Corsets were worn as figure-shaping, bust-lifting, dress-supporting undies for a long time before being replaced by bras a generation ago. In the present day, their sinuous lines continue to captivate us.
To attain the coveted hourglass figure, a contemporary corset slims the waist while displaying the hips and bust. While Victorian women initially despised them, modern women appreciate the contour and esteem corsets provide. They may be uncomfortable, but they promote postural stability.
There are a handful of elements to consider when comparing the benefits of an overbust vs. underbust corset to determine which is best for you.
Although the distinction implied by the label might seem pretty obvious, there are numerous factors to take into account when deciding whether your body type or objective is better suited for an overbust corset or an underbust corset.
Here’s what is underbust and overbust corset overview to assist you in making an informed decision before the purchase.
Overbust Corset
What is an overbust corset? Overbust typically starts just beneath the shoulders and ends above the hip region.
Their illusion is to push up the breasts while slimming the waist. They provide excellent back support and thus can be worn casually or elegantly, over or underneath clothes.
Pros
Better Back Support
An overbust corset provides comprehensive back support. This garment may be advisable over different corsets, particularly underbust due to posture.
Overbust corsets are relatively high on the ribcage and commonly extend to the back scapula. Hence, it’s difficult to slouch and lean in a girdle that’s too close to the chest. Although underbust corsets may help support your lower back, people wearing them may be slouched.
The main benefit of wearing a corset higher on the thoracic spine, in the middle or higher, is that it can considerably minimize the probability of forward curling, rounded shoulders.
Therefore the overbust corset support is far superior; it improves posture when strolling, standing, and even sitting. Maintaining a proper posture prevents problems such as backaches.
Possible Management of Upper Back Pain
Overbust corsets may support the spine more for individuals with upper back pain or spine misalignment, such as scoliosis.
If you have a curvature in the upper or thoracic spine, an overbust corset may provide greater support and a more pleasant experience while you go about your day. This is effective for both corrective and supportive overbust.
Simple To Match
Overbust corsets come in a variety of styles. There are sizes ranging from XS to 7XL available and an assortment of colors for each type of corset.
Please choose a suitable overbust corset to prevent it from showing under your garments and pair easily with outfits. Generally, it’s easy to pair up an overbust corset with long-sleeved denim or a jumpsuit as a fashion corset costume.
Cons
Reduced Mobility
Overbust corsets are certainly lengthier and rise further on your torso than underbust corsets. They are longer on the chest, and many encase around the rear as high as the wing bones, if not higher.
As a result, overbust corsets have narrower flexibility than the relatively short underbust corsets, limiting your mobility.
The implication is an inability to reach or bend far. As a result, if your professional or regular activities require a lot of movement, an underbust or cincher may be a good option instead of an overbust.
Lower Full Lung Capacity
In terms of how tight should a waist trainer be, you should be aware that a corset’s design is distinct from a bra’s.
The strap of the majority of bras is flexible and moves up and down with each breath you take. Due to the absence of elasticity in a corset, the diameter of the corset over your torso is essentially preset.
Therefore, an underbust corset that ends below the rib cage would make you feel more at ease if you experience breathing problems.
More Noticeable in Clothing
An underbust corset could be more discreet if you intend to “sneak” your corset underneath your clothes. As previously indicated, overbust corsets hold the bust differently than modern bras. The majority of overbust corsets lack distinct cups as bras do.
An overbust corset could slightly compress the bust shape and lack the noticeable underwire zone. Additionally, it could make the top portion of the breast appear fuller or lift the breasts higher than bras, giving some people greater cleavage.
Consequently, it can be occasionally noticeable when putting on a form-fitting or tight top with an overbust corset. You may wear an underbust corset with one of your ordinary bras to provide a slightly less obvious outline underneath your clothing.
More Costly
Since they need more material and sewing time, even in regular sizes, overbust corsets are just more expensive than underbust corsets.
Therefore, unless you’re committed to saving money for an overbust corset that fits you properly, an underbust corset can be preferable for your purse.
Types of Overbust Corsets
The overbust corset design is considered among the most traditional corset forms. The following are a few of the types of overbust corsets that may select from:
- Cupped corsets: This is a common choice for larger-breasted women since they provide superior support due to their built-in padding.
- Lingerie corsets: Lingerie corsets are more exposed and frequently have embellishments like lace, silk, and beads. They often include a G-string and built-in or removable garters to keep the stockings in place.
Underbust Corset
What is an underbust corset? Underbust corsets start directly beneath your breasts and typically end at the top of your lap. The corset has two options for wearing it.
The first is to use it as a fashion statement by donning it over the clothing. Another alternative is to wear anything below your clothing to support the back or reduce the circumference of your midsection. In any case, a bra will be necessary because the corset doesn’t support the busts.
Pros
Greater Flexibility
In the underbust vs. overbust flexibility comparison, the bodice is lengthier and higher on the torso. Additionally, the overbust frequently extends to the back and is at least as high as the wing bones.
However, the underbust girdle encircles the lower belly and waist. Compared to a short underbust corset, an overbust corset has a smaller mobility range. There’s more flexibility with plus-size underbust corsets.
Unnoticeable Under the Clothes
An underbust corset may appear more natural, especially if you plan to wear your corset underneath garments. An overbust corset can occasionally make you look substantially different since it can cause the upper portion of your breasts to look bigger underneath a tight or fitted blouse.
As a result, for some women, the overbust corset gives them more cleavage than a bra. If this kind of attention affects you personally, you may prefer to dress in a regular bra and an underbust corset suit to make it less noticeable.
Easier To Put On
Underbust corset belts are simpler to fit than overbust corset tops. The corset should first be carefully unrolled to ensure the laces face upwards.
Unfasten the Xs by pulling them apart, beginning in the middle. The fasteners that fasten in front should be on the right side when putting it on so that you can tell which side is facing upwards. The clasp must be sufficiently loose.
Tighten the loops while pulling the laces from the top and bottom and moving towards the center. At your natural waist, the pull loops must be placed. When they’re the appropriate thickness, tie them.
When wearing an overbust corset, there are several factors to consider. It must be the proper size—not too large or too little. Spills shouldn’t occur in the back, outside the cup, or the armpits. Putting on an overbust corset can be challenging.
Less Expensive Corsets
A plus-size underbust corset will be more practical if your budget restricts you from purchasing anything that isn’t a standard-sized corset (such as a custom-made corset). This also applies if your bust size isn’t what the apparel industry deems “medium” or “standard.”
Since they need more material, have higher breasts, and have lengthier bones than underbust corsets, overbust corset tops are often more pricey, even in standard sizes. Therefore, an underbust corset can be the right match for your pocket unless you’re committed to saving money for a fitting overbust corset top.
Cons
Do not Support the Bust
Although they give an hourglass shape, they don’t support the bust area. The underbust corset is distinguished because it will not stretch to encompass the breast. That means it won’t give your breasts the desired stability or contouring.
Do Not Promote Good Posture
Although the conventional underbust corset may improve lumbar posture, some people slouch from the shoulders. Slouching isn’t directly addressed by standard underbust. Overbust corsets may be undeniably superior for overall posture when opposed to underbust corsets.
Do Underbust Corsets Help With Posture?
A standard underbust corset does quite a great work of adjusting your lumbar posture, which causes you to stand tall from your lower spine. However, some people still experience shoulder slouching, which normal underbust doesn’t necessarily address.
Do Underbust Corsets Support Breasts?
An underbust corset can’t autonomously support, mold, or elevate your breast in the same capacity as an overbust corset.
On the other hand, the stomach can be flattened, the hips can be sculpted, and your cleavage can be enhanced, all of which can help you achieve the ideal hourglass form.
Is Wearing a Corset Everyday Good?
When you’re wearing a corset constantly, it could help you maintain proper posture. So, how long should a waist trainer be worn? Excessive use could weaken your core muscles, resulting in back pain and bad posture.
Conclusion
Whether an overbust or underbust corset is ideal for you largely depends on your particular preferences. What kind of clothes do you wear? What are you hoping to achieve with different types of corsets? Does it go with your outfit or costume? Do you wish to produce an appearance with a larger-looking bust?
You eventually decide which choice is best for you by responding to these and various other topics and considering your preferences. Also, consider if you’re prone to contracting a rash from the waist trainer when choosing a corset.
An underbust corset is simpler to wear, break-in, and fit than an overbust corset. They work well for daily looks and waist training. Overbust corsets are stunning spectacle garments that are perfect for wearing to a special occasion or a night out of town.
I’m a triathlete and life coach, with a focus on holistic health, fitness & women’s issues.
I also write about my gastronomic adventures and my love for the outdoors.