The most common question I get is “which size should I take?”. Fair enough: our pieces come from different brands, and each one sizes a little differently. This guide shows how to measure yourself, and the actual measurements from each product, so you can order with confidence.
What you need
A soft measuring tape, a mirror, and preferably a little help. Measure in your underwear, stand relaxed and breathe normally. Keep the tape level all the way round, close to the body but never pulled tight.
How to measure
- Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, usually a little above the belly button. Stand naturally and don't pull your stomach in. This is the measurement for corset belts and harnesses.
- Underbust: straight around the ribcage, just under the bust.
- Bust: around the fullest point of the bust, wearing a bra that gives you support, with the tape level across your back.
- Hips: around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
- Neck: around the middle of the neck, where a choker or neckpiece sits.
- Head: around the head, across the forehead and above the ears (for chainmaille headpieces).
Corset belts
The measurements below are copied from each product page. All of them are waist measurements.
Ashira Moth Waist Belt (Restyle). The ranges are given with the side lacing loosened and tightened to its maximum.
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 64–72 cm |
| M/L | 72–80 cm |
| XL/2XL | 80–88 cm |
Rosarium Corset Belt (Restyle). Adjustable lace-up back.
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 63–71 cm |
| M/L | 71–78 cm |
| XL/2XL | 78–86 cm |
3XL/4XL: the product pages don't list a measurement for this size. Restyle's own body chart (below) gives a 92 cm waist for 3XL and 97 cm for 4XL, so the combined 3XL/4XL size fits a waist of roughly 92–97 cm. Note that these are body measurements from the brand's chart, not measurements of the belt.
The Videnoir Couture belts (Cathedral, Bats, OhMyGoth, Dogma) come in XS–XL. Videnoir sizes by real garment measurements, so compare your body measurements with their standard size chart from our Fitting Room rather than your usual shop size:
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (cm) | 80 | 88 | 96 | 104 | 110 | 120 |
| Waist (cm) | 60 | 66 | 74 | 84 | 90 | 94 |
| Hips (cm) | 86 | 94 | 102 | 110 | 120 | 126 |
| Neck (cm) | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 43 | 45 |
Use this standard Videnoir chart for the Videnoir corset belts and for briefs and thongs. If you are unsure which size to choose, contact me at hello@kultarchive.no or on Instagram @kult_archive.
Videnoir underbust corsets (e.g. Bats Cloud and Blood Drips) have their own chart. These are the garment measurements when fully closed, so for a comfortable fit your own measurements should be slightly larger:
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underbust (cm) | 65 | 72 | 75 | 80 | 90 |
| Waist (cm) | 55 | 60 | 65 | 76 | 85 |
| High hips (cm) | 80 | 86 | 96 | 100 | 110 |
Harnesses
Hemlock Lace Up Harness (Restyle). Fully adjustable with straps, buckles and lace-up front panels.
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 64–72 cm |
| M/L | 73–81 cm |
| XL/2XL | 82–90 cm |
Hallows Peplum Harness (Restyle). Adjustable shoulder straps and a lace-up back.
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 61–69 cm |
| M/L | 70–79 cm |
| XL/2XL | 80–89 cm |
The same applies to 3XL/4XL on Hemlock and Hallows: roughly 92–97 cm waist, based on Restyle's body chart.
Restyle size chart
Ashira, Rosarium, Hemlock and Hallows are all from Restyle. These are Restyle's body measurements. Compare them with your own measurements, not with the garment:
| Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 82 | 64 | 88 |
| S | 86 | 68 | 92 |
| M | 90 | 72 | 96 |
| L | 95 | 77 | 101 |
| XL | 100 | 82 | 106 |
| 2XL | 105 | 87 | 111 |
| 3XL | 110 | 92 | 116 |
| 4XL | 115 | 97 | 121 |
| 5XL | 120 | 102 | 126 |
Restyle's size conversion:
| Size | UK | EU | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 34 | 2 |
| S | 8 | 36 | 4 |
| M | 10 | 38 | 6 |
| L | 12 | 40 | 8 |
| XL | 14 | 42 | 10 |
| 2XL | 16 | 44 | 12 |
Between two sizes? Laced and adjustable pieces are forgiving. If you want to tighten more, take the smaller size. If you want comfort or plan to wear it over thick knits, take the larger.
Lingerie
The Videnoir Couture bras come in sizes 0–8, and briefs and thongs in XS–XL (see the standard chart above). Videnoir bras have a more precise fit than many commercial lingerie brands, especially US ones. If you usually wear 34B, a 34A may fit better in some designs. Check both your underbust and full bust. Most of the bras close with a triple hook-and-eye at the back, so there is some room to adjust. See everything in Lingerie.
Videnoir's bra sizes and the matching US bra sizes:
| Videnoir | Bra size reference (US) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 28C / 30B / 32A / 34AA |
| 1 | 28D / 30C / 32B / 34A |
| 2 | 30D / 32C / 34B / 36A |
| 3 | 32D / 34C / 36B / 38A |
| 4 | 32DD / 34D / 36C / 38B / 40A |
| 5 | 34DD / 36D / 38C / 40B |
| 6 | 34DDD / 36DD / 38D / 40C / 42A |
| 7 | 36DDD / 38DD / 40D / 42B |
| 8 | 36F / 38DDD / 40DD / 42C |
Between two sizes? Choose the larger size for comfort and the smaller one for a more secure fit. The band should sit firmly around the ribcage without digging in, so start on the loosest hook. The Sanctuary Bolero has its own chart:
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper arm (cm) | 24–26 | 26–28 | 28–30 | 30–32 | 32–34 | 34–37 |
| Bust (cm) | 80 | 88 | 96 | 104 | 110 | 120 |
You can find all the charts, including the bodysuit chart, in our Fitting Room.
Neckpieces and chokers
The Videnoir neckpieces are sold by neck circumference and close with corset lacing and a ribbon:
| Size | Neck |
|---|---|
| S | 30 cm |
| M | 33 cm |
| L | 35 cm |
| XL | 38 cm |
| XXL | 40 cm |
The Iron Moon Collar adjusts from 29 to 37 cm. The Cathedralis Velvet Collar is 31 cm with a 7 cm extension chain.
Handmade chainmaille
My chainmaille pieces, like The Prologue, are made to order. Enter your head or neck circumference in centimetres when you order, and I make the piece to fit you.
Still unsure?
Send me your measurements at hello@kultarchive.no or on Instagram @kult_archive, and I will help you choose. And if it still doesn't fit, you have 14 days' right of withdrawal.
Andrea, Kult Archive