Choosing and Wearing Your First Corset

When you hear the word "corset," you might think of some sort of Victorian torture device. However, a corset that really fits you, worn correctly, is more comfortable than many bras! The key to wearing a corset without pain is in selecting the right one for your body, and in making sure you've put it on right. Here are some tips to help you get a garment that not only looks good, but feels good, too.

Avoid off-the-rack. Unless you're very lucky, your measurements probably won't be the same as those of an off-the-rack garment. While these corsets might be cheaper than a custom corset, you'll pay for them in aches and pains later if they don't fit. If you must buy off-the-rack, look for corsets that list bust and hip size in addition to waist size, and check the length, as well. A corset that's too short or long for you can be a literal pain.

Insist on steel! You'll see a lot of garments advertised as corsets. However, the only thing that they have in common with real corsets is lacing. Flimsy, elasticized, or plastic-boned garments aren't proper corsets, and they won't fit like them. Don't expect to reduce your waist with a "corset top" or plastic boned corset. The boning will soon deform and conform to your body, or poke you in the ribs. Only steel boning will create the shape that we want from a corset.

Ask to see your corset maker's previous work. If you're going to have a custom corset made, find out how much experience your corset maker has. Ask to see photographs of previously made garments on the people who ordered them. That way, you'll be able to tell how much skill the person your working with has developed.

Unusual shapes need special care. If you're large or small busted, short waisted, or anything that deviates from the "norm," you probably know how hard it is to find clothes that fit. This extends to corsets, too. If there's something a little unusual about your body, don't try to compress it out of existence. You'll just wind up with an uncomfortable, unattractive corset. Instead, talk to the person who's making your corset about fitting your shape properly.

Correct lacing is important. Once you have your corset, check the lacing. If laced correctly, your corset should have two loops at the waist. Rather than using a single long lace from the top or bottom, like a shoe, corsets use two laces that tie in the middle. If your corset isn't laced this way, you should correct it for the best fit and for ease of putting it on and taking it off.

Go slow. If you've never worn a corset before, don't lace all the way down at first. You'll just hurt yourself, and the garment. Fasten your corset, then lace down only until you start feeling constricted. Take a break to watch television, read a book, or look at yourself in the mirror, till the corset starts feeling lose. Then you can lace down a little bit more. Going slowly gives your body and the corset a chance to rest. You'll avoid pain, bruises, and popped seams if you take it a little at a time. Even experienced corset wearers take up to an hour to lace all the way down.

Work up to long wearings. If this is you first corset, don't plan to wear it for the first time at a club or a big party. Instead, wear it for short periods of time, starting a few weeks before hand. You'll get used to being constricted, so when you do choose to wear your corset all night, it won't fatigue you or hurt.

Eat carefully. When you constrict your waist and ribcage, even only a few inches, you're squishing your digestive system. This isn't harmful, since your internal organs return to place after you take the corset off. However, if you eat a big meal before wearing your corset, or drink heavily carbonated beverages, you could feel uncomfortable. It's usually a good idea to put on the corset first, then eat a light meal.

Boots first, corset second! Last but not least, remember that your corset keeps you from bending as well as you can without it. This means that if you're getting ready for a big night out, you should do your hair and makeup and put on accessories before you lace up. Otherwise, you'll have to ask someone else to tie your shoes.

Wearing a corset doesn't have to be a painful experience. If you have the right garment and lace up with care, you'll be able to look great, and feel good, too. Whoever said it has to hurt if you want to be beautiful didn't buy the right corset!