How to take care of your corset

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How to properly clean your corset

Having a corset dry cleaned is fine if you know some cleaners that would handle corsets as it needs to be done under controlled conditions, if not better wash it yourself. Here are some tips on washing your corset:

1. Don't wash your corset in a washing machine but instead wash it by hand using warm but not hot water. To preserve the nature of the fabric, wash it using a mild powder or a non-biological detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that might damage your corset. You can at least try to lengthen the life of your corset by following this as it involves careful handling considering the stress it has gone through.

2. After washing, rinse it very well in a running water but don't wring it, you can just swish it around until the water runs clear.

3. Completely remove moisture by wrapping it in an absorbent towel and rub gently.

4.Don't put it near a heat source similar to a radiator because it might wrap the steels and will cause uneven drying. But instead dry it on a frame like any other wool garments.

5. Don't wash corsets often as it might damage it. That's why Victorian women are wearing a chemise inside and something to cover over their corsets just so to avoid washing it frequently. They are very used to these kinds of garments that they know how to take care of them.

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Tips for buying a Corset

Here are some points to remember when buying a corset:

1. Be sure to check if the item you're referring to is a real corset. Some sellers labeled few corsets but they are just either tops or a lingerie. Remember that you're buying a corset designing for shaping the body and not just for displaying it.

2. Does the item have a front closure and what is it? A true corset will only have a back lacing which is a lace up front and backs supported by laces and steel boning or steel busk closure on the front.

3. Check the type of boning they used whether its a flat or spiral steel, plastic or polyester. Sometimes you can find a corset not suited for shaping or trimming down the waist but it still needs some support such as boning so the fabric doesn't bunch up. Plastic or polyester boning is specifically used to these purpose. When looking for a shaping corset, it should have a steel boning. What people preferred more were spiral steel bones as they are flexible and comfortable to wear.

4. Aside from boning, you should also consider the lace used. Some might have used a ribbon, rattail and other thin lacings not suitable for tight lacing. Laces are one of the most important parts of a corset since it has the more stress when doing tight lacing. Flat woven laces is the most recommended and next would be round woven laces. Also consider on what is it laced through and must be a 2 piece grommet construction. Separately attached eyelet is not durable enough as it will tear out easily.

5. Consider the number of layers of fabric exist. If corset coutil is used or any strong fabric then it is fine. It needs to be sewn from that so the grain of the fabric won't run down the garment but instead across the waistline.

6. Fabrics for corset making is ideal but most non-stretched ones were also used. Just take note that there are no panels of stretch fabric where the stretch goes around you particularly at the waistline as they are used for the stretch going up and down to blend with the bust without flattening it.

7. How's the overall appearance of the corset, was it neatly and professionally made? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Does each side match up perfectly at the closures? Are the visible top stitches neatly done?