FAQ

 I’m new to corsetry, where do I begin?

The best place to begin is our Sizing Charts & How to Size Yourself page. Corset sizing is different than clothing and will require some measuring; these measurements will assist in selecting the right silhouette* for your needs and body type.  Once you’ve chosen your silhouette, you can determine what length* will best suit your body and needs.     

*More info regarding silhouette selection can be found on our blog. Silhouettes 101

* Length specifics can be found below under the question "What are the differences between short, regular and long length corsets?"

 

How do I determine my corset size?

Corset sizing can be both very simple and very complicated.  Each silhouette has a different sizing metric.  On each corset product page there is a widget that will calculate your size based upon your natural waist measurement and the metrics for that silhouette, this is the easiest method to finding your corset size and works well for most body types.  We recommend you use the TRADITIONAL recommendation from the widget unless you have experience with corsets are looking for a specific fit.

REMEMBER - The size for an Hourglass is different than for a Slim, or a Gemini, or a Libra.  Make sure you use the widget for the silhouette you are ordering.

We have created the exclusive Novice Hourglass as an affordable introduction to corsetry.  It is lighter in weight and requires little or no seasoning, while providing you with classic and dramatic hourglass curves. 

For those looking for a specific fit or are experienced in corsetry, start with determining the silhouette that will work best for your body type, the look you want, how you plan on wearing the corset and the goals desired.  We have created a number of blogs and have multiple resources to guide you on the finer details of corset sizing.  We recommend you start with the Silhouettes 101 Blog followed by Nitty Gritty Details of a Corset Fit.  In additional you can use All Things Corset for additional links to - well, All Things Corset.

Silhouettes 101

The Nitty Gritty Details of a Corset Fit

All Things Corset

 

How do I measure myself for a corset?

Please see our our blog Measurements: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

What is the difference between silhouettes?

We carry 12 different silhouettes:

Hourglass: Short, Regular, Long, Overbust and Novice

Slim: Short, Regular, Long and Overbust

Gemini: Straight and Cupped

Libra  

The differences in the silhouettes are in the pattern construction, waist reductions offered, length, hip and rib springs and usage.  The Novice is a lighter version of the Hourglass.  The Novice has 2 layers of fabric vs the traditional 3 layer Hourglass.

See our Silhouettes 101 blog for additional silhouette discussions

*Please see our blog for definition of hip and rib springs.

 

Which silhouette is right for me?

Slim

The original Timeless Trends silhouette, the Slim (previously known as ‘ the gentle’) is the least curvy of the silhouettes with a 4" rib spring and 7" hip spring.  Ideal for shape wear, support or as a fashion piece. 

Hourglass

The Hourglass is our most popular silhouette by far, the hourglass creates a dramatic waistline with a 6.5" rib spring and 10" hip spring. Ideal for waist training, stealthing, cosplay, burlesque and so much more! 

Gemini

Designed by Lucy of Lucy's Corsetry, the Gemini silhouette is our curviest and most dramatic silhouette with an 8" rib spring and 12" hip spring. The Gemini has 32 steel bones as opposed to the usual 26 bones.  Please note that this silhouette requires as high hip measurement of at least 10" greater than the natural waist measurement to fit properly.  Gemini Details Page

Libra

Designed by Lucy of Lucy's Corsetry, the Libra is our newest silhouette. The Libra has a comfortable 10" rib spring and 11" hip spring. recommended for those who have balanced measurements between their ribcage and hips.  Libra Details Page

 

 

What are Hip and Rib Springs and how do I use Hip and Rib Springs for sizing? 

Hip and rib springs refer to the difference between the circumference of the ribcage, the underbust, or the hip measurement when compared to the waist measurement of the closed corset.  

Using the hip and rib springs provides a more robust sizing method but does take a bit of math.  See our How To Use Hip and Rib Springs page for more information.

 

 

What kind of waist reduction does each silhouette offer?

Hourglass: up to 6 inches*

Slim: up to 4 inches*

Gemini & Libra: up to 8 inches*

*Results are approximate, not guaranteed.  Results vary person to person and are dependent on multiple factors.

 

What are the differences between short, regular and long length corsets?

Short: 8.25-inch-long center front; recommended for shorter torsos or as a waist cincher*

Regular: 11.5-inch-long center front; recommended for average length torsos*

Long: 13-inch-long center front; recommended for longer torsos*

*All measurements are approximate and may vary slightly by product.

For more information on which length is right for you check out our blog Nitty Gritty Details of a Corset Fit

 

What are the measurements of your corsets?

Below, find dimensions (in inches) for each of our silhouettes. Please note measurements may vary up to a half inch from corset to corset depending on variables in manufacturing.

Slim:

 

Slim Overbust:

 

Hourglass (Includes the Novice):

 

Libra:

 

Gemini:

 

What is your size range?

We carry corsets in sizes 18-42 which translates to a natural waist range of 21-55 inches.

 

How do I lace up and remove my corset?

Please see corset care page for more details.

 

Can I lace up my corset by myself?

Yes! It takes some practice but can absolutely be done.  Here’s a video link to help get you started.

 

 

Can Timeless Trends corsets be used for waist training?

Yes! Timeless Trends corsets are constructed with flexible spiral steel stays, a steel busk, waist tape and 3 layers of fabric, with the exception of the novice, which consists of two layers.  Our corsets are durable enough for everyday use and are covered by a lifetime guarantee.

 

What are the different uses for corsets?

Corsets can be used as shapewear, for waist-training, fashion, cosplay, burlesque, costuming or just for fun!

 

Are corsets considered lingerie?

While corsets can be worn as lingerie, they are not strictly an undergarment.  Our corsets can be worn under or over clothes and as a garment.

 

What can I wear my corset with?

Corsets can be worn under your clothing as an alternative to shapewear (stealthing), as an article of clothing or over clothing as a fashion piece or accessory.

 

How do I create an account?

To create an account, click here https://timeless-trends.com/account/register.  Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to be the first to find out about promotions, discounts and product launches and our blog posts.

(Please note that TT will not have access to your passwords so keep them safe and secure!) 

 

Do you offer fittings?

We are moving our operations and can no longer offer in-person fittings.  Please contact support@timeless-trends.com for customized sizing and fitting recommendations.  

 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do.  We ship via UPS, as long as the country is part of the UPS system we can ship to it.

 

What is the average shipping time?

Your order will be picked and ready for shipment in within 10 business days.  In some cases we are able to pick your order sooner. Domestic shipments typically take between 2 to 3 business days once shipped.  International shipments will take longer.

 

What is your return policy?

Please review our Return / Exchange policy page for detail information.

Returns & Exchanges Policy 

 

Are any of your fabrics cruelty-free?

We carry a cotton corset (the black cotton novice) that would be considered cruelty-free.

 

Where are your corsets manufactured?

Our corsets are manufactured in Thailand by an affiliated partner of Timeless Trends.

 

Do you sell wholesale?

We do not sell wholesale.

 

Do you accept special orders?

Yes!  You may order any of our available fabrics in any of the silhouettes, excluding the Novice.  Please refer to our How to Special Order Corsets page for more information, or contact us at support@timeless-trends.com.

 

Do your photos accurately reflect the true colors of your corsets?

As with any photography, the lighting effects the perception of the colors of our corsets, and we take care to try and provide as much information possible to ensure you get the right corset for your use.  If you have a particular outfit you are trying to match, we will be happy to offer suggestions.  Contact support@timeless-trends.com and we will work with you to find the perfect corset for you.