How to Put on a Corset

Corset back lacing.

Corsets are lovely undergarments, which usually span from the torso to the lower waist. These garments were initially designed to alter and control the shape of the body. While they are still used to shape the body, the corset is more of a specialty garment today, which can sometimes be worn as outerwear by adventurous women. Some men do wear corsets but their use by men is quite limited and may relate to medical conditions or alternative lifestyle choices. Putting on a corset alone can be quite difficult, and generally, it is desirable to have an assistant work the laces.

Instructions

1. Put on all other clothing you intend to wear such as stockings, shoes and undergarments, skirt or pants. Do this first because you may have difficulty bending once you are fully laced up.

2. Lay out your corset and check to see that it is laced properly. Your corset should have two long loops on either side of the waist area. It should also have a small knot (shaped like a small bow) at the bottom where the lacing ends. The loops should fall at your approximate waist.

3. Loosen your laces until your corset is wide enough to fit around your body.

4. Place your corset on with the buckles in the front and the laces in the back. The buckles should be on the left side of your corset (otherwise it might be upside down).

5. Hook your top hook/buckle first, your waist buckle second, your bottom buckle third and then work your way up or down with the remaining buckles.

6. Take a moment to adjust the fit of your corset to your other clothing. It is easiest to do this before lacing.

7. Grasping the top lacing, your assistant will tighten the laces, in order, working down from the top until they reach the waist. Allow the loops to extend to the sides. Hold the loops to maintain the upper lacing pressure and have your assistant work the laces from the bottom up. Repeat this process once or twice to create a snug fit. The corset should not be painful.

8. Bring the loops to the center of the back and tie a simple bow (never a knot). If you desire a cleaner appearance, tuck the loops under the lacing.

Tips & Warnings

• For corsets with double lacings (front and back), pull on the corset and adjust the front appearance to what you desire first, then lace the back. Different fabrics will handle stretching and fitting in different ways, and sometimes corsets need to be tightened after being worn for some time.

• Corsets can constrict the ribs and reduce the intake of oxygen and some people may experience lightheadedness. The corset may also cause pain in abdomen tissues. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately and seek proper assistance.

References

• Dark Garden: How to Put on a Corset