Any corsetting tips?

Question

I just bought my first corset (a Meschantes underbust waist-training corset), and am wearing it for the first time today. I have a thirty-inch waist, and it's a 22 inch corset. I've got my waist reduced to 28 right now, because I don't want to stretch the seams out and weaken it before it's used to my bodyshape.

Does anyone have any tips as to waist-training? I'd like to eventually have a nineteen-inch waist, but I know that'll take ten years:) Should I sleep in my corset? Should I wash it frequently?

Answer 1

An 8 inch reduction is too extreme for waist training if you're doing it long-term (i.e. 23/7). It will be dscouragingly uncomfortable very quickly and downright painful. All reputable sources recommend a maximum of 4 inches to begin with and to take a few months to adjust to this reduction before embarking on further reduction.
2-3 inches of reduction to break in the corset as you are doing is a good idea...for a properly sized corset. 2 inches of 8 leaves a 6 inch gap at the laces. This causes the corset to sit improperly on your torso and weakens the boning where it's laced. It also distorts the proper shape.
Don't forget that not only does the corset have to conform somewhat to your shape, the purpose of waist training is also to get your shape to conform to that of the corset.
8 inches of reduction will not only distort the corset in the time it takes you to actually achieve the shape, but as you fear, it will definitely stress the seams unnecessarily. Also, due to the stresses from the not-nearly-closed-enough lacing, it puts uneven stress on the seams which could cause the thread to break or the fabric to rip prematurely.

With regards to a properly sized corset, proper waist training does involve sleeping in it. Improperly sized, it will never feel comfortable enough to sleep and be properly rested, further discouraging the training. Remember, waist training and reduction does not automatically imply discomfort or pain...quite the contrary.

Washing it frequently is not good for the garment. You should always have some layer between the corset and your skin...that is what would need daily changing and washing. Ideally (though not necessarily affordable) you would have two identically sized corsets so that you could alternate daily so that the previous day's corset can air out between wearings.

Also, bear in mind that reducing from 30 to 19 inches is not going to be accomplished by lacing alone...the well beaten mantra of diet and exercise plays a significant role. The combination, if done right, will allow you to reach your goal of 19 in significantly fewer years than 10.

Answer 2

you should not sleep in your corset - your organs need time to get bloodflow, and your bowels to move unobstructed.

You should always wear something between your corset and skin to save having to wash it - like a camisole or some kind of undershirt.

A corset should feel like an all-day hug. Never tie it so tight that you can't wear it for a whole day. Over time you will be able to cinch it closer.

Eight inches is a big difference for an actual difference between waist and corset. That leaves a large gap and puts a lot of stress on the grommets under tightlacing. You should have bought one that was a 25 or 26. It's not realistic to go from a 30 to a 22 unless you intend to lose weight, and it should be expected that a stepdown corset would be needed.

Answer 3

No, you shouldn't sleep in it, that would be unhealthy for your body. Washing it a few times will loosen it up a bit, but if you do it too frequently it'll wear down.