Corset How To Guide

Many customers are unsure about how to put their corset on.

When we looked online for guides on how to put on your corset, the ones we found were confusing. So we teamed up with Waist'D Magazine and created this simple guide, to help you put on your corset.

How to Put Your Corset On:  

Copyright 2015 Waist’D Magazine
All Rights Reserved
This product is protected by international copyright and is distributed under licenses restricting copying, distribution and decompilation. Reproduction of this is not allowed without written permission from the rights holder.

The author, licensee, licensor, distributor and company shall not be liable for any injury or loss that arises from using this guide.

Terms & Conditions Apply.

How To Start Waist Training: The Do's, The Don'ts & the How To's

Waist training is quickly catching on in popularity and as a result, there is a lot of information out there about set regimens that people believe they must follow, but what is most important for you to consider is that you needn’t follow a rigid guideline. I always try and underscore the importance of listening to your body as you get into the swing of waist-training. So here is a comprehensive guide on how to start waist training.

How do I Know if I am Ready to Waist Train?

How to Measure:

Before you even decide which style of corset you'd like to go with for your waist training journey, it is most important to determine which size you need.

To do this, you will need a soft tape measure

Take your tape measure and wrap it around the narrowest part of your torso, this is usually close to where the belly button is. Get the measurement of your waist in inches and jot your measurement down on a piece of paper.

Now that you have your waist measurement, here is how to calculate:

For a steel boned corset: Subtract 4" to 5" from the measurement of your waist.

For example, if your waist measures between 30" to 31", you would want to go with  steel boned corset in a size 26".

For a waist training corset: Subtract 6" to 7" from the measure of your waist.

Therefore, using the same example, if your waist measures 30" to 31", you would want to select a waist trainer in a size 24".

Which Corset to Choose, Steel Boned Or Waist Trainer?

How do you know if you should start with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer? And should you select an underbust or an overbust?

When shopping for a corset, many come to a cross roads in deciding whether to go with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer. But the fact of the matter is that there's more to making that decision than wanting the maximum cinch.

Here are 3 things to consider before you decide on which type of corset:

1. Have you got experience wearing corsets?

If you've never worn a corset before it is advisable that you begin with a steel boned corset. Steel boned corsets provide a cinch of 4" to 5" which is already a dramatic difference and quite a lot to get accustomed to in terms of the sensation of added tension around the waist. A steel boned corset will allow you to slowly work up to a waist training corset, which  gives 6-7” reduction to the waist.

If you've never worn a corset before, beginning with a steel boned corset is advisable. A steel boned corset starts you off with a 4" to 5" waist reduction, which some may find more comfortable to start with than the 6" to 7" reduction a waist trainer provides. By insuring that you are comfortable throughout your waist training regimen, you will better your chances of sticking with it and seeing greater results.

2. You should have at least one other corset that you'll be able to wear interchangeably with your new waist trainer

For whatever the reason (you may be feeling bloated, suffering menstrual cramps, or you just feel like you'd like to give your middle a bit of a break), you will appreciate having a steel boned corset on hand for those days when a waist trainer just feels like too much.  You  will  appreciate  having  a  less  constricting  corset  on  hand  for  those  days  when  a  waist  trainer  or  even  a  full  blown  steel  boned  corset  feel  like  too  much.  Our  mesh  corsets are  steel  boned  but  are  less  constricting,  ideal  for  those  days.

Our waist trainers are made with 24 steel bones (spiral and flat), 4 layers of cloth for extra strength, and just those 2 characteristics alone give a True Corset waist trainer the ability to offer maximum cinch. And some days, that can feel like too much so having a steel boned corset  or  a  steel  boned  mesh  corset   handy can keep us on track with our waist training rather than leaving us discouraged ("this is too hard" or "ugh, I've missed a day!").

3. You are considering a waist trainer because you want to waist train and not because you're looking for a quick fix for a smaller waist

If your main motivation for selecting a waist trainer is that it offers more of a cinch than a steel boned corset, then I wouldn't recommend it.

Steel boned corsets can also be used for waist training and are my personal favorite to recommend for those who do not yet have very much experience wearing corsets. They still provide an excellent cinch of 4" to 5" and can be worn throughout the day for your waist training journey.

How to Put Your Corset On:  

Copyright 2015 Waist’D Magazine
All Rights Reserved
This product is protected by international copyright and is distributed under licenses restricting copying, distribution and decompilation. Reproduction of this is not allowed without written permission from the rights holder.

The author, licensee, licensor, distributor and company shall not be liable for any injury or loss that arises from using this guide.

Terms & Conditions Apply.

Seasoning:

Perhaps one thing that most everybody who puts a corset on for the first time loves most about it is the way you quite literally achieve instant results. Your waist, in a matter of the time it takes to lace yourself in comfortably, goes from its original size right down by 4" to 5" with a steel boned corset or even down by 6" to 7" with a waist training corset. A virtually instant and impressive difference!

However, for those of us who wish to waist train or even just wear our corsets, if not all day long, then certainly on a regular basis, we must learn to practice a touch of patience so that we can properly season our corset.

To "season" your corset might sound like a fancy and exclusive term, but it’s really quite simple. It basically means to "break it in".

The very same way you wouldn't choose to wear your newest shoes out for a long walk, you also wouldn't want to take your corset straight out of its package, tighten it to its fullest capacity and not take it off again for 6-10 hours.

If you were to do this (put it on and lace it to its fullest capacity straight out of the package), then you risk damaging the corset and causing yourself significant discomfort.

So, how does one season their corset? Simple! Just follow these basic steps and your corset will be fully molded and shaped to your unique curves in roughly 7-10 days:

• Before trying to fasten your corset, make sure that you have fully loosened the back laces. This will insure that you do not warp the front busk by trying to hard to get it to fasten.
• Once fastened, gently pull the laces in until the corset feels lightly snug. To a degree where if you wanted to, you could still tighten the corset further, but for the time being, stop there!
• After wearing your corset like this for 45 minutes to an hour, feel free to take the laces in a touch more.
• Continue to take the laces in a touch more after every 45 minute to 1 hour interval until the corset is fully tightened.
• Do not wear your corset tightened to its full capacity for over 1-2 hours.

Continue these steps daily for 1 week to 10 days, and by the end of that period your corset will be well seasoned, the laces will slide smoothly between the grommets, the front busk closure will fasten up with nary any effort and you will be able to take your corset in to its fullest degree with no gaps or pulling, no warping or bending of the bones.

How Many Hours to Wear Your Trainer:

Try getting through the day without taking your corset off. If you notice that you are experiencing any sort of discomfort during the day (whether from a little bit of bloating after a meal, or from growing accustomed to being sat while in your corset), rather than taking it off, simply unlace your corset to the point where you are no longer uncomfortable. You will still feel the support that the corset offers, but you won’t feel as restricted.

Beyond that, you can feel free to wear your corset from the time you wake up and get dressed right up to the time you go to sleep, or you can even feel free to sleep in your corset. The only times you would need to remove your corset are when showering/bathing or if you partake in any sort of exercise that calls for a full range of motion (something a corset might interfere with).

Diet Tips:

As I am sure you have heard, many people claim that when they are wearing their corset, they cannot eat as much as they would when not wearing their corset. Due to the tension placed around your midsection from the corset, there is some truth to this and as such, it is highly important that you make sure to eat a sufficient amount (you can try eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 larger meals) and also to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients (a proper balance of proteins, healthy fats and unrefined carbohydrates). It also isn’t a bad idea to consider taking a vitamin supplement while you waist train.

Water is very important! Keep a bottle of water within your reach throughout the day. Hunger and thirst can frequently be confused and as a corset can lead you to feel less hungry you don’t want to risk neglecting your hydration. Sip throughout the day.

Sleeping Tips:

You can sleep in your corset if you like. Again, there is plenty of information available about the lifestyles of some of the most disciplined waist trainers and most of them will tell you that they wear their corsets for 23 hrs per day and only remove it to shower. If you do want to give it a go and try sleeping in your corset, do loosen the laces before bed and try sleeping on your side (this will most likely be the most comfortable position while wearing your corset).

To give sleeping in your corset a try, here are a few basic tips:

1. Test it out with a nap:

Some people may love wearing their corset throughout the day but this doesn't necessarily mean they'll love sleeping in one. Perhaps you're not the type who stays particularly still in your sleep. Or perhaps the sensation of a corset around your middle is too distracting when you're trying to fall asleep. Rather than compromise an entire night's worth of sleep, why not try it out the next time you take a nap? If you are successful in taking a nice comfortable nap in your corset, then give it a go at bed time, too.

2. Don't eat a large meal right before bed:

Eating a large meal right before bed isn't a good idea whether you are sleeping in a corset or not; a large meal before bed can cause acid reflux (heartburn) and wearing a corset on top of things can exacerbate things further. Give yourself a good hour or 2 to digest before going down for the night.

3. Better to sleep in an underbust than an overbust:

Unless you're the type who wakes up in the exact same position you fall asleep in, I like to suggest underbust corsets for bedtime. An underbust covers less of your trunk/core and as such, will allow a slightly greater range of motion. Permitting yourself to move more freely in your sleep by sticking to an underbust corset will reduce any chances of the corset having a negative impact on what would have otherwise been a restful night.

4. Don't tie your corset laces into a knot

I always discourage anyone from tying their laces into a know but especially while you sleep! If you feel the need to wake up and loosen your laces in the middle of the night, this would be much more difficult to do, if not impossible, were your laces tied into a knot. Stick to a loose bow instead.

5. Sleeping in your corset is not required when it comes to waist training

Your are not a better waist trainer if you sleep in a corset nor are you any less of a waist trainer if you choose not to sleep in a corset. This part is entirely up to you, if you feel comfortable trying it and if after having given it a go, it doesn't interfere with your sleep. It is not at all a requirement in order for you to achieve the results you're after.

Exercise Tips:

Some people will tell you that it is fine to exercise in your corset. This is an area where I highly recommend speaking with a licensed trainer. They will be better informed on this topic than I and can give you the best advice. In terms of personal experience, I can tell you that a brisk walk while wearing your corset should be fine but for anything more physically demanding, please do seek out the advice of a licensed professional trainer

Cleaning Tips:

If ever you find yourself wondering how to clean/launder your corset or how to remove a spot or stain, here are our best tips. These tips will leave you with a corset fresh and clean as new:

1. Dry clean only!

Under no circumstance should you ever throw your corset in a washing machine. I don't care if you promise to put it in a lingerie bag and wash it in cool water on the most delicate setting! Putting your corset in a washing machine will completely destroy your corset and probably your machine too, so stick to dry cleaning.

2. Spot cleaning is okay

If you happen to get a little spot or stain on your corset, it is safe to spot clean it with a damp cloth. Start first with water alone and gently rub the soiled area to see if water alone will do the trick. If water isn't enough, use a delicate non-bleach laundry detergent. But use restraint! Most laundry detergents, even those intended for the most delicate fabrics, can be quite concentrated. A drop should be plenty.

If you do decide that you will need to use laundry soap of some kind, then be sure to apply the soap to the cloth, rather than directly to the soiled spot on the corset and once you've rubbed the spot out of the corset, do not fully immerse your corset into any sort of bath to rinse the soap off. Rather, take a clean cloth, add water to it and gradually wipe the soapiness off of the corset.

Once complete, allow your corset to air dry, preferably out of direct sunlight.

3. Go with some vodka

Yep, equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle are a great and inexpensive way to clean your corset.

Once you've got your mixture ready in your spray bottle, simply lay your corset flat lining side up, hold the bottle at least 6" away from the lining and gently spray a thin mist. No need to saturate the surface; the thin mist of half vodka, half water will work as a simple antibacterial.

It is important to note that you only want to do this on the interior of your corset for 2 reasons:

A.. The lining is the part closest to the body and most affected by perspiration vs. the shell, which won't be affected by these factors to the same degree the lining will.

1. You wouldn't want to potentially disturb the finish of the corset's shell/exterior fabric by spritzing it with alcohol.

If ever you do notice a small stain on the exterior of your corset (make-up or deodorant marks), simply rub with a damp cloth until the stain is gone. For tougher stains, feel free to add the teeniest little bit of gentle laundry detergent & that should get the job done.

Back to the vodka method: once you've applied an even misting of the solution to the corset, simply leave it flat until dry and voilà!  Your corset will be fresh as new!

4. Hand washing (NEVER MACHINE WASH)

The corsets that are made from sturdy fabrics such a taffeta, cotton or mesh can be gently submerged in warm soapy water if they require more than simple spot cleaning, but always remember to:

-Only use the mildest of detergents

-Wash off all the detergent

-Make sure to let your corset dry thoroughly before wearing again (either lay flat or hang to dry out of direct sunlight)

-Never wring excess water out of your corset as this can cause damage to the fabric, bones and busk

-Never machine was, under any circumstances.

You can also feel free to unlace your corset should the laces require cleaning, place them in a laundry bag and machine wash them on a delicate cycle.

Tips on How to Wear Your Corset

Most of us have either got a day job or attend school full tie and as a result, don't have the option of wearing our corsets during the day as an over piece. So let's first start with some tips on how to wear your corset beneath your clothes:

1. Stick to an underbust

Overbusts are gorgeous when worn as the centre piece of a special outfit but they don't always offer your bust a pretty silhouette when you've got a t-shirt or blouse draped over it. Stick to an underbust and bra and people will never know you've got a corset under there. For maximum discreetness, consider a net mesh cincher: not only is it the most breathable option for complete comfort beneath your clothes, it is light and airy, minimizing any bulk.

2. Go with a neutral color and something with little to no decorative trim

Brightly colored corsets will be a dead giveaway under a thin t-shirt or blouse, so use the colour filter on the site to search for neutral colours like white, blacks or browns.

Also any form of trim, whilst stunning if you wear your corset over your clothes, could interfere with the drape of your clothes. Ribbon, sequins, decorative buttons are all best reserved for pieces we wish to show off, not corsets we hope to conceal.

3. Braid your laces

To avoid and lumps or bumps at center back, braid your bow and then pass the braid behind the x'd laces, either from center up to the top of your corset or from center down to the bottom of your corset. Tuck any excess lacing up into the hem of the corset and presto! No bump or bulge from the laces.

4. Avoid anything in a clingy knit

What I'm referring to here isn't your average t-shirt or camisole. Instead, I'm referring to something like a bodycon or bandage dress or any tightly fitting knit made from a rayon/spandex blend. These types of clothes cling to every single little detail (e.g. every hook and pin of your front busk closure, for example) and so aren't exactly ideal if you want to keep your corset your little secret.

Following these 4 basic tips will allow you to pair your corset beneath virtually any outfit you would normally wear on the day to day. It will still deliver the benefits of waist training, provide a gorgeous hourglass silhouette and all while keeping things totally discreet.  For those of us who have the freedom to wear our corsets as an over  piece, the options are virtually limitless:

1. Wear an overbust to replace virtually any top you may have otherwise paired with your outfit

Overbusts can be paired with virtually any pair of pants, jeans or skirt. Feel like an overbust leaves you showing too much skin? Easy fix: top it off with a blazer, cardigan or bolero for your preferred amount of coverage. Or, take it one step further and add a statement bib necklace or a silk scarf tied round your neck to cover some of your decolletage. And voila! Totally sexy, totally appropriate.

2. Wear your cincher over your favorite outfit or dress instead of a belt

Whether wide, narrow, leather or chain, belts are a staple accessory. So why not wear a cincher instead? Rather than highlighting your waist with your belt of choice, reach for your pretty underbust for an even more dramatic effect.

3. You can still keep things casual

Corsets pair easily with more casual looks, too! Pair your corset with a pretty circle skirt, (or why not a corset dress?  A pair of flats and a denim jacket, or with your favorite pair of jeans and favorite cardigan. Not too fancy and just the right touch of vintage glam.

Still find things a bit too dressed up? Consider a denim corset! Whether opting for the overbust or the underbust, nothing says "laid back" better than classic denim.

And there you have it: your very own comprehensive guide on everything to do with waist training! Feel like we missed something? Feel free to send us any questions you may have and we'll be more than happy to help.

Happy lacing!

A well made corset is true to size. A size 30" will measure 30" when closed, a size 22" will measure 22" when closed, etc. So sticking exclusively to the numbers and the cinch capacity a corset has (4" to 5" cinch for a steel bone and 6" to 7" cinch for a waist trainer), the size chart is your best friend when determining which size to select.

But what about those of us who have measured ourselves, stuck to the chart and still find ourselves with a corset that is either too large or too small? Should we guesstimate which size to request as our exchange? Should we just give up and assume waist training isn't right for us?

Nope! And here are 3 tips on how you can figure out which size you should go with as your exchange if you followed the size chart to a "T" and were still left with a less than ideal fit:

1. Fully unlace your corset before putting it on

And by "fully", I mean fully! With the back laces unlaced to their fullest capacity (without untying the bottom knot!) the corset should be able to wrap around your middle with absolutely no difficulty. In fact, with the laces fully unlaced, the corset should seem huge and incredibly loose.

By either not loosening the laces or only loosening them by 4" to 5", the odds of the corset fitting comfortably about your middle are slim to none unless your corset is far to large for you in the first place.

2. Tighten the corset to a comfortable degree

There are 2 mistakes that happen here:

(A) You get overzealous and tighten the corset so much that you find it uncomfortable and there is less than a 2" gap between the 2 back panels.

(B) You didn't cinch your corset in enough for fear that you then couldn't return it.

Both of these cases won't give you a proper idea of the fit. So when your corset arrives, do be gentle but don't be shy: pull the laces in until there is about a 4" to 5" gap at the back. If you feel like you could still take it in  an inch or 2, then you've got the right size. If you can't possibly cinch it anymore, then you should go up a size.

3. Measure the gap between the 2 back panels

So you've got your corset on and it is either too small or too large. Where do you go from here? Measure the gap between the 2 back panels of the corset.

Let's say the corset is too large and there is no gap. Can you fit your hand down the front of your corset and still have plenty of room? Then consider going down a size or 2.

And if the corset is too small? Then measure the gap at the back and mark it down. Remember that the ideal gap should be 2". What is the difference between your current gap and 2"?

Here is an example: you measured your waist at 30" and bought a size 26" steel boned corset, but the gap at the back is 4" and you cannot comfortably tighten the corset any more. Then the difference between your gap of 4" and the ideal gap of 2" would suggest that you should go up by one size to a 28".

The size chart is still them way to go when selecting your corset size, but sometimes other factors need to be considered like if you have a bit of squish around your middle (then you could usually afford to go one size smaller than the chart suggests) or if you have a very firm middle with little to no squish (then you'd have to consider a size bigger than the chart suggests).

And of course, if ever you have any questions or need further guidance, you can always contact me!

Happy Valentine's Day!

When shopping for a corset, many come to a cross roads in deciding whether to go with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer. But the fact of the matter is that there's more to making that decision than wanting the maximum cinch.

Here are 3 things to consider before you decide on a waist trainer:

1. You've got experience wearing corsets

If you've never worn a corset before it is advisable that you begin with a steel boned corset. Steel boned corsets provide a cinch of 4" to 5" which is already a dramatic difference and quite a lot to get accustomed to in terms of the sensation of added tension around the waist.

If you've never worn a corset before, the odds that you will find a greater cinch of 6" to 7" which a waist trainer provides is unlikely and since waist training is a regular regimen (either daily or several days out of the week), you don't want to get discouraged because you find it to be "uncomfortable".

2. You have at least one other corset that you'll be able to wear interchangeably with your new waist trainer

For what ever the reason (you may be feeling bloated, suffering menstrual cramps, or you just feel like you'd like to give your middle a bit of a break), you will appreciate having a steel boned corset on hand for those days when a waist trainer just feels like too much.

Our waist trainers are made with 24 steel bones (spiral and flat), 4 layers of cloth for extra strength, and just those 2 characteristics alone give a True Corset waist trainer the ability to offer maximum cinch. And some days, that can feel like too much so having a steel boned corset handy can keep us on track with our waist training rather than leaving us discouraged ("this is too hard" or "ugh, I've missed a day!").

3. You are considering a waist trainer because you want to waist train and not because you're looking for a quick fix for a smaller waist

Fact is that waist training is definitely more of a lifestyle than a quick fix. Aside from the immediate cinch that it can deliver, your waist will return to its natural state within very little time after removing your corset or waist trainer.

If your main motivation for selecting a waist trainer is that it offers more of a cinch than a steel boned corset, then I wouldn't recommend it.

The results that many people claim to see from waist training have got more to do with the fact that some report feeling fuller faster when wearing their corset or waist trainer during meal times and as a result, they claim to consume fewer calories. Fewer calories consumed generally leads to weight loss.

So in brief, you would want to consider going with a waist trainer if you've got some corset wearing experience, you've got another corset handy for those days when a waist trainer feels like too much and you're interested in waist training as more of a long-term goal rather than as a quick fix.

Happy lacing!

You've just received your corset in the mail and you're dying to get it on, right? You tear open the package, take the corset out of its bag, untie the laces and try and wrap it round your waist to see how it fits, yes? Well, here are a few reasons why it is so very important that you take the time to fully loosen your corsets laces before putting it on. It takes very little time to do and can save you numerous inconveniences.

1. You'll think your corset is too small 

Even if you have purchased the perfect size for your needs, you will not be able to get the corset on before you've fully loosened your laces.

Think about it: a steel boned corset should be in a size 4" to 5" less the measure of your waist and a waist training corset should be 6" to 7" less the measure of your natural waist. Since the corset is designed to reduce and cinch the waist, there is no logical reason why you should be able to wrap it comfortably round your middle if the cord is not loosened completely.

2. You'll be convinced your corset is uncomfortable

If you've partially loosened your laces and after loads of struggle and strain have managed to get it around your waist, you won't feel comfortable in it. All that effort has almost managed to have you break a sweat, increase your heart and breathing rate and body temperature...not comfortable!

If you completely loosen the laces, your corset should not only wrap around your middle with zero difficulty, it should seem absolutely huge on you until you tighten it. For example, a properly loosened corset should not only fasten with great ease but you should be able to twist it round your middle with almost no friction.

3. You risk bending the busk and bones

If you manage to get your corset on without bending/warping the busk or the bones after not having properly loosened you laces, the odds of achieving the same success when you remove your corset are slim.

Loosening your laces is not only important when putting the corset on but almost very important when you've decided its time to remove your corset.

The most common thing that will occur if you haven't loosened them enough when trying to take your corset off is that the center hook of your busk will feel like it is completely stuck over its pin and this is where the potential for bending the hook comes in.

And there you have it: 3 reasons why it is in your best interest to take just one extra minute to completely loosen your corset's laces before putting it on and when taking it off.

Happy lacing!

*The information in this post is not intended as or meant to replace medical advice. Before beginning a waist training regimen, always seek the advice of a medical professional*

Though there are loads of reasons why some of us become interested in corsets and waist training, I'd say a very popular if not most common reason, is to create a smaller waist. And I know that I at least speak for myself when I say that perhaps no one misses their "once-was-waist" more than a woman who is either approaching the end of her pregnancy or has just recently given birth.

Here are 3 of the most common questions asked in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and corseting:

1. "I'm in my last trimester of pregnancy and want to buy a corset now for after I give birth. Should I buy a size that would have fit my waist before I was pregnant?"

Let me tell you, there is almost nothing a woman is more ready for than childbirth as she approaches the end of her last trimester! As such, it is completely understandable to start considering things like having a corset ready and available for the day that you will once again be able to lace up.

However, setting our excitement aside, it is wise to be patient and wait until after you've given birth to select a corset.

Since the size of corset is crucial for keeping things comfortable and to avoid any possible damage to the garment, or worse yet, injury to oneself, you will be best to measure yourself after you've had your little bundle of joy.

You should also note that for several weeks (if not months) following the birth of your child, you will still have something of a belly. For many woman, their belly looks something like it did at the end of their first trimester or very beginning of their second. Though this isn't permanent and your tummy will eventually go back to its normal relaxed state, this will definitely impact which size corset will best meet your needs if your doctor has given you the green light to lace up straight after you've given birth.

2. "How soon after childbirth can I wear a corset?"

This is where you will absolutely have to ask your doctor for their medical opinion. For example, for those who have to undergo a c-section, wearing a corset before you've had the chance to heal properly is a definite no-go.

If you had a natural childbirth (i.e. did not require a c-section), then some doctors will tell you that it is okay to begin wearing either a girdle or corset as soon as you are ready to return to your home.

Again: this one is a question best suited for your doctor to answer, as only they know your current condition and whether it would be of benefit or not.

3. "Will wearing a corset after childbirth affect/limit my ability to breastfeed?"

Though I can give some pointers/tips on this subject, the best person to answer this one is again,your doctor. They will be best equipped to answer any question you might have on the topic and they would best know if there is any reason you may want to wait to get back into your corset until after you've decided to stop breastfeeding.

If you have already inquired with your doctor and they see no reason why corseting would in anyway negatively impact or limit your ability to breastfeed, then there are a few things you should consider for convenience sake:

-Stick to an underbust corset.

I couldn't personally imagine anything more impractical wearing an overbust corset if you've decided to breastfeed your little one. Nursing bras, easy to remove tops/blouses can be complicated enough: stick to to an underbust.

-Keeping your corset dry

Its a fact of nature: your breasts will leak. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, you get to look forward to wet spots on your bra and blouse/top for a good bit of time to come.

In order to keep your corset and other garments dry, they do sell inserts to place in the bra to aid with absorption. As these can be quite expensive, an alternative is to cut a sanitary napkin in half and place them in the bonnets/cups of your bra. Voila! No more milky messes :)

And there you have a few simple tips and tricks to help you get back into your corset! But again, ALWAYS consult with a medical professional before making any hasty decisions about when to start corseting after childbirth.

Happy lacing!

Many of us who waist train do it with the goal in mind to size our waists down from their current size to something a tad bit more narrow. As such, it is perfectly understandable to view it as a milestone when the time comes to go down a size. But how exactly can we be certain when the right time is to go down a size?

Here are 3 of my favorite tips on when you can be sure it is time for a smaller sized corset:

You can tighten the corset completely, with no gap between the 2 back panels:

Now, in some cases we can tighten our corsets to this point, but it still doesn't mean that its time to go down a size. If, for example, you can tighten it to this degree but don't feel quite comfortable, notice that there's too much cinch going on when you do this, then you're not quite there yet and would be best to still leave a 1" to 2" gap between the back panels.

If you can tighten your corset completely and notice that even at this degree of lacing, it no longer offers the same cinch, then it may very well be time for a smaller size.

When your corset closes completely at the back & you can fit one hand comfortably down the front:

If you've laced your corset completely closed and you try to fit your hand down the front of it with no difficulty or even a good bit of room for your hand to fit, then you can be certain it is indeed time for a smaller size.

With your back panels are touching, you can rotate the corset around your torso:

If you can not only lace your corset completely closed but also once closed, shift the corset around your midsection with little to no friction, you can again be certain that you are indeed ready for a smaller size.

It is important to keep in mind that if you haven't quite met any of these 3 stages in waist training with your current corset, but you think that you feel ready for a smaller size nonetheless, it may not be the best idea. A corset's pattern is not only drafted to fit one's waist, but also the hips, underbust and bust and as such, even if you think you can comfortably cinch your waist in to a greater degree, you do risk discomfort around your hip and bust area.

And there you have it: 3 tips to help you determine if you are ready for a smaller sized corset.

Happy lacing!

Because it can be so tempting to see how tightly you can lace your corset as soon as you receive it, we frequently get asked what the big deal is about seasoning, anyway? How important is it really?

To put it briefly: seasoning your corset is very important! It is imperative that you allow yourself 7-10 days to season your corset (i.e. wear it for no more than 2-4 hours per day and not tightened to it full capacity, gradually increasing the tightness and duration of wear each day).

Here are the top pros to seasoning and the cons that will occur if you do not:

Let's start with the cons:

1. You risk warping the busk

2. Not seasoning the corset can warp bones, or worse yet cause them to bend/break

3. It has the potential to compromise the fabric

All 3 of these cons are due to the fact that an unworn corset though flexible, still has an added degree of rigidity from never having before been on a human body.

The heat from your body plays a huge role in warming up the bones and busk and allowing them the time they need to not just form/mold to your curves but also to accentuate them to their full potential.

And now for the pros:

1. It will allow your corset to shape to your curves

2. It will prevent any otherwise avoidable damage to your corset

3. It will increase the lifespan of your corset

Most importantly, aside from avoiding any immediate damage to your corset or possible injury to yourself, properly seasoning your corset will also increase its lifespan. And since a high quality steel boned corset or waist trainer should be an investment, who wouldn't want to take advantage of them for a long time to come?

And there you have: why it is indeed most important to properly season your corset!

Happy lacing!

Selecting the right corset size for your figure should be very simple. Its all about the inches! Your bra size and dress size don't really play much, if any, role in the process and here's why:

Bra Size:

If, like me, you've ever tried to purchase a bra online, you've most likely visited their size guide. And depending on which retailer you're shopping from, they've all got a different formula: some tell you to take the measure of your rib cage, right under the bust, and then add 2"...others will tell you to just take the actual measure without adding or subtracting anything, and the list goes on.

Because of these variance, it is virtually impossible to determine based on one's bra size what the measure of your bust through its fullest point, will be in inches.

What to do:

Take the measure of your bust around its fullest point in inches. If the measure of the fullest point of your bust is more than 10" greater than the measure of your waist, you will most likely want to stick to an underbust corset. If the measure of the fullest point of your bust in 10" or less than the measure of your waist, then an overbust style should fit you fine.

Dress Size:

Let's say you walk into your average clothing retailer, like Old Navy, for example. You may wear a size 6 US from their selection of clothes. But that doesn't mean that you will fit a size 6 US in all other retail shops. With certain retailers, you may find that a size 6 US is too large, or if you decide to treat yourself to a designer piece of clothing, then you will most likely find the size 6 US to be too small.

The degree of variation is so vast, that one's dress size cannot be counted on as a reliable way of determining one's ideal corset size.

What to do:

Take the measure of your waist at its narrowest point in inches. For some this will be right at the belly button, for others it will be a touch above the belly button. Once you have that measure, simply subtract 4" to 5" to get the correct size for a steel boned corset or if its a waist trainer you're after, then from the measure of your waist simply subtract 6" to 7".

And there you have: why your bra and/or dress size won't help you select the correct corset size for your needs.

Happy lacing!

For those of us who prefer to wear our corsets as an undergarment, this post is a quick how-to on concealing your laces so as to avoid that pesky "lump" they can sometimes cause at center back.

First let's start off with a couple of basic "Don'ts":

Don't Tie a Knot:

Though tempting, this is generally a bad idea. Yes, technically a knot would cause less of a lump at the back, but that doesn't outweigh the fact that it can prevent you from getting out of your corset easily and comfortably, even if you were to have someone assist you. Knots can be very difficult to undo.

Don't Wrap the Lacing Around Your Waist:

Though this does seem like the most logical idea when it comes to reducing the length of the laces and as a result, reducing the back bulk, what this will eventually do is cause wear to the fabric of the corset from the friction of the laces. Bad idea.

Even though we're talking about laces as an undergarment here, we still don't want to compromise the beauty of the corset, am I right?

And now for the "Do's"

Do Braid the Laces and Tuck

For this method, you will need to leave a gap of 2" at the back, to make it easier to pass the laces through the x's (don't worry! there are images below to give you a visual about what I'm going on about here!).

First, after tying up your corset laces as you normally would, take the excess lacing and braid:

Second, once the excess lacing has been braided, pass the braid beneath the x's either going upward to tuck in at the top, or downward to tuck in at the bottom of the modesty panel:

Re-Lace Your Corset So It Fastens At the Bottom:

To do this, undo the knot at the bottom of the corset and unlace it to just above the bunny ears.

Once you've done this, re-lace the corset forming x's down to the bottom:

This way, you will now have the corset tying up at the bottom and the excess can either be tucked in under the bottom hem of the corset, or easily hidden under a pretty A-line skirt.

And there you have it: several tips on how to avoid the back bulge!

Happy lacing!