A corset is a popular garment worn for its figure-flattering shape and ability to cinch in the waist. Lacing a corset is an essential part of the process of getting it on and adjusting it to your body. There are several ways to lace a corset, but with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to get the perfect fit.
How many ways to lace your corset?
There are two main ways to lace a corset – standard corset lacing and offset lacing.
Table of Content
Standard Corset Lacing
Standard corset lacing is the most traditional method of lacing a corset. The laces are threaded through eyelets on both sides of the corset and then tied in a bow. This method provides a symmetrical look, but it may not be the most comfortable option for everyone.
Offset Lacing
Offset lacing involves threading the laces through eyelets on one side of the corset and then through eyelets on the other side, resulting in an offset appearance. This method allows for more adjustability and flexibility in the fit, but it also requires more patience and precision.
Types of corsets
There are several different types of corsets available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of corsets:
- Overbust Corset: This type of corset covers the bust and provides support for the breasts, as well as cinching in the waist.
- Underbust Corset: An underbust corset only covers the waist, leaving the bust exposed. This type of corset is often used for layering and can be paired with a variety of tops and dresses.
- Steel-Boned Corset: A steel-boned corset is a more traditional type of corset that is made with steel bones for added structure and support. This type of corset is typically worn for waist training or as a fashion statement.
- Waist Cincher: A waist cincher is a shorter corset that only covers the waist and provides minimal support. It is typically worn for waist training and provides a more gradual cinching effect than a traditional corset.
- Longline Corset: A longline corset is a corset that extends down past the waist, providing more coverage and support for the entire torso. This type of corset is often used for waist training and provides a more dramatic cinching effect.
- Silicone Corset: A silicone corset is a more modern type of corset that is made with silicone panels instead of traditional steel bones. This type of corset provides a similar cinching effect to a steel-boned corset but is more flexible and comfortable.
- Bridal Corset: A bridal corset is a type of corset that is designed specifically for brides. It is often made with luxurious materials and intricate detailing, making it the perfect accessory for a wedding dress.
Each type of corset has its own unique features and benefits, and the right corset for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for waist training, a fashion statement, or a special accessory for your wedding day, there is a corset out there that will meet your needs.
Lacing Corset Guide
Close the Busk
Before lacing your corset, be sure to close the busk (a row of hooks and eyes) in the front. This is usually the first step in getting your corset on, as it will hold the two halves of the corset together.
Position the Corset
Next, position the corset so that it is centered on your body. The bottom edge should be at your natural waistline, and the top edge should be just below your bust.
Locate the Pull
Find the lacing tabs, or pulls, which are usually located at the center back of the corset. These will be used to tighten the corset as you lace it.
Pull the Tabs
Take hold of both tabs and pull them towards you, which will cause the laces to tighten. Repeat this process until the corset feels comfortably snug, but not too tight.
Grab an “X”
Cross the laces in the center back to form an “X”. This will help to distribute the tension evenly across the corset.
Pull on the Waist Loop
Next, pull on the waist loop (if your corset has one) to cinch in the waist even further.
Tie the Bow
Finally, tie a bow in the laces to secure the corset in place. Make sure the bow is tight enough to hold the corset in place, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
Lacing Up
When you are going for a corset, you need to buy one that is 2-4 inches smaller as compared to the actual size of your waist. To get the actual waist size, you need to wrap a measuring tape around your mid section which is about half an inch over your belly button level. You should get a corset that is perfect for your body size. You can lace up your corsets in 3 primary ways – going from top to bottom, making loops in the middle, and making two laces.
You should first count the total number of lacing eyelets. In case you find your corset having an even number of eyelets, you should start lacing it on the outside. For an odd number of eyelet corsets, you should start the lacing on the outside. Spread your corset in a flat manner on a table. Pass the laces through the two eyelets at the beginning and pull them, ensuring that the ends of the lace are of similar length. You should leave 1-2 inch space between the panels of the corset.
Pick the lace of the left side up and cross it over its right one and then pass it through the next eyelet. Repeat the process for the right one to make the laces flat and their ends uniform. You should ideally try to make an X shape with the laces being on the same side which the lace arises from. In case the lacing begins from the inside, the first X will be on the outer side. The lacing beginning inside will make an X shape on the outside.
Continue making the X shapes till the time you go to the waist area of your corset. The X’s will alternate in an inside-outside-inside fashion. Continue in this fashion until you get to the waistline and stop only when the lace is pulled through outside from the back. Pull the lace down through the next hole without any X and repeat the process on the other side. In this way, you can make a vertical lacing loop in the mid-section of each eyelet row. In order to form a big loop you need to leave enough lacing. A few inches should be enough.
Pull the end of the left lacing and pull it beneath the right side and through it. Repeat the process using the right lacing this time. This will begin the X once again. Go on making X shapes until the time that you get to the bottom. Pull apart the panels until the time that there are approximately 4 – 5 inches of space in the middle of the panels. At the bottom of your corset, tie a bow. For additional security, tie a double knot.
While wearing the corset, you should securely latch the front panels. In order to get rid of any excess, the puller loops need to be pulled at the back of the waistline. The X’s should converge at one point without leaving any gap in the middle. Tie these off in a bow shape and make a secure knot in the middle when the corset is as tight as you want it to be.
Re-Lacing Or Getting Out
You will need to remove the lacing from the corset at some times, for cleaning and various other purposes. Before you try to open your busk, you should always loosen the lacing at the rear part of the corset. Failing to loosen the lacing enough prior to opening it can place your corset and also your body under undue pressure. Gradually open busk up. If you need, you should loosen the busk even more if you experience problems with the final hook. To keep your corset fresh and wear the next one, you have to make use of a damp cloth for cleaning the corset lining. Brush any traces of body oils or sweat that might have gathered on your corset. Keep the corset in a space with lots of cool air flow and let it be dried by air. The next time you will want to lace into the dress, it will be as pretty as new for wearing once more.
There are lots of corset-laced garments and corsets to be found on the racks and it is necessary for you to know how you should lace one in a proper manner. Improper lacing of corsets can result in loosening, non-optimal cinching, pinched skin, and a variety of other problems over a period of time. By using the proper lacing technique, you can make your corset stay firm for many hours and also symmetrical, lovely, and attractive at the same time.
Buying Tight-Lacing Corsets
Before searching for tight lacing corsets for your own use, you need to decide about the exact ways in which you would like to wear one. You can wear a corset over a pair of jeans or a dress or a top. You can also wear it under your casual dresses in order to improve your body shape. Many women also have the habit of wearing these types of outfits only for special occasions or events. In such cases, you should consider the shaping of your dress. Decide on the style of corset that you would need for yourself before you go buy one for yourself. This will help you to shop for these outfits in a more effective way.
FAQ
How to lace a corset by yourself?
Lacing a corset by yourself can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll soon be able to do it with ease. Start by closing the busk, positioning the corset, and then pulling the tabs towards you to tighten the laces. Cross the laces in the center back to form an “X” and then pull on the waist loop (if your corset has one). Finally, tie a bow in the laces to secure the corset in place.
How to lace a corset properly?
To lace a corset properly, start by closing the busk, positioning the corset, and then pulling the tabs towards you to tighten the laces. Cross the laces in the center back to form an “X” and then pull on the waist loop (if your corset has one). Finally, tie a bow in the laces to secure the corset in place.
It’s important to make sure that the corset is snug but not too tight. You should be able to breathe comfortably and move freely, but the corset should still provide the shape and support you’re looking for. Make sure to adjust the laces as needed throughout the day to maintain a comfortable fit.
How to lace a front corset?
Lacing a front corset is a bit different than lacing a traditional corset. First, make sure the busk (a row of hooks and eyes) is closed. Then, position the corset so that it is centered on your body. Next, locate the lacing tabs or pulls and pull them towards you to tighten the laces. Cross the laces in the center back to form an “X” and then pull on the waist loop (if your corset has one). Finally, tie a bow in the laces to secure the corset in place.
How to tie corset laces?
To tie corset laces, cross the laces in the center back to form an “X”. Then, tie a bow in the laces to secure the corset in place. Make sure the bow is tight enough to hold the corset in place, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Repeat this process as needed throughout the day to maintain a comfortable fit.
In conclusion, lacing a corset is an important part of getting the perfect fit and creating the shape you want. Whether you prefer standard corset lacing or offset lacing, with a little practice, you’ll soon be able to lace your corset with ease.
