Before you have built up a collection of corsets that would make Dita Von Teese shiver with delight, you might find yourself looking for ways to make the most of what you have, or even reinvent them a little as you go along!
Step One - A little TLC.
It might sound obvious, but as most corsets aren’t suitable for washing, it can be easy to forget to do the boring maintenance steps that keep a piece looking new! If you don’t have time to dry-clean, remember to air your corset out over a chair after wearing and wipe over the lining with a lightly damp cloth to refresh it. If you need a bit more freshness, then here’s the professional’s tip. Mix vodka with a splash of water in a spray bottle. Set it to a fine mist and LIGHTLY spritz the lining only to help stop bacteria forming. Don’t forget to use a lint roller on the outer surface of the corset to spruce it up again!
Step Two - Choose Wisely.
If you’re only just beginning your career as a corset addict, the temptation is to buy something outstandingly lavish in your favourite shade of jewel tone green silk. But I always advise making your first corset the most versatile it can be, even if it seems a little… pedestrian at the time. Something that will serve as discreet underwear, chic outerwear, and team effortlessly with your main wardrobe staples. Don’t forget to choose fabrics that are forgiving and durable, like coutil! Most of our clients go for something in black but if you wear a lot of white shirts you will want something as close to your skin tone as possible to hide a corset underneath! A piece like this will cover enough bases that it will be a while before you “need” another corset, though need is a very subjective concept!
Step Three - Accessorise.
Once you have your capsule wardrobe “3 in 1” corset, you may find yourself wanting to give it a different feel for the night. I maintain that you never get bored by the classics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some variety! Items like harnesses can be layered over the corset to create more texture, line and detail and will instantly alter the feel of a corset. My personal favourite touch is a body chain. Delicate jewellery style chains that loop around you to frame your figure gorgeously. Think Greek goddess with delicious curves!
Step Four - Get Crafty.
If you want to create a more permanent effect, particularly if you have older corsets that you can spare from daily use, why not start to embellish? It’s easier than you think to stitch on a lace applique, an area of beading, maybe even get some Swarovski crystals and create a sparkly masterpiece! You might find that upcycling a corset with a film on in the background is exactly what you were missing out on. If you’re willing to have a go at something more ambitious, why not try this hack from Lucy’s Corsetry, altering your corset to have lace up hip panels!
Step Five - Re-lace.
One of the biggest giveaways that corsets are “well-loved” is the state of the lacing! Over time, it gets uneven, twisted and broken down by the tension of tightlacing. Especially if you have ribbon instead of cotton lacing! We do sell replacement lacing here but if you’re in a hurry, unlace the corset, iron the lacing/ ribbon flat again and re-lace carefully, making sure to get the bunny loops at the waist even! Here’s a helpful video if you’re not sure how to do it. If you’re replacing your lacing, why not opt for a contrast colour to revive the look of your corset?
Step Six - Storage.
If your special occasion corsets are going back into the cupboard for an extended stay, remember to pack them away with love so they come out looking their best! Make sure you took care of step one’s cleaning and freshening suggestions before you pack away. Our bespoke corsets come in branded boxes that are perfect for stopping the laces tangling up with other items and stacking neatly away from dust and damage. However, if you want to see what you’re looking for without opening 10 different boxes then we do offer corset storage bags which are designed to hang up in your wardrobe, made of clear mesh (and can be customised to the colours of your corset for easy identification) so you can see at a glance what pleasures await you! For an extra special touch, why not put a little dried lavender or rose petals in a bag along with your corset? They’ll come out smelling like Summer!
Did we miss out your favourite tip? Let us know your essential guide!