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Wearing your Corsets well

I have been told so many times that corsets are uncomfortable and awful to wear. My response to this is simply- you must not be doing it right. Here is a quick checklist for all of you inclined to try wearing corsets.


  • Always wear something under your corset! Historical corsets (as far as my research has shown me) were NEVER worn next to the skin. There are many reasons for this but the two best ones are that its really uncomfortable for long periods of time and the corset would need to be washed more often.
  • Hand wash your corsets! I know we put lots of tension on a well built corset some times, but modern washing machines will degrade the fabric faster. Depending on the style of boning you have it may degrade over time as well. The biggest problem with doing this is that usually the ends of the boning channels will wear down and the stays/busks/boning may poke through while you are wearing it. Lay your corset flat to dry on a towel. Electric driers may shrink fabric and hang-drying corsets may stretch the fabric.
  • Use good lacing! I know this sounds obvious, but I do know people who try and use silky rayon cords to lace corsets. The problem with that is how well the cord will stay tied. There are few things less comfortable than a corset lace undoing itself while you are being active.
  • Practice Wearing It! Most of us do not wear garments like this on a daily basis, and are not used to how it sits or shapes the body. I make it a point to wear a new corset around the house for about a week- maybe only a few hours at a time-  before I plan to wear it. All of these corsets are going to make you stand up straighter. This is the number one reason people give me for not liking corsets. I would remind you though that over time you grow accustomed to the way you have to carry yourself when you wear one (no slouching). Corsets over time begin to compress the waist more and more which can be a legitimate source of soreness or pain. I do not wear 19th century corsets for this reason.
  • Not all Corsets are Equal! Do not wear a corset from Victoria's Secret under an Elizabethan gown. Corsets from different eras may not shape you in the way you need it to. I swear I did it once and had to go in for a professional massage because my back was so sore.
  • Modern Corsets- Modern corsets have two functions really. Some will smooth out your body for a formal gown. Other corsets are designed to be worn in the bedroom. Usually, modern lingerie models are where the public sees women wearing corsets without anything under the restrictive garment.. Neither of these styles work well under period gowns. Please make or buy a corset of your own.
  • Get one Custom Made! For all of you who tell me that corsets are evil, try getting one made to YOUR measurements. Many people do not fit an "off-the-rack" size chart. A poorly made, or ill fitting corset will cause hours of grief. If you can not get a corset made for you get a professional to size you in person. Try on different styles because they all fit a bit differently on different people. 
That's all for now. Good Night :)
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