bust corset, too.

So, if your open bust corset isn't super tight, how can you use it for waist training?

That's where seasoning comes in. Seasoning is the process of getting your new, correctly sized open bust corset to mold to your body. It's sort of like "breaking in" a new pair of shoes.

Once your open bust corset fits like a hug, you can start with a more structured waist training schedule to cinch in your waist. Like seasoning, waist training should be a gradual process. Tightening the laces a little at a time gives your body the chance to adjust properly and helps you stick with your waist training routine. For many, the urge to pull the laces as tight as possible right away is what leads to pain — and ultimately, giving up.