How to properly care for your steel corset?

Steel corsets are among the most durable types of shapewear you can own. But you need to make sure you take good care of them.

Most other shapewear provides compression through synthetic materials like latex and other blends. Traditional corsets are different because they are built with flexible steel strips called bones and are tightened with laces. Synthetic compression materials tend to naturally lose their elasticity over time, but that won't happen with steel bones.

That said, it is very important that you take care of your corset so that it does not warp or break. If you treat your corset with the proper care measures, you will enjoy its benefits for many years.

To Start: Seasoning

One of the most important things you can do to preserve your corset for long-term use is to start it off properly. It is very important to go through a process called "seasoning" to break in your corset for a few weeks before tightening it completely and wearing it for more than a few hours.

This process is important because it allows the materials to mold to your unique shape. If you tighten the laces too early, you risk permanently damaging the corset. If you plan to wear the corset to a special event, make sure to give yourself enough time to break it in.

Start by wearing the corset fitted, but not too tight, for the first three days, no more than two hours at a time. You should be able to slide your fingers underneath. Then, you can add an hour every three days. After about two weeks, the corset should fit you like a glove. At this stage, you can tighten the laces.

Check out this article on corset seasoning for more details about the process.

Care During Use

Whether you wear your corset daily or only take it out occasionally, keep a few tips in mind to make it last:

• Always make sure to completely loosen the laces before putting on and taking off the corset. If the laces are too tight when you try to get in or out, you risk warping the busks at the front.

• Wear a camisole or another lightweight top under your corset to protect it from lotions and oils on your skin.

• Store your corset on a hanger in your closet, away from light (after airing it out - see below). Always make sure it is dry before hanging it up. If you store it for more than a day or two, you can put it in a plastic bag to protect it from dust and moisture.

Cleaning Your Corset

Like most lingerie and underwear items, corsets require special attention when cleaning them. Never put your corset in the washing machine! Here is what to do instead:

Air out your corset after wearing it. Since compression stimulates perspiration, it may be damp. Put it on a hanger or a chair and let it air out. Once it is dry, you can store it in a closet, but if you plan to wear it the next day, this step is probably not necessary. Do not do this outside, as sunlight can damage your corset.

Spot clean as needed. Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth or sponge.

If you want to freshen it up, use a fabric freshening spray on the inner lining only. Then hang it up to dry.
From time to time, you may need to take your corset to a dry cleaner.

Related: How to Take Care of Your Shapewear and Corsets 

Lacing

The laces of a high-quality corset are very strong and should last for most, if not all, of the corset's life if properly maintained. However, if they break, they can be replaced.

If you need to re-lace your corset, it can be helpful to take a photo of the original lacing so you have a pattern to work from. The most important thing to remember is to make "X"s from one end to the other and leave long loops in the middle of the back so you can tie the laces at the waist.

Corset Rotation

One of the recommended ways to extend the life of your corset is to rotate it in your wardrobe with other corsets and waist-training devices. You will probably find it convenient to have several different styles of waist-training corsets for different occasions. For example, if you want to work out by lifting weights, always use a training band rather than a steel-boned corset. Otherwise, you risk damaging your corset, which is not designed to be used during exercise.

Corset rotation is also a useful strategy if you always want to have a clean, dry corset ready to wear.

How to Tell When Your Corset Has Reached the End of Its Life?

If you wear a corset regularly, it will eventually reach the end of its useful life. It should be fairly obvious when that time comes:

It does not fit well: over time, the corset can adapt, just like your own body! If the corset no longer provides the same compression as before or appears to be warping in places where it should not, it is time to replace it.

It is worn out or broken: you will know it is time to change your corset if one of its components breaks, detaches, or warps. This could be the steel boning, the busks at the front, the eyelets at the back, or parts of the corset that are starting to fray. If the laces break, they can be replaced; otherwise, you will need to replace the entire garment.

When ordering a new corset, make sure to take new waist measurements and follow our size charts carefully, in case your waist size has changed. And of course, make sure to properly season your new corset before lacing it.