Silhouette Guide
How to describe your desired shape wear!
*images on this page are examples only, and link to the creators of the image. Please check out these creators as well! Click on each image to view the source.
This is far from a full history of shape wear; this page is just to help us speak the same language when we talk about your piece!
Binder
A binder describes a garment used to compress the chest, hips or other natural curves of the body to achieve a straighter and flatter silhouette.
A binding garment may be decorative or simply functional. We do recommend care while wearing binding garments, as wearing a tight garment for too long may be uncomfortable/unhealthy.
HourGlass
This style describes a corset with an accentuated, cinched waist, flared hips and raised bust. If you’re going for that extra-luxurious curve look, this option may be for you.
Hourglass pieces can be appropriate for bodies with AND without natural curves. Padding and structural techniques can be used to enhance or even create curves for your desired look.
Harness
A harness is not shapewear per se, but many corset wearers may also be interested in a harness aesthetic.
A harness is a series of strapping, arranged in a visually appealing way to emphasize the body, and usually secured with decorative hardware. Harnesses are most often made of leather or elastic.
Victorian
We use “Victorian” pretty loosely in colloquial speech, but a Victorian corset is likely to have a very structured hourglass shape with a tight waist and some intense hips/bust.
Regency Corset or Stays
You may think “Jane Austen” for this silhouette. Regency shape wear is typically a lifted bust (very cup-like, akin to the modern bra), while the torso is kept compressed and neat but relatively straight. This style does not emphasize the waist or hips.
Edwardian
A true Edwardian (or, you may think “Belle Epoch”) corset creates a very distinctive silhouette. The ribs and bust are thrust forward by the corset structure, while the derriere is thrust back. The effect is kind of like an eternal lean forward. WizardKits does not sell true Edwardian corset shapes, because our research indicates they can be unhealthy for the posture and the spine. However, we are happy to create Edwardian-inspired looks!
Half Corset
A half corset, such as short stays or a corset bra, refers to a corset piece that behaves similarly to an everyday bra. This type of piece will cover and support the bust, and will most likely rely on shoulder straps. You can get some amazing décolletage out of a half-corset, but you won’t get any waist cinching.
Elizabethan
An Elizabethan corset (you’ve definitely seen these at the Ren Faire) is typically characterized by a straight neckline, a compressed and raised bust, and a flat triangular shape to the torso. This shape is meant to be worn with voluminous skirts to add volume to the lower half of the body, as the corset will usually end above the hip.
Corset Belt or Underbust Cincher
A corset piece that snatches in the waist, adding definition and shape to any outfit. We love these. They’re just so pretty. They can have an hourglass shape for extra waist, or be more flat, or just be a strong accent belt - the options are limitless! This type of corset will not address the chest/bust or hips.
Mesh Corset
This one is a material, not a shape, but hey we wanted to cover our bases. A mesh corset is just a corset (of pretty much any shape or style) that is created with mesh panels instead of a solid fabric or leather. The mesh is sturdy between the boning, so that the shaping still happens, but we get that nifty transparent effect that can be very beautiful.