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HOW TO WEAR YOUR CORSET,
EVERY PINUPS GUIDE TO BEING WELL LACED - Pt2
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Ok, so you have carefully picked out the right corset for you, its been delivered, you have opened the pretty box and unwrapped the tissue paper, it is beautiful. So now its time to get into it.
The first time you wear a new corset it will be stiff, they need to be 'broken in' rather like shoes. Once you have worn it afew times it will begin to 'form' or mould to your shape, and will feel more comfortable and lace much tighter. So don't worry.
Now there are rules to remember when getting laced up if you want to get the best out of it.
 first is to try to remember to put your shoes on first!. It is possible to put your shoes on while laced, but it isn't much fun. So unless you have a little helper to do it for you, remember "heels come first". It is also advisable to avoid fizzy drinks for obvious reasons!.
Next, make sure you have plenty of time before you need to be somewhere. You shouldn't try to lace to full tightness all at once. You have to let it 'warm up' first. So lace it Midway or so then wear it for a while like that before you pull it home.
Keeping the corset level while you tighten it can be a struggle if you don't have someone to help you, so one way to stop it moving around is to do the first stage tightening while sitting down. Try the edge of your bed or arm of a sofa. You don't want to be too low down and you will need plenty of elbow room.
The corset should come fully laced but it is a good idea to learn how to lace it properly yourself. It is not as straight forward as you might think. The laces should actually be called the lace, because there is usually only one of them, its just really long. The tightening is always done from the middle because that is the area that takes the strain. If you want to have a space at the back i.e. the corset is not fully closed, or you have someone to help you pull, then you can use the 'training shoe' type lacing as this looks prettier. But if your aim is to have the back close fully in the most efficient way then use the 'cross' lacing method. This method is easier to pull tight because it causes less friction on the laces, and it keeps the point at which the laces overlap out of the opening so you can more easily close it fully. But be careful not to let the panels overlap as this will damage the corset.
Click here for a full diagram (this will open in a new page so you can come right back here...go on Ill wait)
HOW TO LACE CORRECTLY
If you are properly laced we shall move on.
Tighten towards the middle until you get the effect you want, or until the two sides meet. Then tie off the lace. You will probably find you have allot of lace left hanging at the back. If it is excessive you might be better with a shorter lace, but it is normal to have long loops. Please do not tie them round your waist to the front. This is damaging to the fabric of your corset and not particularly flattering. But do make sure you tuck them in somewhere to prevent them getting tangled in things or falling in the toilet (I know, thats not glamorous, and I'm sorry, but its true).
Note: If you are having trouble getting the stays closed get someone to help you and stand with your hands above your head. But don't force it.
Wearing a corset for extended periods takes some getting used to. It will support your posture and make you walk tall and look confident, but don't lean on it. Remember to keep your shoulders back and your abbs strong. I know you are unlikely to be wearing it all the time like or fore-sisters did, so shouldn't get the problems of muscle weakening from using the steel bones as a crutch, but it is still best to hold yourself proud anyway. By leaning on it too much you may cause ,more damage to the shape of the corset than to yourself.
Another issue that comes up with prolonged wear is "corset itch". This is mild skin irritation caused by the pressure directly against you. There are two ways to combat this. First wear a corset liner. A liner is a shaped tube of soft stretch fabric in the size and colour to match. You wear it underneath and it need not be seen from the outside. Liners also protect your skin from pinching by the laces. Theses are essential for long term wear such as when waist training, but I would recommend them anytime. I get mine from HEAVENLY CORSETS . The second thing is the old favourite of aloe vera gel. Its a standard because it works. Gel rather than lotion is best I find as it is quickly absorbed and has a cooling action. The confinement can also make you sweat (oh, apparently women do not sweat we "glow". Well anyway your corset can make you glow buckets) so it is best to powder your skin before putting it on if you think this will be an issue for you. Don't use talc as it is drying and has nasties in it. Instead use cornstarch, or if you want to feel extra special then use Dusting Powders from LUSH My favourite is "silky underwear" which smells lovely and is talc free.
Remember you can loosen or tighten your laces at any time during an evening out, so don't suffer needlessly. If you need to let it out, or you want to have some cheesecake (see what I did there? ahhhahaha..oh well fine) then just let it out some.
I get asked by more voluptuous pinups about the following issue ... Corsets will always displace fat and it usually ends up squidging out the top at the back. That is normal and it happens to us all regardless of size when tight laced. If this bothers you though there are a couple of things you can do.
One is obviously to just not tighten the laces fully. In which case you will want a modesty panel and might like to lace 'training shoe' style.
The second is to wear control underwear underneath. Now I would not recommend control knickers or shorts as from personal experience I can tell you they are fine when you first put them on but a nightmare to get back into place after you have had to, um..powder your nose. What does work though, if your outfit will allow for it, is control underwear that focuses on the waist and upper back. These usually have a cross of 'powemesh' over your whole upper back area to keep control of the squidge. And pull on over the head so they can easily be worn under a corset. Make sure though that it is as smooth as possible or it will leave marks in your skin which can be painful.
Also make sure that you have bought the corsetry option that is the right shape for you. Especially if it is an overbust. What you don't want is your curves being squashed down by the wrong shape and ending up bulging out in odd places. And remember that the way they are laced does allow you to be tighter in the middle but looser at the top or bottom.
If your outfit does not allow control wear under it, try a wrap, shrug or bolero jacket.
Corsets are all about curves, just get the right one for you and work with your body rather than against it.
If you are going to wear your steel boned corset under your clothes you will have to 'break it in' first or it will be very visible. Wear it for afew hours a day every day for a week or two before trying to wear it unseen under clothes so it gets a chance to conform to your shape. Also it is best to add stocking suspender clips if possible. I find that helps with the line.
Consider the cut of your clothes too, a nice vintage late 40s/50s style dress with a full skirt and a fitted waist is best.
One extra note. If you are lacing one for the first time ever, you should know that if you lie down in it you may find it hard to get back up. But don't panic, you will figure it out.
Its the end of the evening and much as you love it, you will be glad to get out of it by now. Just one thing here...
Do not remove it too fast.
Loosen the laces slowly and pause frequently and all will be well.
Caring for your corset is quite easy. But always remember that it is subject to extreme stresses unlike any other garment, so you cannot expect it to last forever. Most can be gently hand washed, but some in speciality fabrics like silk brocade for example will have to be specialist dry cleaned. 
Loving lacing? want to take it farther? click here to read about
CORSET WAIST TRAINING
Return to part one of this guide
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