So you bought a corset and now you just need to remember how those helpful folks at the shop taught you to tie it, huh?  You've come to the right place! Whether you are trying to figure out how to teach a partner or friend how to tie your corset, or you want to do it on your own, read along for a refresher on how to tie your steel boned corset from Lotus Blooms!

Corset Tying Instructions

Preparation: Get fully dressed before tying your corset. We're talking panties, stockings, shoes- everything else first- because bending in a corset can be challenging.

After you have unlaced the corset- pulling apart the X's to create a lot of space and slack, wrap the corset around your body, with the laces at the back.

Ensure all front hooks or the zipper are securely fastened before tightening.

1. Initial Tightening:
• Locate the "rabbit ears" (loops) in the middle of the corset and pull them outward with a firm tug to start to remove the slack.
• You should not tighten the entire corset like this by pulling from the middle, just to start
2. Tightening the Top:
• Start at the top of the corset. Hook your finger under the top pair of strings that intersect: the top X. Pull out and down.
• Move to the next intersection of strings, release the top cords, and tug on this new pair of strings to pull the slack.
• Continue this down each pair until you reach the loops in the middle. Take the two loops and pull all the slack you created through them, lengthening them.
• Even if your corset isn't as tight as you want it to be, move on to start tightening the bottom. You'll come back to the top half again later.
3. Tightening the Bottom:
• Move to the bottom half of the corset and find the first pair strings that creates an X. Pull out and up.
• Repeat the same motion with each pair of cords until you reach the rabbit ears in the middle.
• Take the two loops again and pull all the slack you created through to the loops.
4. Do Another Pass:
• Once you have tightened from top-to-middle and bottom-to-middle, you have completed a pass. 
• Continue tightening your corset in "passes" (repeating steps 2 & 3) until you reach your desired cinch. AKA Alternate tightening from top to middle and bottom to middle until the corset feels comfortably snug.
• A good indicator that your corset is tight enough is that there is no gapping between the body and corset at the bust or hips. 
5. Finishing Touches:
• If you prefer to use the modesty panel (fabric flap), smooth it out using flat thumbs to ensure it’s not bunched or twisted. It is also helpful to do this as you go, so that it doesn't get bunched and tightened.
• Ensure the eyelets form straight, parallel lines | | down the back of the corset.  A slight inward or outward angle / \ or \ /  can help tighten the corset around wider bust or wider hips, but avoid bulges ( ) or distinct V shaped lacing- this indicates that something is incorrect.
• Finally, tie off the laces in a bow, ensuring the extra length is even. Leave the laces hanging or tuck them into the lacing.

Your corset is now securely tightened and ready to wear!

Just remember, you must loosen it BEFORE unzipping or taking it off, otherwise you risk breaking your corset.

Can I Tie My Corset Myself? 

Yes, you can tie yourself into your steel boned corset. Yes, it is more challenging than having someone assist you. And Yes, it is a learning process. But you can totally do it. We believe in you.  

Read this blog post here to learn our #protips for tying yourself into your corset.  

Is my corset tied correctly?

• A corset should have some tight pressure but not dramatically impact your breathing. When wearing a corset you might need to take deeper and more frequent breaths. However, if you’re having trouble taking in air, the corset is too tight and unsafe.  

• It’s normal for your body to squish or roll at the top near the armpit and bottom- at the hem- of the corset. Tissue is being displaced by the corset and has to go somewhere. If it is really distinct, a different size or a different shape corset will help fix it. Otherwise, styling can help!
  
  If the displacement (aka bulge or muffin top) bothers you, try to style your corset accordingly- maybe wear it over a fishnet bodysuit to cover your arms but still show off. Or, wear a high waisted panties under the corset to create more seamless lines.

Corset Wearing #ProTips

• No matter if you chose an overbust, underbust, or waist cincher length corset, the midpoint of the corset- aka where the loops sit- should be at your natural waist
• To find your natural waist, put your hands on your hips and bend to the side - where you bend is your true waist. 
• For people with breasts: particularly with overbusts, you're going to want to move the breast tissue so that the corset lifts them up, instead of squishing them down. We call it the "swoop and scoop"
• To Do This: Once the corset is halfway tightened, bend forward, stick your hand down the side of the corset, lift from the bottom of the breast, and sweep your breast tissue up and forward, toward the cup/middle. Do this on both sides. 

• If there is a significant gap between the top edge of the corset and your chest, try moving the corset down an inch or so so that the edge of the corset lines up with the fullest part of your chest tissue.
• If you prefer not to use the modesty panel and just have the laces contrast to your back (which can also be a sexy look!), just tuck it to left side, flush against the corset and your skin before tightening

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Want a visual guide? Check out this video for a tutorial on tying corsets!

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