Corselette and Bodyshaper Fitting Guide
A corselette or bodyshaper is an all-in-one lingerie piece that combines a bra with a corset panty girdle. Sometimes referred to as shapewear, a bodysuit or body, these items are designed to outline your figure and smooth your silhouette – the perfect lingerie for a special occasion.
Take a look at the Anita Comfort Clara Corselette pictured here.
If you're struggling to find shapewear that will work for you, browse this handy guide. Whether you want comfort, to slim your curves or accentuate the waist, we're sure in time you'll be able to find the right style here at AmpleBosom.com.
Corselettes are made to a standard size to fit women who are 5 foot 5 inches and sizing is usually by bra size rather than dress size, often making it difficult for petite women under 5 foot 5 inches or tall ladies to find a corselette or bodyshaper that fits them correctly, which is why we've created this helpful guide!
Fitting Guide
If you are around 5’5″ in height, you can start by choosing your bra size. Find your correct bra size by using our easy bra measuring guide with a tape measure and a pen and paper to note down your measurements.
If you need any guidance on the measuring steps, contact us via telephone on 01439 798388 or email us here, we are happy to advise.
Features of a Well Fitting Corselette and Bodyshaper
Bodyshaper Corselettes are designed to improve the outline of your body and breasts whilst providing lift and helping to give a smooth silhouette under your clothing.
This style can either have a non wired bra section or an underwired bra section, depending on your personal bra style preference.
Take a look at our corselette fitting guide to see how your bodyshaper should fit your body.
- The straps should run parallel at the back. They can be adjustable, non-stretch or wide comfort straps.
- An integrated bra or lined bust area will help support the breasts.
- Some bodysuits don’t have full cups or an integrated bra, so a bra may need to be worn under the bodysuit for extra support.
- Moulded preformed or seamless cups help give a smooth look.
- If there is wiring on the chest section, the wires should lie flat and not dig in.
- The corset part of the shapewear should not dig into your midriff and waist.
- The body should cover your bottom well and not feel stretched or as if it’s pulling on your bottom and shoulders.
- You should be able to fasten the popper fastening comfortably and it shouldn’t dig in.
- Made from strong microfibre or spanx to firmly hold and support the tummy section.
Common Fitting Questions
I am very tall and find the it feels stretched and uncomfortable around my shoulders and bottom.
Our shapewear specialists advise adjusting the straps to gain extra length and comfort. You can also try a smaller bra cup size and a bigger band / back size.
What to look for – Make sure the straps sit comfortably between the shoulders and neck and run parallel at the back, not digging in or slipping off the shoulders. Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups and not bulging out at the top or side.
The body should cover your bottom well and not feel stretched or as if it’s pulling on your bottom. You should be able to fasten the popper fastening comfortably and it shouldn’t dig in.
I’m short and find the bodysuit feels baggy around my middle and around my bottom.
Our shapewear specialists advise adjusting the straps and trying the hook and eye gusset fastening on the shortest fastening. You can also try a bigger bra cup size and smaller band / back size.
What to look for – Make sure the straps run parallel at the back and sit comfortably between the shoulders and neck and don’t slip off. Your breasts should be encased in the cups and no gaping or puckering of the cups.
The body should cover your bottom well and not feel stretched or as if it’s pulling on your bottom and shoulders. You should be able to fasten the popper fastening comfortably and it shouldn’t dig in.
I’m pear shaped and find shapewear feels uncomfortable around my shoulders with the straps slipping and bottom part too tight.
Our shapewear specialists advise tightening the straps and loosening the gusset fastening. You can also try a smaller bra cup size and bigger band / back size. Look for a full coverage body with lower leg coverage.
What to look for – Make sure the straps run parallel at the back and sit comfortably between the shoulders and neck and don’t slip off. Your breasts should be encased in the cups and no gaping or puckering of the cups.
The body should cover yourcurves and bottom well and not feel stretched or as if it’s pulling on your bottom. You should be able to fasten the popper fastening comfortably and it shouldn’t dig in.
Tummy Control Corselettes
“I am looking for shapewear that will hold in my tummy and make me look slimmer.”
Shapewear is designed to slim the silhouette. If you’re looking for tummy control, look for the following features:
- Choose a bodyshaper with tummy control.
- Control panel at the front of the style
- Made from strong microfibre for shaping and support of the tummy section.
- Powernet lined front.
View our range of tummy control corselettes.
Corselettes & Bodyshapers At AmpleBosom
Our collection of corselettes has been handpicked from leading lingerie brands and includes a range of underwired styles with sectioned cups and side support and non wired, soft cup bodysuits.
Over half of our collection are tummy control bodyshapers, designed to help slim your silhouette and accentuate the waist. Other features include a zip fastening front, a plunge neckline and minimising cups. You can see our full collection of corselettes in stock that range in price here to find one that will work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I size a bra size corselette?
- Which are the best tummy control corselettes?
- Which is the best bodyshaper for everyday wear?
- Which is the best corselette for special occasions?
If you would like further help and advice about corselettes or help with fitting items, then our friendly team of lingerie specialists are on hand to help you find a well fitting, comfortable and supportive shapewear, so give us a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we are happy to advise.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
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Written by AmpleBosom and updated by Sara 24/04/2025.