How Do I Put A Corset On Myself?
1. Start by loosening the laces of the corset to make it easier to put on. Position the corset against your back so that its top edge is just below your shoulder blades and fasten the busk or hooks at the front.
2. Starting from one side, carefully begin lacing up the corset until you reach about halfway up - this will give a good fit for comfort when fully tightened. Adjust each row of eyelets evenly as you lace up the corset, allowing yourself an extra inch or two beyond where you want it to finish in order for some flexibility with breathing and movement later on.
3. When you have laced around half way up, use a modesty panel (an additional piece of material found on many corsets) to cover any remaining flesh or skin before finishing lacing tightly all the way up. Fasten off any excess laces with ribbon ties provided with most models for aesthetic purposes if desired - however don’t tie these too tight as they shouldn’t be relied upon during wear.
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Preparing for the Corset
Getting ready to put on a corset is an important part of the process. Before even beginning to put it on, you should make sure that your stomach and torso area are as flat as possible. This means avoiding eating for several hours prior to putting on the corset so that you have no bloating or bulkiness in your abdomen. It’s advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing underneath the corset, like a tank top and leggings, so that nothing gets pinched when you do eventually put the garment on. You may also want to plan in advance which type of waist trainer or body shaper would be best for your needs - there are many types available with unique styles and features such as front lacing, back lacing or side lacing depending on what look you're going for.
Another key factor in preparing yourself for wearing a corset is determining how tight you want it fastened around your waistline. While some wearers prefer an extremely tight fit that drastically reduces their waist size after about 10 minutes of consistent wear over time, this might not work out for everyone. If this is too intense of an experience at first, start off with something more moderate until you become used to the sensation before tightening up any further during subsequent fittings. Once you are ready and equipped with all the necessary tools such as appropriate underwear and garments beneath as well as knowledge regarding ideal tension levels then it's time to actually go ahead and try putting the corset on.
Choosing an Appropriate Corset
Choosing the perfect corset for yourself can be daunting. There are a plethora of options out there, from lace to steel boned, and it's important to make sure you select one that is suited to your body type and size. You don't want something too loose or too tight, as it won't give the desired effect. The best way to ensure an accurate fit is by taking accurate measurements of your waist and torso before shopping for your new corset.
The fabric used in creating the corset also needs to be taken into account; whether you opt for cotton, satin or silk will depend on what style of clothing you’re wearing with it, or if you are planning on just wearing it alone. If opting for metal boning over plastic or bamboo boning then make sure it sits flush against your body so you don’t have any unpleasant poking under clothes. Steel-boned corsets tend to give more structure than other fabrics do but come with hefty price tags and require special care when cleaning them.
Some corsets will have a ribbon at the back which ties up giving more support while others may have buckle fastenings which provide an easier option when putting them on yourself (or someone else). If self-lacing is something that intimidates you then stick with an easier option such as buckles until you feel comfortable in using this technique regularly. Ultimately choosing a corset that suits your individual style should take precedence above anything else – there really is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to selecting a suitable garment.
Measuring and Fitting a Corset
Having the perfect fit is key when looking for a corset that flatters your figure. To achieve the best results, it's important to understand how to measure and fit your corset correctly before wearing it.
To get an accurate measurement, have someone help you measure your torso from just below the chest down to the bottom of your belly button. Keeping in mind that not all bodies are created equal, you should also account for bust size or any other areas where you’d like extra support and flexibility when selecting which size would be most suitable for you. It may be helpful to take pictures of yourself while measuring so you can reference them later if needed.
Once you’ve determined what size works best for your body type, make sure there is an adequate gap between the lacing at the back of the corset – at least two fingers wide - this will ensure that it fits comfortably without being too tight once laced up. Check its length; it should come to roughly two inches above your waistline (or longer depending on personal preference). For added security, put eyelets through each corner hole with lace-ends secured underneath fabric tabs called grommets; tying a bow over them keeps everything secure. Finally try adjusting back laces until desired level of snugness is achieved - though some people prefer ‘pre-tied bows’ as they allow quick and easy tightening/loosening whenever necessary.
The process can seem daunting but with a little practice and patience anyone can master fitting their own corset quickly and confidently.
Securing the Closure of the Corset
After you have got the corset on your body, it is time to secure the closure of the garment. Different types of corsets might require different techniques for fastening, so make sure to read up on how to do this for the corset you are wearing.
One common way of securing a closure is with lacing. If using laces, start by taking both sides and crisscrossing them in an alternating pattern. When knotting off at the end, tie one final bow for easy release later on if need be. For metal closures such as eyelets or clasps, simply adjust either side until you’ve achieved a comfortable fit that doesn’t tug too tightly or constrict your breathing at all. There are also spring-loaded closures which require nothing more than pushing against each side until they click into place, after which it should feel securely in position on your body.
When opting for a tighter fit around the waistline area through lacing or other closure methods mentioned above, it can help to use clothing accessories like garter belts and suspenders to hold up a looser fitting skirt or dress overtop. This way when walking around throughout your day, these skirts will stay put without riding up from underneath the actual corset itself.
Adjusting Laces to Create a Comfortable Fit
Adjusting laces is the most crucial step to achieving a comfortable fit in your corset. It may take a few tries for those unfamiliar with this type of garment, but eventually you will be able to create the right shape and size tailored to your body. To begin, start by loosening the laces located on both sides of the back panel. This allows for some flexibility as you go through further steps of adjustment.
Next, place the corset around your torso and position it correctly. Make sure that there are even spaces between each row of lace in order to evenly distribute pressure across your frame while fastening it securely into place at mid-back level (where possible). Once that has been accomplished, gently tug on either end of the uppermost lacing string until they come together overtop - creating a snug hold.
Give one more tug and adjust from below if necessary; usually running two fingers between yourself and the clothing piece should do the trick. With all this effort put in, an ideal cinch can finally be achieved without experiencing any discomfort.
Caring for Your Corset Post-Use
With a growing interest in fashion trends from centuries past, it can be hard to resist the pull of the corset. After donning your garment and giving your look a timeless silhouette, proper care is essential to ensure that you get maximum use out of it.
Most importantly, when storing a corset after wearing it, make sure to hang it up on a hanger instead of leaving it folded or tossed into storage bins. This way, you’ll reduce any wrinkling or creasing and also minimize the risk of mould forming on the fabric due to moisture accumulation from sweat over time. Using satin cloth liners will help protect materials like leather and velvet from dust buildup while they are stored away.
Cleaning and stain removal should be done with light solvents like white vinegar diluted with warm water if possible for an effective yet gentle cleanse. This will help prolong the life of your corset as well as give off an attractive sheen each time you put it on for wear.
Want to learn more? See: When were corsets last worn?