Worn popularly as a support garment for women to complement their figures, corsets were popular for decades and are still used to this day. Although their looks and aesthetics have changed over the years, one cannot deny that a corset continues to influence Australia’s current lingerie fashion.
Surprisingly, the demands for these tight undergarments have been fluctuating wildly over the years, attributing to the trends and needs of the times. Nevertheless, buying one that isn’t too demanding for the waist but instead fits just right is indeed a considerable investment.
Although the prices and designs vary according to the company brands and materials, the proper ways to take care of them pretty much remains the same. Every fashionista can agree that there are fundamentally three stages of maintaining these corsets: The seasoning stage, the cleaning stage, and the storage.
All three stages are equally important and ensure that corsets last for more extended periods and in pristine conditions.
- The Seasoning Stage: For those who are unfamiliar with this term, seasoning refers to the process of letting the corset adjust to the new body slowly. This means that wearers shouldn’t just put it on for the first time for longer periods but rather give the material time to break in and mould itself without causing permanent damage to the material. This is why giving corsets ample seasoning time before wearing them for a big event or an occasion is recommended.
Don’t wear it too tight, especially during the initial days, and don’t use it for more than an hour or two either. As more and more hours are given for the undergarment to adjust every week, the wearer will find that it will fit perfectly according to their body shape by the end of a month. By that time, it’ll be easier to pull in the laces for tightening.
- The Cleaning Stage: Don’t even think of putting a corset in the washing machine owing to the damage it can cause to the steel wires inside. Moreover, they can even rust in the presence of moisture, so avoid water as much as possible. If there are stains or dirt, do a bit of spot cleaning and ensure it is safe for the material.
Hand washing is also beneficial but always make use of light detergents for washing. The most efficient cleaning may be the dry cleaning services but ensure that the dry cleaner has the right expertise and equipment for cleaning corsets.
- Storage: One ideal way to store corsets is to lay them out in a drawer flat so that the steel frame doesn’t get too distorted. Don’t place corsets in tight spaces or cram them with other clothes. Give ample breathable space for the material
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Some More Things To Consider:
- Avoid giving out corsets to friends and family as this can compromise its seasoned shape.
- Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible since the material can be sensitive and result in colour distortion.
- If a mild odour is present, use fresheners or other sprays and let it out to dry on a hanger.
- Wearing a thin top under corsets can help protect it from skin sweat during its use.
- Do remember that corsets have their life expectancies and will not fit appropriately after their period is over. One of the best ways to identify whether its limit has reached is if the undergarment is not staying as firm as it used to be on the body.
