Breaking the Corset In

On no account should you try to lace the corset closed, or even very tightly on the first several wearings. As you lace down, measure your waist to see that it has not been reduced on the outside of the corset any more than about 1 1/2 inches for the first four times you wear it. This is because corsets need “breaking in time”. After a while they mold to your body shape and the material takes the strain of waist reduction evenly. Placing too much pressure on the corset at the outset may damage the fabric or “pop” stitches. In addition, it may cause you discomfort and a negative feeling toward your beautiful new garment. Remember that moderation is the catch word here! The gapping at the back of your corset may not be even at this point, this is normal.

Wear the corset about 1-2 hours the first time, and for several times thereafter. After that, you should extend the hours of wear to 3 or 5 for several times more, before you tighten the corset. When you are ready, lace down 1/2″ – 1″ more and drop your hours of wear back to 2-3 hrs for several times. Continue this pattern until you reach your desired reduction, or until the corset fabric and boning eases and begins to sculpt to your body. There is no set time or tightness that we can recommend since these are matters of judgment for you to make.

To speed up the breaking in process for a new corset, you may split wearing for 2 hrs, into morning wear, and late evening wear. Never sleep in a new corset however.

When corsets are damaged, it is almost always through excessive force applied too soon. During the early stages of breaking in a corset, if laced too tightly, even a sneeze may destroy the front busk stitching. If you have a burning desire to wear your new corset every day, you might consider ordering another corset right away. Several corsets worn in sequence can well last many years with each one maintained in excellent shape.

At no time should your corset feel uncomfortable or painful. You should feel a pleasant “hugging” sensation and enjoy excellent posture. Always lace down just less than you feel you can tolerate or prefer, so that you will continue to look forward to wearing your corset. For effective, long-term waist reduction, the goal is to be able to comfortably wear the corset snugly laced for longer and longer periods of time, not very tightly laced for only a few minutes.

Eating and Drinking whilst Corseted

We suggest that whilst corseted you eat and drink lightly, avoiding fats, sugars and carbohydrates. Minimize the amount you drink of champagne or other carbonated beverages. Choose fruit juices, salads, and cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Never eat too quickly or overeat just before or after you have put your corset on, because you risk severe stomach cramping upon its removal.

Coupled with a healthy diet, daily or every-other-day wearing of your corset and exercise, many wearers experience permanent waist reduction and weight loss. The corset can therefore be an effective aid to weight loss.  Because it will be made for a smaller waist, you can continue to wear it for many months or sometimes years, even if you do lose weight after you begin corseting.

Maximizing Reduction

For effective, long-term waist reduction, the goal is to be able to comfortably wear the corset snugly laced for longer and longer periods of time. The goal is not to lace tightly but only tolerate it for a few minutes at a time.

If you want maximum waist reduction for a particular occasion, put the corset on several hours in advance of that time, but at a very loose level. Every 30 minutes tighten it slightly until you are at a desired but comfortable reduction. If you plan to wear your corset under a wedding dress, remember to order in time for delivery before your dress is altered, and in time for at least two weeks of practice before your wedding date.

Cleaning and Care

Wearing an undergarment will protect your corset from excessive perspiration and minimize cleaning of it. The less you clean your corset the longer it will last and look beautiful.

Most corsets should be dry cleaned. My advice is to ask around to find a reputable drycleaner, preferably someone who can do it by hand. Make sure they know that there is steel inside of your garment, and that it may not become wet.

Never, ever machine wash or dry a corset! You can also wash your corset by hand but you must be gentle. Lay it down flat in a bowl of warm water using mild soap flakes such as Dreft or Fairy. Gently submerge the corset and pat it into the water. Do not soak. Then rinse the corset in the same way by patting the corset into clean warm water. Patting with a towel to absorb the excess water, do not ring or squeeze the corset. Towel the corset dry and treat it as you would a fine cashmere sweater. Either lay flat to dry or you may hang a wet corset over a plastic hanger to dry, but never over a metal hanger because of the risk of rust. Never expose it to sunlight to dry, as it may fade and never let it remain wet all night. This will not guarantee against rust, (this is a risk which can’t be avoided) however. If you do see rust, apply a drop of Whisk, or other fabric-safe rust remover (available at most pharmacies).

Again, we urge extreme caution, and rapidity of drying any corset you have been advised can be washed. The best decision remains to dry clean your valuable corset.

Storage

When putting your corset away, it will be tempting to roll it up and toss it in a drawer. Rolling your corset will result in warping, so just don’t do it.

Your corset can be folded with acid free tissue as it was when the corset was received and stored in a protective bag.

Alternatively, fold the corset in half at the laces, liner side out. Slide a hanger through the middle of the laces, so that they are moderately evenly distributed on either side. Cover the corset with a plastic bag or a garment bag. It is also a good idea to include a sachet of lavender or cedar and flax, to absorb moisture away from your garment. Just hang it with your regular clothes in your closet.