Wearing

Make sure you always loosen the laces before attempting to either put on or take off your corset. Failure to do so could result in a damaged or broken busk. With the laces loosened, the busk is also much easier to do up/undo.

The loops at the waistline are there to define your shape, so do not pull them so they are flush with the corset! Once you have your corset fastened at the front, gently pull the waist loops outward to tighten a little. Tie them in a bow to start with, and begin to tighten the lace from the top down to the waist. When you have the desired amount of tightness, undo the loops and pull again to take up the slack from the top. Once again, tie in a bow while you tighten the lace from the bottom up toward the waist. Finally, undo the bow and tighten the corset at the waist so that it is snug. Tie the loops into a bow again (a double bow is actually best). You can either leave the loops dangling or tuck them in.

Don't tie the loops around your waist into a bow or knot at the front - this will damage the fabric of your corset, and wear the laces out...not to mention the unsightly ridge around your waist it will give you if you're wearing your corset underneath other clothing!

The gap at the back of your corset should ideally be between 2”-4”, with the two halves parallel to each other all the way down.

Don't be tempted to over tighten your corset the first time you put it on - like all great relationships, it and your body need time to get used to each other, so be patient! After half an hour or so, you may find you can tighten it a little but it will need a few wears before it has fully moulded to your figure.

If you feel uncomfortable, get heartburn or experience trapped wind, then loosen your corset. You should feel hugged, not tortured!

Your corset should not be washed - this could damage the steel bones and busk. If necessary, sponge down the fabric but don’t get it too wet. Unless you have actually spilled anything on it, a good airing (lining side out) when you take it off is generally all that is required to keep your corset in tip-top condition. However, do remember that perspiration can be detrimental to fabric, so if you feel that your corset needs more than an airing, take it to a reputable dry cleaner who will be able to use a gentle process on it. Please be aware that some of the dry cleaning chemicals may not be suitable for some face fabrics, so do check with your cleaner. For prolonged wear, you might wish to consider a thin cotton camisole or liner under your corset. Some people recommend (and sell) Lycra liners - I do not because any kind of synthetic fabric will not allow the skin to breathe, so in my opinion, these are not good for you.

Sizing

Corsets should be 2”-4” smaller than your natural waist when fully closed...6”+ if you are particularly squidgy or are an experienced corset wearer.

Measurement information

I require between 14 and 20 separate measurements, depending on your chosen style of corset. If I am not meeting with you to take these measurements, I will provide you with detailed instructions and a form to fill out. I always advise clients to get help with measuring themselves, and to measure three times as it’s easy to make a mistake!

When measuring; if the corset is to be worn next to the skin, please do not wear anything underneath. If it is to be worn over clothing, then please wear something close to what you intend your corset to be worn over.