Care & Keeping of Your Steel Boned Corset

The Care & Keeping of Your Steel Boned Corset

Your corset is a masterpiece, and with a little TLC, it will stay fabulous for years to come! Here’s how to keep it looking and feeling as stunning as ever:

Take the Time to Season Your Corset.  When starting out, keep your corset a little looser than you’d like, and wear it just 1-2 hours about three days a week to help break it in. After a couple of weeks, it’ll start molding to your shape, letting you gradually tighten it up and wear it longer and longer.

This is especially important if you plan to wear your corset for a special occasion. Just like you would break in a new pair of shoes, give yourself time to break in your corset before the big day

Cleaning Basics. For freshening up the inside and killing any bacteria that might accumulate from sweat and wear, lightly spray the interior layer with a 15-20% mixture of water and alcohol. 

For corsets with a satin or canvas exterior, spot cleaning with water is gentle and keeps the fabric’s texture intact. Have a leather corset? Use a leather cleaner like Leather CPR for that polished look.

Corsets cannot be machine washed nor taken to a regular dry cleaner. It contains steel boning that will rust if submerged in water.

1. Can I just tie it once and use the busks to put it on? Tying it every time takes too long. 
   Short answer: NO!
   Long answer: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOO PLEASE DON'T DO THIS. 
   
   Never attempt to take your corset off without loosening the laces. Tightened corsets create a lot of tension, and unless you release the tension, you are likely to break the corset’s busk, bend the fastening hardware, and burst the seams. 
   
   
2. How long can I wear my corset for?
   It is pretty safe to wear a corset for a full event- somewhere around 6-8 hours at a time. Just like anything, it is important to listen to your body and remove the corset if you experience any discomfort.
   
   
3. How do I store my corset when I'm not wearing it?
   When you remove your corset, drape it over the back of a chair with the inside facing up (ensure the strings are across the back of the chair). This takes the weight off the corset, giving it the break it needs. Plus it allows it to air out and dry off. Once it has had time to dry and breathe, you can tie the laces, tuck them into the middle, and roll it up to store it somewhere safe. Do not wrap the excess lacing around the corset, this can cause damage to the corset fabric.
   
   
4. How do I prevent my corset from getting stinky if I can't wash it?
   One of the best ways is to wear a thin layer underneath your corset, next to your skin.  A tube top made out of a breathable, organic material like cotton or bamboo is perfect way to absorb some of the sweat and oils, preventing them from soaking into the corset.
   
   

Following these best corset-care practices, your corset will stay beautifully shaped and clean and ready to dazzle every time you wear it!