Corsets can instill dread in the hearts and minds of many women, many because of the constrictive nature of their very existence. Harkening back to times past and the constrictive women's underwear that went with it is often a thought that many women immediately perish, but the corset does, in fact, still have some value.

Corsetry was once a staple in women's underwear and, although less restricting garments have replaced it, the corset has never really gone out of style. Some women enjoy wearing a corset as sexy underwear once in a while for a little extra stimulation in the bedroom and others still partake in something called "waist training" (altering the shape of the torso with the use of a corset). Whatever your reasons are, here are a few tips for buying your first corset.

Shapes and Styles

A corset is not a bustier. A corset is usually worn in conjunction with a blouse or dress, unlike a bustier, which you can wear on its own. Corsets don't cover as much of the bust as you might think. Most corsets stop just below the bust or only cover it halfway.

Here are some basic corsetry styles available:

* Over bust: the corset extends far enough to cover the breasts

* Cups: contains an underwire bra with cups for added support

* Half bust: only covers the lower half of the breasts, giving you a "peek-a-boo" effect

* Under bust: no breast coverage at all

Aside from the bust line, there are different shapes for the hips too:

* Short hip: originally designed for riding, this corset allows better movement in the hip area.

* Mid hip: best for day to day wear, the mid hip corset distributes the pressure from the corset evenly, yet still allows you to move freely and comfortably.

* Long hip: very restrictive, but offers more tummy control

* Titanic Era: styled after a type of corset worn in the 1800s and places a strong emphasis on posture. This one will cure you of slouching for sure and is best worn with full skirts.

* Corset dress: This full length corset is a favourite among the fetish groups. Frequently used in waist and obedience training.

Does it sound extreme? It should. In this corset you won't be able to sit, and in some cases, you won't be able to walk very well either.

You'll want to choose a corset in a colour that will go with anything. Black and white are the most popular choices. As time goes on and you decide you enjoy wearing a corset, you may want to invest in one or two more elaborately designed pieces.

Size

Waist measurements establish the size of a corset, so standard dress measurements used for women's underwear do not apply. For the most part, women are encouraged to select a corset that is about four inches smaller than the typical waist measurement. This allows the corset to be laced tighter, allowing gaps between the lacing. Because a corset is designed to craft curves, a corset should have more contour than the woman wearing it.

A corset, like most sexy lingerie, can be costly, but most women find that the final purchase is more than worth it for the quality of the garment. Some corsets are made with less than quality materials, so these should be avoided at all costs. Instead of rushing into a corset purchase, it is recommended that suitable time and care is taken when determining the right corset, as you would with any other valued piece of women's underwear, so that the purchase will provide memories that will last a lifetime.