Guide to Corset Style Belts

Women have been wearing corsets for millennia. A corset is a waist-cinching belt that makes the wearer appear thinner. European ladies wore corset belts to appear thinner, similar to modern shapewear.

In the 16th century, corsets were considered to provide numerous benefits, including back support, improved posture, and of course, waist and stomach control. However, corsets are currently worn for their aesthetic appeal rather than their functionality. Today, corset belts are available in a variety of sizes and styles.

A woman in a red shirt and brown leather corset

Types of Corsets

1. Underbust Corset

This corset begins just below the breasts and can be worn in two ways. One uses it as a fashion accessory by donning it over clothing. Another is used below clothing to support the back and/or reduce waist size. In either case, you must wear a bra because the corset will not support your breasts.

2. Overbust Corset

The length of an overbust corset begins under the arms and finishes just above the hips. This design helps to elevate the breasts, slim the waist, and support the back. The majority of ladies wear these corsets as outerwear, but you may also wear them alone with your favorite skinny jeans or under a dress.

3. Corselette

The corselette covers the entire breast and extends to the hips, so it helps shape the hips, reduce the size of the waist, and raise the breasts.

4. Cincher

The cincher is the shortest of the several varieties of corsets. It covers the entire waist region like a wide belt, with a long center, back, and front but shorter sides. It also focuses solely on waist reduction. Consequently, it is also categorized as a sort of belt.

5. Edwardian Corset

These sorts of corsets were popular between 1900 and 1910, throughout the early 20th century. They stretch beneath your hips and push your hips and chest outward, creating an S-shaped body curve.

6. Elizabethan Corset

This corset is immediately identifiable by its scalloped bottom, flat sides, shoulder straps, lace-up back, and cone-shaped torso. Its length ends at the waist, emphasizing your hips. The top flattens and compresses the breasts, giving the impression of a constricted cleavage.

7. Hourglass Corset

Among the most classical or traditional corset styles, the hourglass creates a small waist by cinching the waist rather than compressing the ribs. Additionally, it will not compress your hips or upper body. Therefore, it provides greater comfort, a flexible fit, and wearability. The hourglass corset may have a sweetheart or straight neckline, as well as a mid-bust, under-bust, or over-bust length.

8. Laced Corset

There are three distinct styles of laced corsets, distinguished by the location of the lacing, which is used to loosen and tighten the garment. There are front-laced, front-and-back-laced, and triple-laced (front, back, and side lacing) corsets available.

9. Ribbon Corset

Ribbon corsets, often known as modern corsets, are made of lightweight fabric or fabric strips. It can be worn daily and will not be too snug.

10. Basque or Guepiere Corset

This corset is yet another invention by Christian Dior that has been in style since the 1940s. It comprises a bustier, a waist cincher, and a garter belt.

Sweater with corset belt and black leggings on pink background

How to select a corset belt?

1. Consider the belt’s breadth. Typically, corset belts have a width of around 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 centimeters). If you are tall and skinny, you can try with styles that are even wider. If you have a short waist and additional weight in the middle, opt for thinner corset belts to produce a balanced silhouette. Certain corset belts are so broad that they finish just below the breasts. They fit best on individuals with naturally tiny waists.

2. Pay close attention to the hue. A corset belt’s hue can impact how it appears on the body. If you are slim and have a small waist, you can pull off any hue. If you have a thicker stomach, choose a corset belt in a dark color to help diminish the look of your waist, rather than one in a light or brilliant hue that may accentuate your waist size.

  • If you are unsure of what color corset belt to begin with, a black belt is the most flattering choice for all body shapes.
  • Patterned corset belts, such as those with animal prints, can add flair to your ensemble, but they can have the same impact as brightly colored belts. They are optimal for petite waists.

3.Choose a style with embellishments to make a statement. Regardless of your body type, you can enhance the appearance of a corset belt by selecting an embellished design. Choose a belt with metallic, stud, lace, or cutaway accents to make your outfit even more of a statement. 

You may wish to buy a corset belt with actual laces so that it more closely resembles a real corset.

Styling a Corset Belt

1. Plus-Size Corset Belt

If you are a plus-size woman, you must experiment with a corset belt. It will make you appear slimmer and give your clothing a distinctive look. Being a plus-size woman makes it difficult to locate fashionable clothing. So here is a remedy: Wearing a corset waist belt will assist you tone your figure and relieve you from the discomfort of stomach tucks.

2. Belt Made of Black Leather

When discussing the fashioning of a belt, we cannot overlook our all-time favorite hue, black. Combine black trousers or leggings with a basic white blouse. Add a black leather corset belt to the ensemble to become an instant fashion icon.

3. Corset Belt for Dresses

Here is a corset belt that will look amazing with any outfit, whether you are wearing a formal dress or a patterned dress. A basic, wide belt with a light hue will work wonderfully. For a casual look, you might experiment with different belt colors and styles.

A woman in white polo shirt and white corset

4. Corset Belts with Covers

Today, a belt is not only a necessity but also a fashion statement. Trust us, if you are wearing a long top, it would be a good idea to add a lace corset belt to enhance your appearance. There are multiple designs from which to choose. Choose something basic and classy.

5. Corset Belts for Skirts

A corset belt can be worn with a skirt for a modest effect. While selecting the items, strive for traditional color combinations. This ensemble can be worn two ways: with the belt wrapped around the skirt or, slightly above the waist, around the top. In either case, the outcome will be equally flattering.

6. Corset Belts Paired with Shirts

If you enjoy wearing shirts, you can enhance your look with a lace corset belt or a leather corset belt. For any informal outing with friends or a movie date, pair it with faded jeans or tight pants and a long button-down shirt. Or, if you have a dress with a loose shirt that you cannot wear, pair it with a corset belt for a basic yet beautiful style.

7. Vintage Corset Belt Dress

A corset belt is old in every sense. Several centuries ago, a corset belt was worn beneath the dress. There are currently gowns with an attached corset belt. 

8. Party Wear Corset Belt

This fantastic corset waist belt for party attire will make you look undeniably beautiful and distinctive. Not many belts are appropriate for a party ensemble, but this silver broad belt can make even the most basic ensemble red carpet-worthy! Choose a belt design that suits your entire appearance. The wrong belt can be disastrous, whereas the right one will give you the confidence and glamour of a star.

To conclude

There are various corset kinds, and they are sold for various reasons and body types. Corsets are typically worn beneath one’s clothing (but not always!) and can increase one’s confidence and accentuate one’s physique.