Last updated on October 17th, 2021 at 08:02 pm
Your typical run-of-the-mill underbust corset does a good job of correcting lumbar posture (making you stand tall from your lower back), but some individuals still find that they slouch from the shoulders, which regular underbusts don’t directly fix. So, which corsets are best to correct your whole posture and help you sit tall?
Some overbust corsets extend high enough on the body that they can help correct posture in the thoracic vertebrae, but what if you don’t like conventional overbusts, or you just want some variety in your corset collection? The answer possibly lies in a high-backed corset with shoulder straps.There are many corsets that come with straps, but the type of straps matter greatly if you’re looking to correct hunched shoulders.
Avoid halter straps if you have a slouching problem.
If you have a habit of slouching, avoid halter straps on your corsets because if the straps are too short or tied too tightly, the material pulling on the back of your neck will exacerbate a forward-head position and possibly encourage your shoulders to follow, making your posture worse. What would work better is a waistcoat-style corset which has a high supportive back extending up between the shoulder blades, and individual shoulder straps that help pull the shoulders back and open up the chest.
Underbust Waistcoat Corsets
Electra Designs is a corset brand whose reputation precedes them; corsetiere Alexis Black very seldom takes commissions these days, but those commissions that she does take are special projects that speak to her. Here you’ll find a bespoke high back, low front underbust with supportive shoulder straps, made adjustable with slider and are easy to get on and off with the use of side-squeeze buckles. Alexis shows that therapeutic corsets do not have to be bland and utilitarian; the lilac brocade with Chantilly lace embellishment makes this corset as beautiful as is comfortable.
Dark Garden Corsetry (San Francisco, California, USA) is one of the oldest and most well-respected US-based corsetry brands. They offer a variety of corsets with shoulder straps, whether you prefer to wear corsets for fashion or therapeutic support. Their underbust option includes the Pointed Victorian seen here (you will also see the Dietrich and Beau in the section below), but almost any of their corset styles can have straps added for a surcharge.
Miss Katie, a UK designer, has created this waistcoat underbust corset for £210 (or about $297). This standard-sized taffeta corset is laced nearly up to the neck, and the shoulder straps look to be made of ribbon and can be tied looser or tighter based on your preference.
Ties that Bynde is a Michigan-based corsetiere who just recently debuted this training corset. Custom-fit and made from spot broche coutil, this corset is strong enough to be worn daily. The shoulders straps attach to the corset using ribbon and grommets, which are slightly adjustable.
Wild Rose Atelier, run by Rebecca from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, created this thoughtfully-crafted plus-size underbust with shoulder straps (made adjustable with custom-covered buttons), with a zip front and back lacing. This corset was created for a client with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) who suffers from hypermobility and needed some postural support. This corset is fully washable, as the fabric is custom-printed, pre-washed cotton canvas and the bones are synthetic baleen.
Royal Black is a highly celebrated corsetiere in Austria, known for her ornate designs which often include laser-cut leather filigree work, customized hardware and a juxtaposition of romance, fantasy and sci-fi. Royal Black’s plain black underbust corsets with straps start at $249 Euros, but I chose to show her “Beads and Buckles” couture option here, in a gorgeous soft peach brocade and trimmed with gold vegan leather. The hip panels are quilted in a hemispherical fashion and dotted with antique gold-finish rivets and beads, which bring out the antique brass-tone swing-hook front closure, shoulder buckles and draped chains below the bust. (Royal Black is on a hiatus from commissions at the moment)
Scoundrelle’s Keep of St. Paul, Minnesota specializes in Steampunk style corsets, and their Sabine underbust corset features neat a multi-adjustable shoulder harness. The entire harness attaches to the underbust corset using adjustable belt/buckles, and can be entirely detached from the corset if desired (so you can wear the corset as a simple underbust at times). The four belts in back adjust to the height of your shoulders, while the two straps in front can be tightened to coax the shoulders back, or loosened for your comfort. The laces in back can also be adjusted depending on the breadth of your shoulders. They also make an overbust version called Aubrey and both of these corsets come in your choice of colors.
Dracula Clothing (Czech Republic) offers arguably the least expensive OTR strapped options in this list, including the “Shoulder Corset” (left) and the “Apocalyptic Corset” (right) both for under $60 USD. I’ve chosen to feature myself wearing these corsets so you can see the true silhouette and hip springs of these corsets, as the product listings photos can be misleading. See my review here.
Totally Waisted! Corsets (Now Bone & Busk Couture) is a Toronto-based business that creates a variety of couture corsets from traditional Victorian styles to modern corseted wedding gowns. Kate has experience in drafting posture-corrective garments and her corsets are capable of giving impressive waist reductions while looking relatively natural. This gorgeous made-to-measure corset features straps adjustable using ribbon laces, and it includes lace accents, painstakingly tidy contrast stitching and beautiful flossing.
Let’s take a moment to admire the colourful work of Daze of Laur. Laurie’s high-backed underbust corsets feature shoulder straps adjustable with ribbons and can be made with a neutral posture or can be incorporated into a more S-bend style corset. Although she is not currently accepting commissions, do check back periodically as her creations are not to be missed. (Laurie has ceased taking commissions and is enjoys hobby costuming)
The “Buxom Bodice” by Pirate Fashions is another OTR option, with prices starting at $139 USD. This is highly adjustable with six lacing systems, the 16.5-inch-high back provides plenty of support, and the straps can either be criss-crossed or go straight back, depending on the amount of type of shoulder support you need. However, give yourself extra time to into and out of this corset, because the straps fasten in the back instead of the front, and the lack of front busk can make wriggling into this corset a bit tricky! It’s definitely easier to have a helper in this situation.
Blue Lady Couture (Joanna Read) is a historical reproduction costumer and corsetiere from the UK – she’s able to make authentic Victorian corsets as well as more contemporary corsets like this underbust waistcoat or vest style corset in bright stripes.
Evgeniya Molodykh, better known asNemuro Corsets, is a one-woman business in Moscow. I was first introduced to her work when she entered a contest for Foundations Revealed, but she has since made a name for herself onInstagramandEtsy. Her range of work is impressive, fromhistorical reproduction staysto modern overbusts like above, as well as waistcoat corsets like above.
Overbust Waistcoat Corsets
While not our usual pick, we would be remiss if we didn’t include this overbust waistcoat / vest corset by Latex Fashion Design in Germany! The waist reduction here is relatively mild, but they make standard sizes as well as custom, and you can choose color (obviously) as well as D-rings or regular grommets for the back lacing system.
Woman’s Armor Workshop is run by corsetiere Aleksandra (who is also the model here!) Above you’ll see a feat of wizardry, where she’s managed to create a perfectly-fitted cupped overbust that also doubles as a high-collared waistcoat corset, with a Queen Anne neckline (my personal favorite type of neckline). This level of fit requires a bespoke commission with mockup fitting. Check out Aleksandra’s Patreon page here.
The Bad Button Bespoke Corsets has designed a beautiful overbust waistcoat corset that doesn’t have lacing right up to the neck as in the previous mentioned designs, but this corset works by adding structure and support over the upper chest, back, and over the shoulders. The shoulder straps are not really adjustable (and so must be carefully fitted), but for women with heavy busts, the extra support in front can remove strain the shoulders by lifting and supporting the bust from below.
Lovely Rats Corsetry, run by Amber in Texas USA, has a wide range of experience from swayback corsets, full-bust corsets, and also waistcoat corsets as you can see here. The plaid is motif-matched and the appliqué is thoughtfully applied to make the waist look much tinier than it actually is.
Black Cat Corsets, now Rose Sathler of Brazil, offers an impressive line of corporate and couture wear in 7 general permanent collections. This corset vest combines a plunge overbust with shoulder straps to create a beautiful feminine yet professional garment that can blend seamlessly in with business-wear.
Puimond Progressive Corset Design shows off his incredible skills with this overbust corset with a high collar, plunging neckline, and comfortable shoulder straps. In the back, the corset laces all the way up to the neck for full adjustability. Puimond asks that customers come for in-person fittings for best results with these special orders.
Riwaa Nerona from the Czech Republic makes some stunning corset styles, and her Clarissa overbust is no exception! This perfectly smooth damask overbust features lace trim at the bustline, black piping and accent ribbon, a high back, and adjustable shoulder straps. She says that this piece is particularly challenging and requires a minimum of two toile fittings.
Violet Snowstorm is a partnership between Violet and Mira based in Finland. They specialize in corsetry, especially with a goth or fantasy twist – but they take commissions for nearly anything, including harnesses, skirts, capes, costumes, etc. They cater to the European client base only.
Here is the Taifun corset made by Korsett Manufactur TO.mTO. A masculine corset that features a wider ribcage and narrower hips for that “V” silhouette, with laces going all the way up to the neck and shoulder straps cut in a “racerback” fashion.
Sandra Chirico is a bespoke corsetiere based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has nearly two decades in experience with corset making and has a history of sewing for theatre, circus, opera and other larger performances. Her high-pressure environment has made her adaptable and creative, such that she can seemingly do it all: from corset dresses to historical reproduction, as well as vinyl pieces with striking contrast lacing panels like above. She’s fully fluent in English and French.
The House of Canney has an awesome selection of waistcoat and vest-like corsets for both men and women. This Duelist’s Corset is made-to-measure and features a unique offset busk, collar that can be worn up or down, and Anthony’s trademark “keyhole” lacing design (which would be amazing for those who like a little ventilation in back!).
Izabela Pitcher of Prior Attire created this lovely Napoleonic waistcoat corset which laces up in the back and a front zip (not historically accurate, but a request from the client for ease of use). Thesoutache embellishment and buttonsconceal the zip and add reinforcement.
Brazil-based Madame Sher makes some of my favorite overbust corsets with cups and integrated corsetry, and she is known for her painstaking precision in fit and measurements, even when international mockup fittings are not always possible. Here she doesn’t disappoint – her graphic art inspired overbust with straps are an aesthetic combination of fashion and function, with impeccable back, bust and shoulder support built in.
As mentioned at the top of this list, Dark Garden Corsetry offers some incredibly beautiful custom designs, whether it’s a modified simple underbust to integrate shoulder straps, or whether it’s a waistcoat corset for full coverage. They have styles for all genders (like the Beau for men, the Victorian for women, and the Dietrich, a more androgynous style meant for everyone), to suit every taste, and can be made to be more posture-corrective or more lenient with posture.
Corsets with Criss-Cross Straps
Electra Designs is another favorite corsetiere who displays considerable ingenuity. Alexis explained that the custom-fit corset seen above was for a client with notable physical asymmetry. Masterful positioning of the piping masks scoliosis very well in a piece like this. She uses special flexible lacing bones that maintains a neutral posture and hugs the curve of the lower spine, while the criss-cross shoulder straps help to correct upper-spinal posture and is adjusted using buckles in the front. The same way that “reverse bunny ear” lacing can give more leverage while lacing down, so corsets with criss-cross straps have the leverage to gently squeeze the scapula together more easily, and straighten thoracic spine posture and open the chest.
Sharon McCoy Morgan, one of the corsetieres on Romantasy’s team, created this incredible “Golf Corset” for a client. Ann from Romantasy mentions that this corset was an original design by the client, a physician who had injured his back while playing golf: “Our client designed his corset with shoulder posture straps and a high upper back edge to provide maximum back support. He also requested the corset include two side-by-side extra steels at the mid back, bent into approximately a 15″ curve at the waistline.” (In June 2020, Ann Grogan retired and Romantasy is now defunct)
It’s no secret that Contour Corsets is one of my favorite designers; Fran’s engineering is incredible. In this unique piece, you’re looking at the back of the corset (the laces are underneath the flap, so the back is smooth under clothing) and the wide shoulder straps criss-cross in the back to help pull the shoulders back and correct posture. The straps here are adjustable using grommets and little locks, although other Contour styles utilize simple buckles without locks. Even without shoulder straps, Fran can make a simple underbust corset more or less posture-corrective (using patterning and rigidity of bones/fabric) depending on the client’s preferences.
Add on Shoulder Straps
*Please note that I have not personally tried every corset brand in this list, nor do I necessarily endorse every company in these guided galleries. This is for informational purposes only, and not meant to replace the advice of a medical physician. If you have posture issues or have any health concerns, please talk to your trusted healthcare practitioner before using a corset to correct your posture (or for any other reason). This gallery may contain affiliate links which help keep this gallery online and free for everyone. These links do not increase the price for customers, nor does it increase the merchant fees of the corsetieres.
