Hello Darlings!  This blog is all about the importance of seasoning, or breaking-in, your new corset. With so many people new to corseting out there, I thought it was time to emphasize this VERY important step in the life of your corset. 

Properly laced CS-411 in Royal Blue

When you first unwrap your brand new steel boned corset from Orchard Corset, it’s comes fully laced in the bidirectional fashion. It’s important to loosen your corset completely before putting it on. Pull the “X’s” from the center pull loops, working your way to the top and bottom of the corset. The corset will be rigid, and the pins and loops at the front busk a challenge to hook the first time. Try attaching from the center (or second from the bottom) loop/pin first. Once all of your pins are securely fastened along the busk, you can begin pulling the laces.

The first time you lace up your corset, it’s important you DON’T lace too tightly. Lace your corset so that it is snug. If you are wearing a curvier corset (like a 426 or a 411) you might find small gaps at the top and bottom edge. That is normal on the first lace-up. The boning will take on your shape as the corset adjusts to your body. Trying to force the corset too quickly can damage and warp the boning-and cause you some discomfort as well. We have damaged corsets in photo shoots trying to get that fitted look you only achieve after breaking a corset in.

Gray CS-426 in size 22: First time wearing-before corset is seasoned.

After wearing your corset for 30-45 minutes, it’s OK to tighten it up a little bit more. Only wear your corset 1 1/2 – 2 hours the first time you wear it.  Repeat this step several times over the first several days of breaking in your corset. This applies not just to those who wish to waist train, but also those people who have purchased a corset for a special occasion like a wedding or event. It’s just as important to break your corset in prior to the event date (so don’t wait until the last minute to order your corset ).

My maroon CS-426 in size 22: Well seasoned-it “hugs” my shape.

For those of you looking to begin a waist training program, especially an aggressive one that involves wearing your corset for long periods of time (over 6-8 hours every day), it’s especially important to properly season your corset. As your corset will endure more and wear and tear than occasional use corseters, we recommend gradually increasing your time over the course of 10-14 days. Take your time lacing yourself down tighter-don’t rush it! I know you want to see your results TODAY-but you risk damaging the corset (and yourself) if you try too much too soon. Your patience will be rewarded with a form-fitted, beautiful corset that will last AND give you the curves you want!

CS-411 Corset in Siren Red

I can say from personal experience that my corsets fit so much better after the break-in or seasoning period. The bottom edge really hugs and molds to my curves after about a week, whereas initially there were gaps. The hooks and pins just pop right into place and the laces glide easily through the grommets after just a few times of properly seasoning my corset.

For more visit www.orchardcorsetblog.com or www.orchardcorset.com