Going into the water in a corset: good or bad idea?

If the weather makes you want to take a dip but you wonder whether you can go with your corset, you will probably take a moment to regret your corset. And make sure there is a lifeguard nearby.

Do not let photos in fashion magazines make you believe that immersing your vintage corset, fashion sport corset in water is a good idea for your comfort or the longevity of your corset, whatever the circumstances.

Can you swim with a corset?

Having fun with the children in the shallow part of the pool with your pretty corset is one thing. However, swimming fully with a corset equipped with steel bones in the pool is another. We will see in a moment why this is not a good idea for the garment, but let's talk about your own safety first.

Wearing any kind of tight-fitting outfit while swimming puts your health at risk. A tight corset restricts not only your movements, but also your breathing capacity, which you need when you swim.

Furthermore, imagine that you were wearing a completely soaked swimsuit while trying to swim. It is not for nothing that swimsuits are made of lightweight and non-absorbent fabrics. The extra weight of a wet garment makes swimming more difficult, which is the most unpleasant thing if your lungs and movements are slowed down by a corset.

Wash or not wash your corset: Its care

Swimming with a corset is not a good idea, but immersing it in water for whatever reason is not something to do either.

It is true that today's garments are designed with new technologies that protect them against rust and corrosion, especially stainless steel for corset stays. The steel bones are covered and equipped with metal or even silicone tips. The busks are made of stainless steel. Other metal elements of your corset can be galvanized to prevent rust.

However, whether it is a new or second-hand corset, you should not immerse it totally in water to wash or dye it.

Delicate textiles such as satin, or polyester, as well as silk can suffer a stain or any damage from water, and colors can bleed and thus lose their original hue.

Also, if your corset is composed of various different layers of fabric, take into account that different fabrics have varying shrinkage levels, which means that your corset may ultimately be deformed and thus warp, or become misshapen, even if it escapes rust and stains.

If you still decide to immerse your corset in water for whatever reason, do so with caution. Also be aware that it may not remain functional in the long term.

In that case, place the corset in a larger surface such as a bathtub or a sink spacious enough so that you can lay the garment flat without having to bend over. Use only cold water as well as a mild detergent, and gently pass it over, do not rub.

For drying, place the corset on a dry towel. Then, place a clean towel inside your corset and gently press down on the entire garment using another towel, until you have removed as much water as possible. Lay it flat in a dry and well-ventilated place where it can dry quickly.

Do not put any style of corset in the washing machine. It can deform the steel bones or even tear the delicate fabrics of your accessory.

Best alternatives

Everyone agrees that a corset needs a good cleaning from time to time. Whether you wear one to work out daily, or even for an occasional city trip, your corset can become dirty and give off a sweat odor. You would not wear the same bra every day of the week for weeks on end without washing it, and you should not wear a single corset many times without cleaning it from time to time either.

Unlike a bra, you should not wear a polyester, silk... corset tightener directly on the skin. Putting on your corset over a shirt or a t-shirt will protect it from sweat and body fluids. It is also more comfortable to wear this way because it will not irritate you.

Dry cleaning

Unless the information provided by the manufacturer indicates otherwise, the best way to clean a corset is to entrust it to a dry cleaning shop. Dry cleaning is recommended if your garment is made of:

• Satin
• Leather
• Mesh
• Cotton
• PVC
• Denim

Professional cleaning will allow your corset to remain preserved and intact.

Occasional cleaning

You can keep your corset fresh between dry cleanings by doing a simple and brief cleaning. Place your corset on a flat surface and wipe it with a slightly damp, but not too soaked, cloth. Or, opt for a cleaning using a baby wipe. Baby wipes are gentle, smell good, and are strong enough to clean the most serious messes.

Extend the life of your corset

The way you store your waist-shaping accessory will also affect the lifespan during which it will retain its freshness and continue to fit you like a glove.

First of all, whatever way you choose to wash it, make sure the corset is completely dry before storing it. Even a small amount of residual moisture can lead to the growth of mold or rust, between the layers of fabric and also in the fibers of the garment.

Once it is completely dry, store it in the pouch provided by your manufacturer or hang it in your closet. With the right care, your corset will retain its shape and beauty for years - just like you.