How to find and wear a corset correctly this Halloween

A corset is a nice and easy way to dress up a costume for Halloween, but that doesn’t mean you should be buying one willy nilly. Corsets were originally made to be custom fit to flatter a person’s body, but no one has the time or money for that anymore. Still, a poorly fitted corset can make or break your costume, and maybe even your spine! Here are some quick tips on how to find a good corset, how to properly wear it, and what to look out for. You can also always reuse a good corset for daily wear, posture support, or next Halloween.

Tip 1: Find a corset with metal boning that fits comfortably

More often than not, your cheap Amazon corset has plastic boning on the sides. These then make the corset rather flimsy which is not good for longer wear. People new to corsets may think that having the plastic boning will be easier to wear, but the lack of durability and resistance is the downfall of these cheaply made corsets (Corset Training). As you move, the plastic is unable to keep up and can develop weak points and eventually break.

If you plan on wearing the corset for more than 2 hours and to move/sit in them, metal boning is the way to go. It may be slightly pricier, but the quality and comfort of it makes it much more worth it, especially if you plan to reuse that corset in the future. Just like how metal wires can be considered more comfortable for your bras, a metal corset can properly support and move with you.

However, that is not the only thing to fix. There are a variety of different corset styles. If you still feel uncomfortable with metal boning, look into a different size or style. Refer to the image on the right to explore different corset styles and find the one that works best for you.

Tip 2: Wear Something underneath your corset

Given a corset has structural boning and firm materials, it isn’t ideal to wear directly on bare skin. Doing so can lead to rashes, bruises, skin irritation, and others of the like (Javed). Even for short time periods, moving around will make the corset rub on you. That corset will also trap any sweat or odors– something nobody wants.

Preventing irritation is simple, all you have to do is put something underneath. A thin tank top that you can match or put under your costume works extremely well. To those who have the corset as the centerpiece of the outfit, you can always wear a tube top that you can get to stay in place underneath the corset– it not showing means it can’t ruin the outfit. Last but not least, you can always incorporate a thin or thick top depending on what works best for you in terms of comfort, wanting to serve, or whatever weather conditions you’re dealing with.

Tip 3: Tighten your corset outside in

Did you know there’s a correct way to tighten a corset? Everybody wants their corset to cinch them in perfectly but yanking on those strings will not get you anywhere. All you’ll get is a messily done corset and weird gaps in some places while others squeeze you too tight. 

Instead, you should be tightening everything from the outside in. A good corset will have the tie in the center so it’s easier to tighten, but we’re not there just yet. Before even putting it on your body, pull the strings so each part is loose and that will make the corset easier to put on. Buckle any clasps from the bottom up or top down, doing so can even lead to getting multiple attached at a time which can speed up the process. Now with the corset on, pull the strings at the very top and very bottom in, and work your way to the middle until everything feels nice and tight. If you have a friend nearby, having them do this step helps. All that’s left is to tie your corset and you’re ready for the night.

To those who got corsets with a bottom tie, the same rules will apply but instead of outside inwards, you would just be working top to bottom. This style of corset can be nice for those who want to hide their ties. However, it might be slightly more uncomfortable to get the corset to fit accordingly.

Prior to buying, it is also key to only buy a full corset if you are above the age of 18; wearing a corset at a young age is not good for people with growing bones and it could lead to possible problems later on.

Don’t assume a corset is only for women; there is a masculine option as well! If the typical women’s corset does not do it for you, feel free to look into a men’s vest style corset to dress up your costume in a way that better suits your tastes.

Corsets are and will likely always be a fun and simple way to dress up a Halloween costume. Even if you’re trying to stay on a budget, it is still important to look out for these three things to ensure you feel comfortable and look even better. Investing in a nicer one can also mean using it in everyday outfits or even just to support your posture.

Written by: Jac Ewton

Edited by: Madison Clemonds