CORSELETS
The corselet is a full length one piece garment that gives an unbroken smooth line to the figure. Unless the corselet is custom-made to individual measurements, it may be difficult for the woman of irregular proportions to obtain a good fit with this one piece garment. A girdle, or corset, and a long line bra may be a better choice for her. Some manufacturers are making corselets in half-size proportions to fit the shorter waisted woman.
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| 12. For a corselet, take four measurements: bust, waist, hip, and back underarm to waist. |
Size
To determine the size for a corselet, take an easy measurement over the fullest part of the bust. Then subtract from this bust measurement one of the amounts given below, depending on the size of the bust cup. (To find the size of the bust cup, follow directions given on page 8).
If bust cup size is:
- A cup—subtract 1 inch
- B cup—subtract 2 inches
- C cup—subtract 3 inches
- D cup—subtract 4 inches
For example, for the figure with an overbust measurement of 36 inches, and a B cup the correct size corselet would be a 34B.
The overbust measurement determines size, but figure type must also be considered in the one piece garment. As for the girdle, take a snug waist measurement and a measure over the fullest part of the hips. Subtract the waist measurement from the hip measurement to give the hip type. See page 12.
A fourth measurement is needed to determine if a half-size garment will give the best fit. Measure from the back underarm at the joint where the arm joins the body to the exact waistline (Figure 12). If this measurement is 8 inches or less, a half-size garment is needed instead of average or regular length.
Corselets come in a variety of fabrics and constructions, as do girdles and corsets. A study of the control needed for the figure, the amount and placement of elastic and rigid fabrics, will help you choose the corselet to give the support you want.
