How to Buy a Girdle in a Retail Store

Buying a girdle from a professional corsetiere is probably the best way to buy one; but it is not foolproof, and you could very easily purchase the wrong garment. There are several very good reasons for this:

1. You cannot tell exactly how a girdle fits until you've worn it for several hours, and this is, of course, impossible in the store.
2. Nervousness or anxiety while in the store may cloud your judgment as to what is comfortable and what is not.
3. Embarrassment may cause you to cut your visit short, forcing you to choose too quickly.
4. A tight waistband can give you the false impression that the tummy of the girdle is firm, when, in reality, only the waistband is firm.

The following sections will not assist you in making selections while in a store (item 1 above); but it will help your behavior whilst in the store (items 2 & 3).

What is a "fitting"?

According to the dictionary: Fitting - to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn. And so it goes with girdles, but there is more.

When you go in for a "fitting", the salesperson/corsetiere will measure your waist and perhaps your hips. Let's assume this person is a lady for this discussion. She will ask what you are looking for and then she will make recommendations. She will pull out several garments that she thinks will fit you, then she will escort you to a dressing area where you can try on her selections. A good corsetiere will observe how the garments fit on you and then make recommendations for different sizes or models.

How to Buy a Girdle in a Retail Store

Make a copy of the following list of instructions and take it with you. Read this list just before you enter the store, again while trying on girdles, and then again just before you leave the store.

• Bring a tape measure, pad of paper, and pencil.
• Wear underwear (briefs/panties)
• Be a gentleman
• Be confident
• Relax. Anxiety can cloud your judgment
• Tell the sales person what type of girdle you prefer, zippered/pull-on.
• Tell the sales person where you like to where it, i.e. lower or upper positions.
• Tell the sales person what you hope to accomplish with this girdle.
• Ask the sales person to make suggestions
• Try on several girdles, but more importantly, try on at least two sizes of each girdle.
• Take notes on each girdle you try, e.g. waist to crotch length (TTC), size, model, total length, etc.
• Judge the fit of each girdle while you are standing, but more importantly, while you are sitting.
• Take your time. Take your time. Take your time. It is not unusual to be in the store an hour or two.
• Expect that you might need alterations. Ask for them if needed.
• Buy a girdle

On a personal note. In Octoer, 2000, I visited Arlene's Corsetry near Boston. I did not follow all of the instructions listed above and ended up with two girdles that did not fit properly. But I did take paper and pencil, and I learned a mountain of information about girdles and how they fit on my body, and I would visit a corsetiere again in a heartbeat.